Dry brushing is a great way to improve your skin health and appearance. Not only does it remove dead skin cells and stimulate the lymphatic system, but it’s also a great way to detoxify your body.
Dry brushing has been around for centuries and is still used today by many people. Lately, it has become even more popular with the rise of the natural health movement.
If you’re new to dry brushing, it’s important to choose the right brush. Look for a brush with natural bristles that are stiff but not too harsh. The best brushes are usually made from boar’s hair or nylon. If you’ve never used a dry brush, you should look into trying it. If you already have one – great!
You probably already know how great the brush leaves you feeling every time you use it. It’s like giving yourself a rejuvenating massage that also doubles as an exfoliating treatment.
We won’t blame you if you’re hooked for life. You might even be using your dry brush every day!
But did you know that your dry brush needs to be cleaned regularly in order to keep providing you with beautiful skin? If you don’t clean your dry brush, it will collect dead skin cells, dirt, sweat, and other residues. This can lead to infections, skin irritations, and breakouts.
Not everyone knows how to clean a dry brush because of the natural materials that it’s made of. You might think that rinsing it under some water and hanging it on your shower hook is enough, but it’s not.
So how do you clean a dry brush? There are a few different options when it comes to cleaning it right, most of which involve soaking the bristles in a special solution. In this article, we will provide instructions on how to clean a dry brush properly.
For the best methods of cleaning your dry brush and more, keep reading.
What Is A Dry Brush?
A dry brush (we love this effective one available on Amazon) is a type of body brush that is typically used for exfoliation purposes. It’s usually made with natural boar bristles and has a long wooden handle so that you can reach your entire body.
It’s called a dry brush because you use it on dry skin before you shower or bathe. You’re not supposed to get it wet unless you’re cleaning it. Dry brushing is safe to do on all parts of the body, including the face.
Benefits of Using A Dry Brush
Dry brushing has a few benefits that include:
- Removing dead skin cells
- Improving circulation
- Reducing cellulite
- Stimulating lymphatic drainage
To enjoy the benefits of the dry brush, simply move it over your skin while the brush is dry (never wet). Do this before you shower or bathe for best results.
This feels good and relaxing for your nervous system and also helps exfoliate the skin, giving it a beautiful glow.
Dry brushing regularly can prevent ingrown hairs, as well as help existing ingrown hairs to grow out. It can also reduce breakouts on the back and body.
To use a dry brush, start at your feet and work your way up your legs in long strokes. Use circular motions on your stomach. Be sure to avoid any areas where your skin is broken, open, or sore.
After you’ve brushed your entire body, hop in the shower or bath to wash off.
If you’re curious about dry brushing but don’t know where to start, take a look at this tutorial from Ashley’s Conscious Life on YouTube.
What Kind Of Brush Is Best For Dry Brushing?
There are different types of body brushes available, but for dry brushing, you’ll want to choose one with natural bristles.
Many modern brushes on the market can be made with synthetic materials like nylon, which can look like natural bristles but don’t have the same benefits.
The most common bristles we recommend are boar bristles because they’re firm but not too harsh. Just make sure the bristles are stiff enough to provide a good exfoliation.
You can find dry body brushes with long handles that help you reach your back or ones that are more compact and are about the length of your hand. It’s really a matter of personal preference.
Longer handles make it easier for you to reach everywhere on your body, while smaller handles are a little easier to maneuver.
Most dry brushes come with handles made of wood or bamboo. They tend to last longer and be safer around your skin. Avoid plastic handles, as they’re more likely to harbor bacteria.
How Often Should I Use A Dry Brush?
You can use a dry brush every day, but you may want to start with a few times per week and see how your skin responds.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to use it less often. Be sure to listen to your body and do what feels best for you.
You can tell you’re dry brushing too often if your skin becomes red, irritated, or flaky. If this happens, cut back on how often you’re using the brush.
Regardless of how often you use it, your dry brush should be cleaned regularly and stored properly. This will prevent the festering of bacteria and the accumulation of dirt and grime within the bristles.
Cleaning Your Dry Brush
Because of all the dead skin cells that can get caught within the bristles of your dry brush, it’s important to clean it regularly. The frequency will depend on how often you use it.
Ideally, you should aim to clean your dry brush at least once a week, although cleaning it after each use won’t hurt. Try not to go longer than a week without cleaning your dry brush.
Risks Of Not Cleaning Your Dry Brush
If you skip cleaning your body dry brush or go too long without cleaning it, the bristles can become stiff and sharp. This defeats the purpose of using a dry brush, as it will no longer be able to massage your skin gently and might damage your skin’s outer layer.
Additionally, not cleaning your dry brush can cause bacteria and fungus to grow within the bristles. This can lead to skin infections and acne, so it’s important to keep your brush clean.
If you’re gone a while without cleaning your dry brush, don’t worry. Here’s how to clean it and get it back to working order.
How To Clean A Dry Brush
To clean your brush, start by simply removing the bristles from the handle since you don’t want to get the handle wet, especially if it’s made out of natural wood or bamboo.
Most dry brushes have removable bristles that you can pull out with the base that they’re attached to, so this part should be easy.
If your brush doesn’t have removable bristles, you can skip this step and simply soak the brush with bristles facing down, while you hold the handle above water.
Once you’ve removed the bristles, it’s time to soak them. There are a few different methods for this.
Vinegar And Water
One way to clean your dry brush is to soak the bristles in a mixture of vinegar and water. This will help to remove any dirt, dead skin cells, and residue that may be on the brush.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant – it kills bacteria and fungi – so this is a great way to clean your brush, even if it’s been used on multiple people. The best vinegar to use for this purpose is white vinegar.
To do this, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Then, place your dry brush in the mixture and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
You can swirl the brush around in the solution to help loosen any stubborn dirt.
After a few minutes, remove the brush and rinse it off with water. You may need to do this a couple of times to remove all the vinegar.
Once you’ve rinsed the brush, allow it to air dry.
Soap And Water
Another way to clean your dry brush is with soap and water. This method is great for you if you don’t have vinegar or don’t enjoy the smell of vinegar.
A great soap to use is Castile liquid soap because it’s all-natural and gentle so it won’t damage the boar bristles. Dr. Bronner’s has a good range of Castile liquid soaps.
To clean your brush with soap and water, simply wet the bristles and then add some liquid soap – about three to four pumps. Work the soap into the bristles until they are fully coated.
As an alternative, you can create a soaking solution using water and a few pumps of soap to soak the brush in.
Just like with the vinegar solution, you’ll want to swirl the bristles around to ensure all the grime and dirt get loosened up.
Rinse the brush off with water and allow it to air dry. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove all the soap from the brush.
Essential Oils And Water
If you want to give your brush a fresh smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the water when you are cleaning it.
Certain essential oils have disinfecting properties, such as tea tree oil, which can help to keep your brush clean and free of bacteria.
You can also add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to a bowl of water to give it a nice scent. Some great-smelling oils are lavender, lemon, and orange.
Once you have added the essential oil to the water, allow the brush to soak for a few minutes as you swirl the brush around in the solution.
Rinse the brush off with water after 10 minutes of soaking and allow it to air dry.
Rubbing Alcohol and Water
Another method of soaking your dry brush is to mix one part rubbing alcohol with two parts water.
This will help to disinfect the brush and also loosen any built-up dirt or debris. Rubbing alcohol is great for killing germs, so this is a great method to use if you are worried about bacteria festering in your brush.
Let the brush soak in this solution for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off with water and allowing it to air dry.
Make Sure To Dry Your Brush
To avoid mold and smell, make sure to let your brush air dry in an open space after you’ve cleansed it. You can also place it in the sun for a few hours to help kill any bacteria that may be present.
If you’re in a hurry, you could also use a blow dryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process.
Once your brush is dry, store it in a dry, cool place until you’re ready to use it again. Contrary to popular belief, storing the brush in the bathroom where it gets steamy is not the best idea.
A better place for it is in a drawer or cupboard in your bedroom or a linen closet.
You may want to consider storing it in a container with a lid to keep dust and other debris out. But don’t put it in a closed container if it’s still damp, as this could lead to mold growth.
How To Clean The Handle Of Your Dry Brush
Dry brush handles are typically made out of natural wood and should not be soaked in water because water can damage the wood.
To clean the handle of your brush, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. You can also use mild soap if needed.
You can apply a small amount of tea tree oil to the brush handle to help disinfect it. The tea tree oil will help add moisture to the wood and prevent it from splitting over time while keeping it germ-free.
Caring For Your Dry Brush
A dry brush that is regularly cleaned and well-loved can last decades. We’ve seen some people use the same brush for years with no problems. You’ve probably found a dry brush at your grandma’s house that’s been around for ages!
To extend the life of your brush, avoid using it on broken skin. You should also care for other parts of the brush, such as the wooden handle.
Waxing The Handle Of Your Dry Brush
Another way to extend the life of your dry brush handle is by waxing it. You can use beeswax or olive oil to do this. This can be done once every few months and it protects the wood from drying out and cracking.
To wax the handle of your brush, simply rub a small amount of beeswax or olive oil into the wood. You can use your fingers or a cloth to do this.
Then, buff the handle with a clean cloth to remove any excess wax. This will leave a protective coating on the wood that will help it last longer.
While this isn’t required, it’s something you could do to help your dry brush last years (even decades). However, if this seems like too much work – don’t do it. Just make sure to clean the bristles regularly.
How Do You Soften Dry Brush Bristles?
If you notice that your dry brush bristles have gotten too stiff over time, there’s an easy way to soften them up. Simply soak the bristles in warm water for a few minutes.
Then, use your fingers to massage them and work out any knots. This will help the bristles regain their original flexibility. Adding a little bit of olive oil or fabric softener to the bristles can also help to soften them.
Once you’re done, rinse off the brush and let it air dry. Cleaning your dry brush regularly using one of the methods we described above should keep them nice and soft for you.
That’s it! Now you know how to clean and care for your dry body brush. Be sure to follow these steps regularly to keep your brush in good condition and free of bacteria. A well-taken care of dry brush can last for many years giving you the benefits of beautiful glowing skin, so it’s worth the effort!
Related Articles
Can You Use A Wet Brush On Dry Hair?
How To Tighten Skin On Thighs Naturally
Best Exfoliating Brushes For Ingrown Hair
