How to Clean Your Brushes and Combs

It is easy to forget to wash hairbrushes, combs, and make-up brushes. But even if you wash your hair every day, hairbrushes and combs will pick up dust, dirt, and residue from hair gels and sprays. As for make-up brushes, there is no point in following a rigorous skin cleaning routine, only to then brush dirt all over your face with your foundation. As well as being unhygienic, clogged make-up brushes are also less efficient at applying make-up.

Wash hairbrushes once a month. All brushes (brittle, plastic, and rubber) should be washed in the same way. First, remove any hair from the bristles by running a comb through them. Go easy on natural bristles to avoid pulling them out.

Brushes should not be immersed in water. This rule applies not just to wood or bone-backed brushes, which can crack. Even cheap rubber-cushioned brushes normally have a couple of air holes in them, which can fill up with water and rot the rubber from inside.

To clean, fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a little dish soap. Dip the bristles only in the water. Use your fingers to clean in between the bristles. Rinse by dipping the bristles in plain water. Give the brush a good shake to get rid of excess water. Gently squeeze the bristles with a soft, dry cloth, then place the brush face down and allow to dry naturally.

Once a month, soak plastic or metal combs in warm water and dish soap for ten minutes to loosen the dirt. Use a small scrubbing brush, such as a nailbrush, to clean between the teeth of the comb. Rinse in plain water and leave to dry.

Always wash make-up brushes if you have had an eye or skin infection. Otherwise, wash at least once a month. Use lukewarm water and a little dish soap. Dip the bristles only in the water - avoid getting the handles wet. Rub through the bristles with your hands to clean and rinse in plain water, again dipping just the bristles in the water. Wrap the bristles in paper towel to squeeze out excess water, then place the brushes on their side on a flat surface, with the bristles hanging over the edge, and allow to dry naturally.