Domakihub How to Clean a Hairbrush and Keep It Like New
Remove lint, oil, and product buildup in five simple steps — no harsh chemicals needed.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A dirty hairbrush undoes any cleaning routine — it redeposits old oil, dead skin, and product residue straight back onto freshly washed hair. The video above by KayleyMelissa walks through the full process visually; the steps below give you an exact method you can follow in any home, holiday rental, or hotel room with basic supplies. In the Greek climate, where dust and humidity accelerate buildup, a monthly deep-clean is a smart habit for both personal brushes and guest amenities.
Why Hairbrush Hygiene Matters More Than You Think
Hair strands caught in the bristles are only the visible problem. Beneath them, lint, scalp oils, styling product residue, and dead skin cells compact into a dense layer that acts as a barrier — reducing what the brush can actually do to smooth or style hair. For holiday rental hosts and hotel housekeepers in Greece, a shared or guest-facing hairbrush that is never cleaned is also a hygiene and first-impression issue.
Regular cleaning extends the life of quality brushes, keeps bristles springy, and ensures every stroke of the brush actually helps rather than hinders.
What You Need Before You Start
You do not need specialty products. A rat-tail comb or an old toothbrush, mild shampoo or washing-up liquid, warm water, and a clean towel are enough for most brush types. For paddle brushes with a cushioned base, take extra care not to soak the rubber pad, as trapped water can cause the cushion to deteriorate or grow mould — relevant in Greece's humid coastal areas during summer.
Five Steps to a Properly Clean Hairbrush
- 1
Remove the loose hair
Hold the brush bristle-side up and slide the tail of a rat-tail comb or a pencil along the base of the bristles from one end to the other. This lifts the compacted hair mat so you can peel it away in one piece. Work in parallel rows until the bristle bed is clear. Dispose of the hair mat in the bin — do not try to rinse it away as it will clog a drain.
- 2
Loosen the lint layer with a dry toothbrush
Once the hair is out, you will see a grey or whitish lint layer still sitting at the base of the bristles. Scrub this with a dry old toothbrush using short, firm strokes. The dry friction dislodges the compressed dust and product residue before any water is introduced, making the wet stage far more effective.
- 3
Soak the bristles in warm soapy water
Fill a bowl or sink with warm (not boiling) water and add a few drops of mild shampoo or washing-up liquid. Dip only the bristle end of the brush into the solution — for cushioned or wooden brushes, keep the handle and cushion pad out of the water. Swirl gently and leave for two to three minutes to dissolve oils and product buildup.
- 4
Scrub and rinse
Use the toothbrush again to scrub between and around the bristles while the brush is in the water. You will see the water cloud with lifted residue. Rinse the bristle area under running warm water, again keeping the cushion or wooden parts dry. Repeat the soak-and-scrub once more if the water was very dirty on the first pass.
- 5
Dry bristle-side down on a clean towel
Shake off excess water and lay the brush face-down on a dry towel. This lets water drain away from the cushion pad or brush base rather than pooling inside it. Leave in a well-ventilated spot — a windowsill with a light breeze is ideal in Greece — for at least two hours before using or storing the brush.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Get a vetted cleaning pro in your city — one number, booked in EN/EL/DE.
FAQ
- How often should a hairbrush be cleaned?
- For personal use, a quick hair-removal after each session and a full wash every two to four weeks is a practical routine. Guest-facing brushes in rentals or hotels should be fully cleaned and sanitised between every guest stay without exception.
- Can you clean a wooden hairbrush the same way?
- Not quite. Wood and water do not mix well over repeated exposure — warping and cracking are common. For wooden brushes, use as little water as possible: dry-brush most of the lint away, then use a barely damp cloth or a misted toothbrush to spot-clean the bristle base. Never submerge a wooden brush.
- What removes product buildup that shampoo cannot shift?
- A mix of equal parts white vinegar and warm water works well as a soak for stubborn styling-product residue. The mild acidity cuts through waxes and gels without damaging most synthetic or natural bristles. Rinse thoroughly afterwards to remove the vinegar smell.