Course 03 · Brushing and Combing · Lesson 9 of 12
How do you clean and care for brushes and combs?
Brushes and combs are cleaned after each use by removing hair, washed when dirty with warm soapy water, dried fully, and replaced when pins bend, bristles splay or teeth break.
Brushes and combs are cleaned after each use by removing hair, washed when dirty with warm soapy water, dried fully, and replaced when pins bend, bristles splay or teeth break. Clean tools work better, feel better on the skin, and do not brush dirt, oils and loose hair back into a clean coat. Dirty tools can also carry odour and, where a skin problem is present, can spread debris from one area to another. Cleaning is simple and takes only a few minutes, but it is often skipped, and a dirty brush is a common reason why a coat looks dull after brushing. A small routine of cleaning, drying and checking tools after each session keeps the whole kit in good order.
How do you clean tools after each session?
After each session, remove all hair from the brush or comb, using fingers or another comb, and tap the tool to dislodge loose debris. A slicker brush can be cleaned by running a comb through its pins in the opposite direction, lifting hair out without bending pins. A bristle brush can be cleaned by pulling hair from between bristles and wiping the base with a dry cloth. A comb can be wiped clean and checked for hair caught between teeth. If the tool has picked up mud, grease or a strong odour, it should be washed rather than simply wiped. Cleaning after each session prevents hair from packing into the tool, which reduces its effectiveness and makes the next session harder.
How do you wash brushes and combs?
Wash tools in warm water with a small amount of mild soap or dog shampoo, agitating gently to loosen dirt and oils, and rinse thoroughly in clean water. Avoid very hot water, harsh detergents and soaking wooden handles for long periods, since heat and prolonged soaking can damage handles, loosen pins and warp wood. A soft toothbrush can help clean between pins and bristles without bending them. After washing, shake off excess water, pat dry with a towel, and leave the tool to air dry fully, pins facing down or sideways, before storing it. Tools should never be stored damp in a closed box, since dampness encourages mould and rust. Metal combs should be dried promptly to prevent rust, and checked for water trapped in joints.
How do you check tools for damage?
Check tools before each session for bent pins, splayed bristles, broken or bent teeth, loose handles, rough seams and rust. Run the tool over the back of a hand to feel for scratching, and replace any tool that scratches, since it will scratch the dog. A slicker brush with bent pins will pull and irritate, a comb with a broken tooth can scratch skin, and a brush with a loose handle can come apart during use. Check the base of the brush for cracks, and check rubber tools for tears that can trap hair and dirt. A tool that is damaged should be replaced, not repaired with tape or glue, since a repair can create a new rough edge. Keeping a spare brush is useful, so a damaged tool does not force a session to use a poor substitute.
How should tools be stored?
Store tools clean, dry and together in a box, bag or tray, away from damp bathrooms, direct sunlight and the dog reach. A dry, ventilated storage spot prevents rust, mould and damage to handles. Keep tools separate from chemicals, medicated products and cleaning products, and keep styptic powder sealed and in date in the same kit. Do not store tools loose in a drawer with sharp objects that can bend pins or break teeth. A kit that is stored well is ready for the next session without searching, and it signals to the dog that grooming is a prepared, calm activity rather than a rushed hunt through cupboards.
What does a workable checklist look like?
- Remove hair after every session. 2. Wash with warm soapy water when dirty, rinse fully. 3. Dry fully before storing, metal dried promptly. 4. Check pins, teeth, handles and seams before each use. 5. Replace damaged tools, store clean and dry together.
What are the limits of this lesson?
Tool care cannot fix a tool that is wrong for the coat, and it cannot replace professional help for a coat that is matted, sore or changing. If a clean, undamaged tool still causes pain, scratching or distress, the tool, technique or coat needs reassessment, and a groomer or vet should advise. Do not use a damaged tool, do not share tools between dogs with a known skin problem without vet advice, and do not use cleaning products that leave a residue on a tool that will touch skin. Clean tools are part of good grooming, but they are not a treatment for a skin or coat problem.
Clean, dry, undamaged tools are a small habit with a large effect, and they make every brushing session more effective, more comfortable and more pleasant for the dog.
Further reading
- PDSA, dog care guidance
- American Kennel Club, grooming guidance
- RSPCA, pet care guidance