How to clean a bristle brush made with boar’s hair? It’s kinda oily and gross. I don’t want to ruin it by accident.
Sandra Franklin, Xenia, OH
All brushes should be cleaned regularly, whether you are trying to remove oil paint from brushes or need to get rid of caked-on foundation on your makeup brush.
Cleaning a boar bristle brush is a little different than synthetic bristle brushes because it requires a bit of extra care. Natural bristle brushes like your boar bristle brush are great for all types of hair, but they can definitely collect a lot of oil and debris over time.
It’s important to clean brushes periodically so they can do their job properly. I can show you how to safely clean a bristle brush made from boar’s hair. It’s not hard at all.
How to clean a boar bristle hair brush begins by clearing out excess hair that is trapped around the bristles. Use a comb to push from the center of the brush outward to loosen hair stuck on the bristles. Pull off as much as you can, but don’t wash the hair down the drain or the toilet because it can cause clogs. Throw it away in the trash.
Mix a drop or two of sulfate-free shampoo into a bowl of hot water. It’s important to use a gentle shampoo to protect the natural bristles and keep them from drying out. First, swish the brush around in the soapy water, then let it soak for ten minutes.
Be careful if you have a wooden handle as getting it wet can warp it. If the whole handle is made from wood, it’s not a good idea to soak the brush at all. Instead, skip to the next step below. Rinse off the brush with cold water until you remove all the shampoo. Prop up the brush with bristles facing downward to drain and dry.
If you have other types of hair brushes and combs to clean, check out these tips: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-clean-hair-brushes/It’s easy to get all the oily debris off plastic brushes if you use a little baking soda to help.
Joan