How to Clean Your Tangle Teezer Brush: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Tangle Teezer | Official Tangle Teezer Online Store | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to clean a Tangle Teezer brush properly with simple steps to remove buildup, keep teeth effective, and maintain hairbrush hygiene.
Quick Answer
Clean your Tangle Teezer brush every one to two weeks by removing loose hair, washing the teeth with warm water and a drop of mild shampoo, rinsing thoroughly, and air-drying face-down. This routine removes buildup, keeps the flexible teeth working properly, and supports better hairbrush hygiene between washes.
Why Regular Tangle Teezer Brush Cleaning Matters
Hairbrush hygiene is easy to overlook, but a brush that collects hair, dust, and styling product residue can transfer that buildup back onto clean strands. Tangle Teezer brushes are designed with flexible teeth that glide through wet or dry hair, and when those teeth are coated with product or debris, they can't detangle as smoothly. Cleaning your brush regularly also keeps the teeth from becoming stiff or misshapen over time, which helps maintain the gentle detangling action you rely on.
How Often Should You Clean Your Detangling Brush?
If you use your Tangle Teezer daily, aim to remove loose hair after every use and give it a deeper wash every one to two weeks. If you use a lot of leave-in products, dry shampoo, or hairspray, wash it weekly. For pet brushes in the Pet Teezer range, clean more often because pet coats can carry more oil and dander. A good checkpoint: if the teeth look dull or feel tacky, it's time for a wash.
What You'll Need
Gather a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, warm water, a mild shampoo or gentle hand soap, and a clean towel. Avoid harsh chemicals, boiling water, or abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the teeth and finish. A soft-bristled toothbrush can help reach between the teeth if needed.
Step-by-Step Tangle Teezer Cleaning Process
- Remove loose hair: Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to lift out trapped hair from the teeth. Work from the base of the teeth upward to avoid pulling or bending them. Checkpoint: if hair is wrapped tightly, rinse with warm water first to loosen it.
- Rinse with warm water: Hold the brush under warm running water, teeth facing down, to flush out dust and loose product. Do not submerge the entire brush if it has a handle or non-waterproof features. Mistake to avoid: using hot water, which can warp the teeth or damage the finish.
- Apply a drop of mild shampoo: Put a small amount of mild shampoo or gentle hand soap on the teeth and gently massage it through with your fingers or a soft brush. Focus on the base where buildup collects. Checkpoint: avoid harsh detergents or alcohol-based cleaners that can degrade the plastic.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse under warm water until no suds remain. Any leftover soap can leave a film that makes hair feel greasy or causes the teeth to attract more dust. Mistake to avoid: skipping the final rinse because you think a little soap is harmless.
- Shake off excess water: Give the brush a firm shake and blot the teeth with a clean towel. Do not rub vigorously, as this can bend the flexible teeth. Checkpoint: the teeth should look clean and separated, not clumped together.
- Air-dry face-down: Place the brush teeth-down on a clean towel or drying rack so water can drain away from the base. Let it air-dry completely before using it again. Mistake to avoid: storing it upright while wet, which can trap moisture and encourage mildew.
Products That Benefit from This Routine
- The Devil Wears Prada and Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler™: The Devil Wears Prada and Tangle Teezer The Ultimate DetanglerTM features a limited-edition red metallic finish and is designed for use on wet or dry strands. The metallic finish is a design feature, but it still needs the same gentle cleaning to keep the teeth gliding smoothly.
- The Ultimate Detangler Matte: The Ultimate Detangler Matte has a soft-touch matte surface and comes in Olive Green, Pumice Gray, or Porcelain Cream. The matte texture can show product residue more easily, so a regular wash keeps it looking and performing its best.
- Detangling Dog Grooming Brush: The Detangling Dog Grooming Brush uses patented two-tiered teeth technology to gently remove dirt and reach the undercoat, and can be used on wet or dry hair. Because it reaches deeper into the coat, it collects more debris; cleaning it regularly keeps the teeth effective and hygienic for your dog.
