DIY Methods

DIY Cleaning Methods for Hairbrush

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for your hairbrush. Keep your brush fresh, remove buildup, and maintain healthy hair with these simple at-home tips.

Shop Now

Baking Soda and Warm Water

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water. Soak the hairbrush in the solution for 15–20 minutes, then use an old toothbrush to scrub away buildup. Rinse thoroughly and let the brush air dry. This method removes residue and refreshes your hairbrush naturally.

 

How to Clean a Hairbrush with Baking Soda and Warm Water

 

  • Start by removing hair from the brush. Use your fingers, a comb, or even a pair of tweezers to pull out as much hair as possible. This step makes the rest of the cleaning process more effective.
  •  

  • Mix your cleaning solution. In a bowl or sink, combine about one tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water. Stir until the baking soda dissolves. (If you’re cleaning a large brush or several at once, scale up the amounts.)
  •  

  • Soak the brush. Place your hairbrush in the solution, making sure the bristles are fully submerged. Let it soak for about 10–15 minutes. This helps loosen up product buildup and debris stuck between the bristles.
  •  

  • Scrub gently. After soaking, use an old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush to scrub between the bristles and around the base. Pay attention to any gunk that’s still hanging on. Be gentle—especially with cushioned or wooden brushes—to avoid damaging them.
  •  

  • Rinse thoroughly. Run the brush under warm water to wash away any remaining baking soda and loosened debris. Make sure all residue is gone, as leftover baking soda can leave a gritty feel.
  •  

  • Dry completely before using. Shake off excess water and lay the brush bristle-side down on a towel. Let it air dry fully before putting it back in your drawer or using it again. This helps prevent moisture from lingering at the base, which can lead to unwanted odors or damage over time.

 

Residue Build-Up Risk

Using baking soda and warm water to clean a hairbrush can leave residue if not rinsed thoroughly, leading to product build-up on the brush and hair. This may cause hair to look dull or feel sticky after brushing.

Streak-Free Wherever You Need It

E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.

Vinegar and Water Soak

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Soak the hairbrush in the solution for 15–30 minutes, then use a toothbrush to scrub away buildup. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry. This method removes residue and disinfects naturally.

 

How to Soak a Hairbrush in Vinegar and Water

 

  • Remove hair and debris first. Before you even think about soaking, grab a comb or your fingers and pull out as much hair as possible from the bristles. This makes the soak more effective and keeps things from getting extra gunky.
  •  

  • Mix your solution. In a bowl or sink, combine equal parts plain white vinegar and warm water. For most brushes, about one cup of each will do the trick. If your brush is extra large or you’re cleaning several at once, just scale up the mix.
  •  

  • Soak the brush (but not the whole thing). Submerge the bristles and the base in the vinegar-water solution. Try to keep the handle out of the mix, especially if it’s wood or has padding—prolonged soaking can mess with those materials.
  •  

  • Let it sit for 15–30 minutes. This gives the solution time to loosen up product buildup, oils, and whatever else has made itself at home on your brush. If you see stubborn residue, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub between the bristles.
  •  

  • Rinse thoroughly. Run the brush under warm water to wash away any lingering vinegar and loosened grime. Make sure you get all the solution out, especially if your brush has a cushion base that can trap liquid.
  •  

  • Dry completely before using. Shake off excess water and lay the brush bristle-side down on a towel. Let it air dry fully before you put it back in your hair routine. This helps prevent any musty smells or moisture issues.

 

Bristle Damage Potential

Soaking hairbrushes in vinegar and water can weaken or damage the bristles, especially if they are natural or glued in, leading to shedding, warping, or reduced brush lifespan.

Streak-Free Wherever You Need It

E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.

Shampoo and Toothbrush Scrub

Remove hair from the brush. Apply a small amount of shampoo to a wet toothbrush and gently scrub the bristles and base of the hairbrush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let air dry. This method removes buildup and keeps your hairbrush clean.

 

Shampoo and Toothbrush Scrub for Hairbrushes: A Straightforward Guide

 

  • Gather your supplies: You’ll need a gentle shampoo (the kind you use on your own hair works), a clean toothbrush (an old one is fine, just make sure it’s clean), a bowl, and a towel. If your hairbrush has a lot of hair stuck in it, grab a comb or your fingers to pull out as much as you can before you start.
  •  

  • Remove loose hair: Before you get anything wet, use your fingers or a comb to pull out all the hair you can from the bristles. This makes the rest of the process a lot less messy and more effective.
  •  

  • Mix your cleaning solution: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a small squirt of shampoo. Swish it around to get some bubbles going. You don’t need a ton of shampoo—just enough to help break up the oils and product buildup that collect on your brush.
  •  

  • Dip and scrub: Dip the toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub the base and bristles of your hairbrush. Focus on the spots where you see buildup or residue. If your brush has a cushioned base, avoid soaking it completely—just scrub the bristles and surface. For brushes with wooden handles, keep water away from the wood to prevent damage.
  •  

  • Rinse thoroughly: Once you’ve scrubbed away the gunk, rinse the brush under running water to remove any leftover shampoo. If you’re worried about getting the handle wet, use a damp cloth to wipe it down instead.
  •  

  • Dry it out: Shake off excess water and lay the brush bristle-side down on a towel. Let it air dry completely before using it again. This helps prevent any lingering moisture from causing issues like mildew or warping, especially with wooden brushes.
  •  

  • Quick tip: If you use a lot of styling products, you might notice more buildup on your brush. In that case, you can repeat the process as needed, but always make sure your brush is fully dry before putting it back in your drawer or bag.

 

Hidden Germs Persist

Even after scrubbing with shampoo and a toothbrush, hidden germs and buildup can remain deep in the bristles or base of the hairbrush, making this method less effective at fully sanitizing and removing all residue.

Ready for an Easier Way to Clean?

Skip the mixing, spraying, and scrubbing. With E-Cloth, you get a streak-free shine using just water—no added chemicals, no hassle. Make every window sparkle the simple way.

Rubbing Alcohol and Cotton Pad

Pour rubbing alcohol onto a cotton pad and gently wipe the bristles and base of the hairbrush. The alcohol disinfects and removes buildup, leaving your hairbrush clean and fresh. Allow the brush to air dry before use.

 

How to Clean a Hairbrush with Rubbing Alcohol and a Cotton Pad

 

  • Start by removing hair from the brush. Use your fingers, a comb, or even the end of a pen to pull out as much hair as possible. This step makes the rest of the cleaning process more effective.
  •  

  • Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton pad. You don’t need to soak it—just enough to dampen the pad. Rubbing alcohol is commonly used for cleaning because it evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave much residue behind.
  •  

  • Wipe down the bristles and base of the brush with the dampened cotton pad. Press gently and work in between the bristles. If your brush has a cushioned base, avoid saturating it, as too much liquid can seep inside and cause issues over time.
  •  

  • Pay attention to buildup. If you notice stubborn residue (like hair product gunk), you may need to repeat the process or use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the area after wiping with the cotton pad.
  •  

  • Let the brush air dry completely before using it again. Place it bristle-side down on a clean towel to help any remaining moisture evaporate.
  •  

  • Dispose of the used cotton pad properly. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, but it’s best to toss the pad in the trash rather than down the drain.

 

Ineffective Deep Cleaning

Rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad may only remove surface debris from a hairbrush, missing buildup deep between bristles and at the base, leading to ineffective deep cleaning and leaving residue or oils behind.

Explore other DIY Methods

DIY Cleaning Methods for Laundry baskets

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for laundry baskets. Keep your baskets fresh, odor-free, and hygienic with simple tips and natural solutions.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Yoga mats

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for yoga mats. Keep your mat fresh, hygienic, and long-lasting with simple, effective home cleaning tips and solutions.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Window screens

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for window screens. Keep your screens spotless with simple, effective tips using household items. Save time and money!

DIY Cleaning Methods for Trash cans

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for trash cans. Keep your bins fresh, odor-free, and sanitized with simple tips and natural solutions.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Bicycle

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for your bicycle. Keep your bike in top shape with simple tips and tricks for effective maintenance at home.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Pet beds

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for pet beds. Keep your pet’s bed fresh, odor-free, and hygienic with simple, effective home cleaning tips.

Read All

Experience Real Cleaning

A Clean You Can See

E-Cloth Window Cleaning Kit

Blue Liquid Glass Cleaner