How to Clean Your Hairbrush with Baking Soda (2023)

Hairbrushes

Many of us use hairbrushes every day. They aid in removing hair tangles and oil buildup from our crowning glories. They’re a big part of a complete grooming routine.

However, hairbrushes get filthy with constant use. They get really greasy, and hair gets stuck between the bristles.

If you’re reading this, then you’re looking for a natural way to clean your hairbrush. Good thing we can use baking soda for this task.

I use this method to clean my wife’s hairbrushes. She’s satisfied with the result. And when she’s happy, then I’m happy.

So give the cleaning method below a try.

Here’s how I use baking soda to clean my wife’s hairbrushes.

What you’ll need:

Baking soda
Clean toothbrush
Water
Laundry basin
Spoon

Optional: Shampoo and hairdryer

what youll need to clean your hairbrush

Steps:

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda for every 1 liter of water into a basin. Make sure there’s enough water to fully soak the hairbrush. You can also add a teaspoon of your favorite shampoo if you want. Mix well.

combine water and baking soda

2. Remove the tangled hairs from the brush. Use your fingers to pull them out.

remove hair from brush 1
remove hair from brush 2

3. Soak the hairbrush in the solution, bristles down. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.

soak brushes

4. Remove the hairbrush from the basin. Push the bristles to the side with your fingers and scrub the base with a toothbrush.

scrub brush 1
scrub brush 2

5. Dry the bristles by gently tapping them on a towel. Wipe the handle and the back of the hairbrush.

dry brush 2
dry brush 1

6. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting for faster drying.

dry with hairdryer 1

Can I Use Baking Soda to Clean a Wooden Hairbrush?

Do not use baking soda to clean wooden hairbrushes. Baking soda can cause a chemical reaction and darken the wood. It can also scratch the wood’s polish.

So it’s a big NO.

Why Clean Your Hairbrush with Baking Soda?

There are several benefits to cleaning your hairbrush with baking soda:

Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent: Baking soda is a natural substance that can effectively clean and deodorize your hairbrush without the use of harsh chemicals.

Baking soda can remove buildup: Over time, your hairbrush can accumulate oils, dirt, and dead skin cells. Baking soda can help break down this buildup, making it easier to remove.

Baking soda can help sanitize your brush: Baking soda has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria and other microorganisms on your hairbrush, making it a great option for people with scalp issues.

Baking soda is inexpensive: Baking soda is an affordable and readily available ingredient that you can find at most grocery stores or online. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective way to clean your hairbrush.

3 Tips for Maintaining Your Hairbrush After Cleaning

After cleaning your hairbrush with baking soda, there are a few tips you can follow to maintain its cleanliness and effectiveness:

  1. Remove hair from the brush after each use: After brushing your hair, use your fingers or a comb to remove any hair from the bristles. This will prevent hair from accumulating in the brush, making it easier to clean in the future.
  2. Avoid using too much hair product: Using too much hairspray, gel, or other hair products can cause buildup on your brush. To prevent this, use only as much product as necessary and avoid applying it directly to the brush.
  3. Store your brush in a clean, dry place: Avoid storing your brush in a damp or dirty area, as this can cause bacteria to grow on the bristles. Instead, store your brush in a clean, dry place where it can air out between uses.

How Often You Should Clean Your Hairbrush?

How often you should clean your hairbrush depends on a few factors, including your hair type, how often you use your brush, and whether you use hair products. 

As a general rule, you should aim to clean your hairbrush every one to two weeks. If you have fine hair or use a lot of hair products, you may need to clean your brush more frequently. On the other hand, if you have thick hair and rarely use hair products, you may be able to go longer between cleanings.

Conclusion:

I hope that you’re as happy as my wife with your newly cleaned hairbrush.

Did you know that you can also use baking soda to clean your phone case? Read the article if you have time.

Thank you for checking out my blog.

Don’t forget to share if you find this helpful.

-Baking Soda Guy

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. Can I use baking soda to clean hairbrushes with metal bristles? Baking soda is generally safe to use on hairbrushes with metal bristles. However, be cautious when using a toothbrush to scrub the base, as metal bristles may be more delicate than other materials.
  2. Can I use baking soda to clean hairbrushes with boar bristles or natural fibers? While baking soda is safe for many types of bristles, it’s best to avoid using it on hairbrushes with delicate natural fibers like boar bristles. Instead, opt for a gentler cleaning method suitable for natural bristles.
  3. How do I clean the handle and back of the hairbrush with baking soda? You can clean the handle and back of the hairbrush by dipping a cloth into the baking soda solution and gently wiping these areas. Avoid submerging the entire brush, especially if it has a wooden or non-water-resistant handle.
  4. Does baking soda help remove hair product residue from the brush? Yes, baking soda can effectively break down and remove hair product residue, oils, and dirt build-up from the hairbrush, leaving it clean and fresh.
  5. Can I use any type of comb to remove hair from the hairbrush? Yes, you can use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to remove hair from the hairbrush after each use. A wide-tooth comb is particularly useful for removing hair from the bristles effectively.
  6. Can I use a hair conditioner to keep the hairbrush soft and clean? While hair conditioner can help keep the bristles soft, it’s not recommended to use it as a cleaning agent for the hairbrush. Stick to using baking soda and water for cleaning and maintenance.
  7. Should I let my hairbrush air dry after cleaning it? Yes, after cleaning your hairbrush, it’s best to let it air dry completely before using it again. This will help prevent mold and bacterial growth.
  8. Is there a specific cleaning schedule for hairbrushes based on hair type? While there’s no strict schedule, it’s advisable to clean your hairbrush every one to two weeks, regardless of hair type. However, if you have fine hair or use a lot of hair products, you may need to clean it more frequently.
  9. Can I clean my hairbrush with baking soda more often than every two weeks? Yes, you can clean your hairbrush with baking soda more often if you feel it’s necessary or if you notice a significant build-up of oils or residue.