How to Clean Your Grooming Brushes Properly (So They Last for Years)

If your brushes aren't cleaned regularly, you're not grooming , you're redistributing. Dust, grease, sweat, dander, product build-up, and bacteria all collect in the bristles over time. Left unchecked, this can irritate your horse's skin, dull their coat, and reduce how well your brushes actually perform.

The good news? Learning how to clean grooming brushes is quick when you do it the right way, and proper maintenance dramatically extends their lifespan. Whether you're looking to clean a dandy brush, clean a body brush, or refresh your entire kit, this guide covers everything you need to know about grooming brush hygiene.

If you prefer to watch instead of read, here's the full how-to video:
Watch: How to Clean Your Grooming Brushes

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these supplies:

• A curry comb or brush cleaner
• Warm water (not hot , this is important)
• Mild soap or gentle shampoo (Pro Sense)
• Optional: an equine-safe disinfectant for specific situations
• A clean towel
• A well-ventilated area for drying

Important tip: Avoid harsh household chemicals and very hot water. Both can damage bristles, loosen adhesive, and significantly shorten the life of your brush. When it comes to Eqclusive brushes care, gentle is always better.

Step 1: Remove Hair and Debris First (This Is Non-Negotiable)

Before water touches anything, you need to get the bulk out. This single step makes the entire wash faster and more effective.

Use Eqclusive brush for brushes, dust, and compacted dander out of the bristles. Work in sections if needed, especially on densely packed brushes. Then tap the brush firmly (do this outside!) to release any remaining dust particles trapped deep in the bristle base.

Many people skip this step and wonder why their brushes never seem truly clean. Trust me , thirty seconds of dry cleaning saves you five minutes of scrubbing later.

Step 2: Wash the Bristles (Without Drowning the Brush)

This is where knowing how to clean horse brushes properly really matters. The goal is to clean the bristles thoroughly while keeping wooden backs and handles as dry as possible.

Here's the process:

1. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap or gentle shampoo
2. Swirl the bristles in the water and gently massage them with your fingers or use Eqclusive Curry comb
3. For stubborn build-up (especially from coat sprays or oily coats), repeat with fresh water
4. Keep the brush back angled upward to minimise water contact with wooden components

If you're cleaning multiple brushes in one session, work from "cleanest" to "dirtiest" to avoid cross-contamination. Your body brush probably needs less aggressive cleaning than your dandy brush that's been tackling muddy legs all week.

Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly

Soap residue left in bristles can irritate sensitive skin and actually attract more dirt , defeating the entire purpose of cleaning. Rinse your brushes until the water runs completely clear.

Give each brush a good shake to remove excess water. If you notice any suds or cloudy water still dripping, keep rinsing. Your horse's skin will thank you.

Step 4: Disinfect Only When It's Appropriate

Here's something many people get wrong: you don't need heavy disinfection every single week. Overdoing it can leave residue and isn't necessary for routine maintenance.

However, you absolutely should disinfect horse brushes in these situations:

• If your horse has a skin issue (rain scald, fungus, itching, unexplained bumps)
• If brushes are shared between multiple horses
• If brushes were used after clipping when the skin is particularly sensitive
• After any contact with a horse showing signs of infection

Use an equine-safe disinfectant and follow the dilution instructions precisely. More is not better , it's just more residue that you'll need to rinse away. A light spray application works better than soaking for most disinfection needs.

Step 5: Dry Properly (This Is Where Most People Ruin Brushes)

Improper drying is the number one reason brushes fall apart before their time. Get this step right, and your brushes will last years longer.

1. Towel-blot the bristles firmly to remove as much water as possible
2. Air-dry with bristles facing down, or lay the brush on its side
3. Choose a warm, well-ventilated area
4. Avoid radiators, hairdryers, and direct high heat at all costs

Why bristles-down? It prevents water from pooling at the base where bristles meet the brush back. That pooled water is what loosens glue, warps wood, and ultimately destroys brushes. Airflow beats heat every single time.

How Often Should You Clean Grooming Brushes?

Here's a quick guide to keep your grooming brush hygiene on track:

Daily (30 seconds): Remove hair and dust from bristles. A quick comb-through and tap keeps bristles open and effective.

Weekly: Wash your most-used brushes , typically your body brush and whatever you use most frequently.

Monthly: Give your full grooming kit a proper wash, including brushes that don't see daily use.

Immediately: After any skin infection concern, or whenever brushes are used on multiple horses without disinfection between.

If your horse is currently shedding heavily, you'll want more frequent dry cleans to keep bristles from clogging. During spring and autumn coat changes, daily hair removal becomes essential.

Common Mistakes (And What to Do Instead)

Soaking the entire brush: Extended soaking swells wooden backs and weakens adhesive bonds. Clean the bristles, but keep the back as dry as you can manage.

Using boiling or very hot water: Hot water can warp materials and permanently damage bristle structure. Warm water is plenty effective and much safer for your equipment.

Not rinsing properly: Residue causes dull coats and can trigger skin irritation in sensitive horses. Keep rinsing until the water is crystal clear.

Drying on a radiator or with a hairdryer: High heat dries unevenly, can melt synthetic components, and loosens glue faster than anything else. Patience and airflow are your friends.

Using harsh household cleaners: Bleach, strong degreasers, and antibacterial sprays not designed for animal use can damage bristles and leave harmful residue. Stick with mild soap or equine-specific products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dish soap?
A tiny amount is fine occasionally, but mild shampoo is generally kinder to bristles and easier to rinse completely. Avoid strong degreasers or anything with added fragrances.

My brush smells even after washing , what now?
That's usually trapped moisture or residue at the bristle base. Rinse again thoroughly, then dry bristles-down with strong airflow. If the brush was used during a skin issue, disinfect appropriately and consider whether it's time for a replacement.

Do I need separate brushes per horse?
If your horses have different skin sensitivities or any history of skin issues, yes : it's the cleanest, safest standard. If sharing is unavoidable, disinfect on a routine schedule between horses.

How do I know when a brush needs replacing?
When bristles become permanently bent, fall out in clumps, or the brush back shows cracks or separation, it's time. A well-maintained brush should last years, but nothing lasts forever.

The Bottom Line

Clean brushes aren't just about tidiness : they protect your horse's skin barrier, improve coat results, and keep your grooming routine genuinely effective. A few minutes of maintenance each week saves you money on replacements and keeps your horse looking their best.

Proper Eqclusive brushes care means treating your tools with the same attention you give your horse. The investment pays off in longevity, performance, and healthier skin for your equine partner.

Looking for quality brushes worth maintaining? Check out our patented packs of brushes designed specifically for different coat types and colours. And if you'd like personalised advice on a cleaning schedule that fits your routine, get in touch ( we're always happy to help.)