Dishwasher Hairbrush Cleaning: A Hands-On Test
A writer tried cleaning her plastic hairbrush in the dishwasher, following a tip that it's safe for plastic or metal brushes. The brush came out refreshed but still had residue near some bristles, and water became trapped inside the hollow paddle, raising concerns about drying and mold. She advises caution with brush materials and suggests running the dishwasher empty for best results.
The writer's brush was plastic with a hollow, air-filled paddle and a small hole, which allowed water to become trapped inside after the cycle. Whirlpool's guidance specifies that only plastic or metal brushes are safe for dishwasher cleaning, while wooden brushes or those with natural bristles risk melting or warping. The test also revealed that residue remained near some bristles, and the writer suggested that running the dishwasher empty might produce better results than sharing the load with dishes.
The experiment followed a previously published Apartment Therapy tip, and the writer noted that the brush did come out looking refreshed overall. She plans to retry the method with a non-padded brush or comb, or in an empty dishwasher, to see if deeper cleaning is possible. In the meantime, she has turned to an alternative hairbrush-cleaning method.
This story could influence how readers approach household cleaning shortcuts. People who try this hack may save time on a tedious chore, but the trapped-water issue highlights potential hygiene risks that could lead to mold growth. The article's cautious tone may encourage readers to check brush materials before attempting the method, possibly reducing damage to wooden or natural-bristle brushes. It also demonstrates how viral cleaning tips often require real-world testing to reveal practical limitations.