Bristle Revival: Complete Hairbrush Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

Hairbrushes are everyday essentials yet often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Over time, they collect more than just strands of hair, product residue, scalp oils, dust, lint, and even bacteria accumulate within the bristles. This not only affects how well your brush works but can also lead to greasy roots, dull strands, and scalp irritation.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to clean hairbrushes effectively for all materials and types, while recommending Bio-D’s gentle, plant-based cleaning products. We’ll also explain why regular maintenance matters for your hair and scalp health, and how to make the process quick, easy, and eco-conscious, especially by using refillable Bio-D options.

Why Cleaning Your Hairbrush Matters

A dirty hairbrush can reintroduce oils, old styling products, and dirt back into clean hair. Over time, this may lead to:

• Reduced brush performance and grip
• Increased hair breakage or snagging
• An itchy or flaky scalp
• Spread of bacteria or fungus, especially if shared
• Unwanted odours or build-up

Just like your skin or makeup tools, your hairbrush needs regular attention. A properly maintained brush can lead to healthier, shinier hair and a longer lifespan for your styling tools.

Step One: Identify Your Hairbrush Type

Before diving into cleaning, it’s important to identify your brush material, as each requires a slightly different approach.

Common types include:

• Plastic or rubber brushes – durable and water-safe, easy to deep clean
• Wooden brushes – natural and anti-static, but water-sensitive
• Mixed material brushes – may include metal, nylon, wood, and rubber elements
• Round or paddle brushes – more surface area and harder-to-reach bristle beds

Understanding your brush type helps prevent damage during cleaning and ensures the right method is used for the best results.

Step Two: Daily Hair Removal

Before any deep clean, you’ll want to remove all hair tangled in your brush. Do this at least every few days to prevent build-up.

Tools to Use:

• A rat-tail comb or toothpick to lift and remove hair
• Your fingers (after loosening the strands)
• A specialised brush cleaner tool (widely available online)

Remove as much hair as possible, especially around the base of the bristles, where product and lint tend to accumulate.

Step Three: Deep Cleaning and Product Residue Removal

Once your brush is hair-free, it’s time for a deeper cleanse to remove product build-up, sebum and dead skin.

What You’ll Need:

• A bowl or sink of warm water
• A few drops of Bio-D Washing Up Liquid – gentle, fragrance-free and plant-based
• A toothbrush or small cleaning brush
• Optional: Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser (for deeper sanitising)

Cleaning Method for Plastic or Rubber Brushes:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and add 1–2 teaspoons of Bio-D Washing Up Liquid.
2. Submerge your brush (if fully waterproof) for 10–15 minutes.
3. Use a toothbrush to scrub between the bristles, working out residue and grime.
4. Rinse thoroughly under clean water.
5. For extra freshness, lightly spritz with Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser and wipe clean.
6. Allow to dry bristle-side down on a clean towel.

Bio-D Washing Up Liquid is ideal here because it’s tough on grease yet free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, safe for both hair tools and skin. Plus, it’s available in both 500ml and 5L and 20L refill sizes.

Special Techniques for Wooden or Delicate Brushes

Wooden brushes need a gentler approach to avoid water damage or warping.

How to Clean:

1. Do not submerge the brush.
2. Dampen a cloth in a solution of warm water and Bio-D Washing Up Liquid.
3. Wipe the bristles and base carefully. Use a toothbrush if needed, avoiding saturation.
4. Spot-clean the handle using a separate damp cloth.
5. Wipe dry immediately and air dry bristle-side down.

For a deeper sanitising step, lightly mist with  Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser and wipe with a dry cloth.

Deodorising and Disinfecting

If your brush has a persistent odour or you share it with others, disinfecting is a smart step.

Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser is:

• Antibacterial
• Safe for skin contact
• Available in 500ml spray and 5L and 20L refill sizes

Spray lightly over your brush (especially on bristles), leave for a few minutes, then wipe with a clean cloth. Avoid saturating wooden handles.

Drying and Storage Tips

• Always dry brushes bristle-side down to avoid water pooling at the base.
• Never store brushes while damp, especially in closed drawers or bags.
• Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, which can warp materials.
• For travel, use a ventilated pouch or case.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrush?

Hair & Product Type	Cleaning Frequency
Daily styling product user	Weekly
Fine or oily hair	Weekly
Dry or curly hair	Every 2–3 weeks
Wooden brush	Monthly
Shared brushes	After every use

Product Recommendations from Bio-D

To keep your routine natural and low-impact, we recommend the following from the Bio-D range:

• Bio-D Washing Up Liquid – for deep cleaning bristles without damage
• Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser – for light disinfecting and odour removal
• Bio-D Laundry Liquid – perfect for cleaning fabric brush pouches or headbands
• 5L refill containers – available for most Bio-D products to support sustainable living

All Bio-D products are:

• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Made in the UK
• Readily biodegradable and septic-safe
• Available in bulk and refill options

Visit www.biod.co.uk or find your nearest refill store to reduce plastic waste while keeping your grooming tools clean and effective.

Knowing how to clean hairbrushes properly means you’re not only extending the life of your tools but also protecting your scalp and styling results. With help from Bio-D’s gentle yet effective products, you can refresh your brushes without exposing yourself, or the planet, to unnecessary chemicals.

Refresh your grooming tools today and discover the Bio-D difference in every bristle.