How to Clean Paddle Combs

The habit of maintaining cleanliness for paddle combs is often overlooked. This is a vital task because oils, dirt, dandruff, and leftover hair products on the comb can transfer to family members, roommates, or spouses when shared. An old paddle comb can be reused and its lifespan extended by removing hair stuck on it, cleaning it with a detergent, and drying it properly.

If the comb only has a thin layer of hair, you can use your fingers to remove it. The tips of your fingers are quite flexible, allowing you to handle it efficiently without needing to purchase additional tools. Start at one end of the comb's surface and gently pull the hair outward. Patience is key in this step, as hair strands can break easily, making it harder to remove them.

Use a hair removal tool for the comb if there's a thick layer of hair stuck on it. When it comes to cleaning paddle combs, a hair detangling tool always tops the list. Though this tool looks like a comb, it is very effective. The hair detangling tool comes in various sizes and can be single-sided or double-sided. For paddle combs or if you have many combs of different shapes and sizes, it’s recommended to choose a double-sided detangling tool for versatility.

Use a nylon brush if available. Hold the paddle comb over the sink, above the trash can, or outdoors. Use the brush to scrub the bristles of the paddle comb. This helps remove hair, dead skin cells, and dandruff stuck on the comb. Continue brushing until the brush clears all the nooks and crannies of the paddle comb.

• Rinse the brush to remove dirt and let it dry before using it for other purposes.

Use a detangling comb to remove stubborn hair stuck on the comb. A detangling comb usually has one end with teeth and the other end is pointed for parting. Insert the pointed end of the detangling comb underneath the layer of hair on the comb’s surface and gently pull it out. Repeat this process on the remaining edges or all over the comb's surface. Once the hair no longer clings to the surface, simply use your fingers to roll and pull the hair off.

Use scissors to help you with tightly knotted hair. Often, hair will get tangled or twisted while you are removing it from the comb. Therefore, it’s helpful to have a pair of scissors ready to handle this situation. Simply cut the tightly knotted hair into two or three sections. Be careful not to cut too much, or small hair remnants may still stick to the comb.

Use tea tree oil as it is a completely natural cleaning ingredient. Tea tree oil is a highly effective natural cleanser, available at most cosmetic stores or supermarkets. Start by pouring a cup of warm water into a medium-sized bowl. Add a few drops of tea tree oil and stir well.

Use shampoo and baking soda to clean the comb if you have sensitive skin. For sensitive or allergic skin, combining shampoo and baking soda is a safe and gentle choice. Pour a cup of warm water into a medium-sized bowl. Add a teaspoon of shampoo and a teaspoon of baking soda, then stir thoroughly.

Dip a clean toothbrush into the cleaning solution. You will use a clean toothbrush and dip it into the solution. Ensure the bristles are fully saturated with the cleaning liquid.

Scrub the brush between the comb bristles and the surface of the comb's head. Use the toothbrush to scrub the comb's head, where the bristles are attached, moving from bottom to top. This will remove oil, dandruff, and leftover hair products. Move the brush around to clean the entire surface. Remember to scrub in small circular motions to clear stubborn dirt.

Soak the paddle comb in the cleaning solution to remove any remaining dirt and achieve a deeper clean. After scrubbing the surface of the comb, dip the head of the comb into the cleaning solution. This helps remove any leftover dirt and provides a final cleaning. This is a useful step for removing stubborn hair products still stuck on the comb.

• If the comb has a wooden handle or head, do not soak it in water. Most wooden combs are coated with water-resistant finishes, but they are not 100% waterproof. Instead of soaking the comb, use the brush to scrub the comb one or two more times.

Rinse the comb with regular water. Take another medium-sized bowl to hold clean water. Slowly dip the comb into the bowl to wet all the bristles. For a round comb, rotate the handle in the palm of your hand to ensure the entire surface is properly cleaned.

• If you have a wooden paddle comb, hold the comb over the sink or a towel with the bristles facing down. Use a spray bottle to spray water on the cleaned bristles until the water runs clear.

Use a clean dry towel to dry the paddle comb if you have one with a wooden handle or head. Quickly drying the excess water on the bristles or wooden part of the comb is essential. Any remaining moisture can seep into the bristles, the cushion at the comb's head, and the wood, potentially causing mold and damage. Gently press the towel between the bristles to touch the head of the comb. Make sure to apply moderate pressure to absorb any leftover water.

Place the paddle comb with the bristles facing down on a towel to air dry. Once you’ve absorbed the excess water, the next crucial step is to allow the comb to dry completely before use. Lay the bristles flat on a clean dry towel and let it air dry overnight.

Use a blow dryer to quickly dry the comb. If you need to use the comb immediately, you can use the blow dryer on the lowest setting to speed up the drying process. Move the dryer back and forth over the comb several times to blow away the excess water and ensure that the comb is slightly damp instead of soaking wet.

• If your paddle comb has dandruff buildup, you can clean it with lemon juice.
• There are specialized comb cleaning solutions available for purchase.
• A clean comb will help you maintain healthy, strong hair.
• A vinegar and water solution can be used as an alternative to soap if your hair is dry and doesn’t leave oil on the comb. Otherwise, choose ingredients that help remove oil from the comb.

• Do not clean your paddle comb with shampoo containing silicone. Silicone will stick to the bristles, reducing the effectiveness of your combing.
• Always use the cool setting when blow-drying your comb.
• Be cautious when cleaning paddle combs made of wood.

• Paddle comb
• Brush or fine-tooth comb
• 2 small bowls or containers
• Shampoo and baking soda or tea tree oil
• Toothbrush (clean)
• Towel
• Hair dryer