How to Clean Horse Brushes

We all want the best for our horses, and this is why so many of us choose to invest in top-rated horse grooming kits and products. Many horse owners take great care in choosing shampoos and conditioners, curry combs, and brushes that effectively revitalise their horses’ coats. However, it is important to remember that even products of the highest quality need to be regularly cleaned to do their job well. Cleaning your horse combs and brushes is crucial for ensuring your horse has a strong, sleek, healthy coat. Taking care of your horse brushes will also help them to last longer, saving you money in the future.

When Is it Time to Clean Your Horse Brushes?

There is no exact rate at which you should be washing your horse brushes, as it depends on how often they are used and how much dirt your horses’ coat tends to gather. The thing to remember about a horse body brush is that it is designed to capture dirt; effectively cleaning your horses’ coat of sebum and grime. If the brushes’ bristles are dirty, they will only return that grime to the coat. It is therefore ideal to wash your brushes whenever you notice a build-up of grime. If the bristles have begun to clump together, this is a sign that you have probably left it a little too long between washes. Washing your horse brushes is additionally important because it prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria along the bristles. If your horse ever has any form of skin disease, make sure to isolate any brushes and curry combs that have been in contact with the affected area. You can sterilise your brushes by adding a splash of bleach to soapy water, although this shouldn’t be done too often as it can dry out natural brushes.

How to Clean Synthetic Brushes

Synthetic brushes with plastic handles can simply be washed in a bucket with dish soap and warm water. For the best results, allow your brushes to soak for several minutes before rubbing them together to loosen any caked-on dirt and oils. You can then rinse the horse brushes in cold water. If the water runs clear, leave the brushes out to dry for a significant period of time. If the water is still dirty, repeat the soaking process until the brushes are sufficiently clean. Synthetic brushes can also be cleaned on the top rack of your dishwasher or in the washing machine, although the latter can sometimes cause damage to the brushes. It is recommended that you clean your brushes on a warm day so that they have ample opportunity to dry in the sun. If this isn’t possible, place them near a heater to speed up the drying process.

How to Clean Natural Brushes

With natural brushes, a mixture of coconut oil and castile soap is ideal for cleaning the bristles. Begin by loosening hair, dirt and oil from the bristles with a curry comb, then dip the brushes into the mixture and soak for 1–2 minutes. If the brushes are really dirty, you might need to manually clean them by using your hands to work in the soapy mixture. Once this step is complete, rinse the bristles gently with cold water in a sink or with a hose. Be careful to hold the brush with its bristles facing down and, if the handles are made of wood, don’t let them get too wet for too long. Blot the brushes dry with a towel and leave them to sit for several hours, making sure the bristles are facing downward. Once they are mostly dry, you can flip them over and let them rest with their bristles facing up.

How to Keep Horse Brushes Cleaner for Longer

While you should always clean your horse brushes on a semi-regular basis, there are ways to prevent your brushes from gathering dirt and dust too quickly. One way is to store your brushes in a clean and spacious area, so that the bristles don’t get crimped. If you don’t have sufficient room for this kind of storage, we recommend storing the brushes upright so that they are balanced on the ends of their handles. You can also face them towards each other, so that the bristles interlock. This technique minimises the chances of your brushes being squished against a hard surface or over-exposed to airborne dust.

Update Your Horse Grooming Kit Today

Looking to add helpful, reliable products to your horse grooming kit? Pet Station has a huge selection of grooming tools and products for hoof, skin and coat care. Browse the Pet Station website today for great products at unbelievable prices.