An average comb can accumulate more bacteria than a kitchen sink if not cleaned regularly. Disgusting, right? If you think about it, our combs go through a lot—collecting hair, oils, and even dirt every day. In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to clean your comb.

Why Clean Your Comb?

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Every time you run your comb through your hair, it picks up not just your strands but also dead skin cells, oils, dirt, and leftover hair products. Over time, all that build-up can make your comb pretty grimy which can all transfer back to your hair every time you use it. This can lead to greasy hair, clogged pores, and even an itchy scalp. This can make the purpose of washing your hair pointless.

What You'll Need

• Warm water
• Mild shampoo, liquid soap, or dish soap
• A soft toothbrush or an old, clean toothbrush/ nail brush
• A towel or cloth
• Baking soda
• White vinegar (optional, for deep cleaning)

How to Clean a Plastic or Metal Comb

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• Start by removing any loose hair stuck in the comb. You can use your fingers or a toothpick to get those stubborn strands out.
• Fill a bowl or bathroom sink with hot water and add a few drops of mild shampoo or dish soap. Mix until it forms suds.
• Submerge the comb in the warm soapy water. Let the brush soak for about 10-15 minutes
• Use an old toothbrush dipped in baking soda to gently scrub between the teeth of the comb. Focus on any areas where you see buildup.
• Rinse the comb under warm running water to wash away all the soap and loosened debris.
• Shake off excess water and pat the comb dry with a clean towel.

Extra Tips Deep Cleaning Tips: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bowl. Soak the comb for 20-30 minutes to remove any stubborn dirt, then rinse thoroughly.

How to Clean a Wooden Comb

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• Just like with plastic or metal combs, remove any hair stuck in the wide tooth comb.
• Avoid soaking in water, as this can cause the wood to swell or crack. Instead, prepare a small bowl of warm water with a drop or two of mild soap. Dip a soft cloth or a toothbrush into the solution.
• Use the damp cloth or toothbrush to gently scrub the comb. Focus on the teeth and any areas where there’s visible buildup.
• After scrubbing, take a clean, damp cloth and wipe down the comb to remove any soap residue.
• Pat the comb dry with a clean towel right away. Then, let it air dry completely in a cool, dry place.

Extra Tips Deep Cleaning Tips: Use a cloth dampened with vinegar to gently wipe the comb. Avoid soaking to prevent wood damage.

How to Keep a Hair Comb Clean for Longer

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• Try to get into the habit of removing hair from your comb after each use. Just a quick pull to remove any loose strands makes a big difference.
• Another trick is to avoid using your comb when your hair is loaded with styling products and before air drying. If you need to use a comb after applying gel or hairspray, consider rinsing it off immediately afterward.
• Store your comb properly. Keep it in a clean, dry place—preferably in a drawer or a container to protect it from dust and dirt. Avoid tossing it in with other items that could cause scratches or damage.
• Give your comb a quick wipe down with a damp cloth every few days, especially if you’ve used it a lot.

How Often Should You Clean Your Comb?

Well, it depends on how often you use it and what products you’re applying to your hair. As a general rule, if you use your comb daily, it’s a good idea to give it a quick clean once a week. If you use a lot of styling products like gels, hairsprays, or oils, you might want to clean your comb every few days.

Summary

Cleaning your comb doesn’t have to be hard! Just a little effort can keep your comb free of dirt, oil, and buildup. A clean comb makes your hair care routine smoother and more effective. Take a few minutes to clean it regularly, and you’ll see the benefits!

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