We don’t blame anyone if cleaning your hairbrushes doesn’t make it a priority on your list. The truth is that it is a beauty chore well worth doing. It’s similar to cleaning your makeup brushes. Alex Brown, a celebrity hairdresser based in Chicago, says that regular brushing will remove dirt, product residue and oils from your scalp. She says that the last thing you want to happen is for dirt and grime back on your hair.

It will also make your brush work better if you spend some time cleaning it. Shelly Aguirre from Maxine Salon in Chicago, says that shedded hair can cause the brush to not perform at its best and fail its intended purpose. Good news! It doesn’t need to be difficult or time-consuming to clean your hairbrush. This is how to quickly and efficiently clean your hairbrush (and comb).

How to Clean a Hairbrush

Experts agree that no matter what bristle type or shape you have, the same cleaning process applies. Aguirre says that you should start by removing any stray hairs. You can use a comb or your fingers to do this. Next, gently pull the hair from the end of the brush. Warm water and a cleanser are next. Brown prefers antibacterial dish soap, while Aguirre uses shampoo. Use a small amount of each to coat the bristles. Add a little water and make the brush soapy.

Aguirre says that you can rub the lather onto the bristles with your hands. Brown adds that it is important to only scrub the bristles in one direction. This will help maintain their integrity. Rinse after you’ve scrubbed the bristles for 30 seconds to one minute. Rinse. Rinse again. Aguirre says to rinse the brush again until it runs clear of soap and shampoo.

To remove excess moisture, give the brush a vigorous shake and then let it dry flat, bristle side down. This should be done at least overnight.

For a step-by-step guide, see below.

What you need

• Brush
• Comb (preferably with a pointed tip)
• Toothbrush
• Glass bowl big enough to hold brush
• Gentle shampoo
• Towel

These are the steps to follow

• Perform daily maintenance

Every time you use your brush, remove hair. You can hold the brush in one hand and grasp a comb with the other. Hold the comb in one hand and grasp the comb in the other. Alternately you can also use the teeth of your comb to remove hair. You can rake them through the bristles, lifting the hair up, and then discard the hair. You can throw away the hair.

• Shampoo your Hairbrush

Every other month, wash it to get rid of dirt, oil, and buildups. The handle should be held and the head of your hairbrush should be twisted in warm water. Use a small amount of shampoo to clean the bristles. Then rinse the brush with clean water.

Tip: Do not soak your hairbrush with water. This could damage its cushion or any wooden parts.

• Dry hairbrush overnight

Place the wet, clean brush on a towel, with the bristles facing downwards. Let it dry overnight.

How to Clean a Comb

Brown says to remove any hair stuck between your teeth and soak the comb for a few moments in warm soapy waters. Brown suggests that you use an old toothbrush to remove any product buildup. It’s really that simple.

How to Clean a Dandruff-Infested Hairbrush

The same brush-cleaning procedure applies if you have dandruff. However, you will need to do it more often. Brown suggests that you should clean your hair brushes weekly, even though most people can do it bi-weekly. Dandruff is a condition where the brush gets stuck in the bristles, so you want to be sure you are getting rid of any extra scalp-flaking. Aguiree suggests soaking the bristles in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes to remove any residue. The soap will then be able to work the bristles with your fingers.

Brown suggests soaking your comb in warm water with 1 teaspoon each of white vinegar or dish soap if you have dandruff. Allow it to soak for at least an hour before washing off with warm water.