Maintaining Your Dry Brush
A dry brush is intended to interact with your skin only when both are entirely devoid of moisture. Over time, these fibers collect dust and shed skin cells, which compromises the integrity of the tool and becomes a vector for accumulation.
Cleaning a natural fiber brush incorrectly, specifically through prolonged submersion, will cause the wood to warp and the adhesive binding the bristles to degrade. Follow these steps to sanitize the bristles while protecting the structural components of the handle.
- Clear the debris. Before introducing any cleaning agent, hold the brush bristles-down over a waste bin. Use your fingers to flick the base of the bristles firmly to dislodge trapped particles. Alternatively, tap the side of the wooden handle against the side of the bin to vibrate loose remnants free.
- Apply a mild solution. Mix a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free soap into a shallow bowl of cool water. Dip only the tips of the bristles into the solution, ensuring the water level never reaches the wooden handle or the metal ferrule. Swirl the tips lightly to lift oils without saturating the base of the fibers.
- Rinse and blot. Pass the bristle tips briefly through clear, cool running water to remove the soap. Do not submerge the brush head at any point during this process. Immediately blot the bristles with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to draw out excess moisture.
- Position for drying. Place the brush in a well-ventilated area with the bristles facing downward to prevent moisture from pooling at the base. Allow the brush to air dry completely for at least 24 hours. Never use a hairdryer, as heat will cause natural fibers to brittle and snap.
Moisture is the primary enemy of a natural fiber brush.