Guide: How to use a clothes brush
Using a clothes brush is a gentle and effective way to keep your clothes clean from dirt, hair, and dust without needing to wash them. Learn how to use your clothes brush here!
Author: Gustav Burman
Perhaps you’ve used sticky lint and adhesive rollers to remove hair, dandruff, lint, dust, and all sorts of debris from clothing? In a pinch, you may even have reached for that elusive roll of packing tape for a last-minute fix — but this can leave marks on the fabric, and there’s no doubt it’s far better to use a clothes brush.
A clothes brush made with natural hair has microscopic scales that grip dirt, unlike nylon fibres which merely scrape the surface. Vegan brushes using materials such as Bionifil employ castor oil to create fibres not derived from animals, yet engineered with artificial “scales.” These fibres resemble boar bristle and are both popular and gentle on garments. Kent CC7 is an example of a vegan clothes brush using Bionifil fibre.
Above you see Acca Kappa’s clothes brush with beautiful wooden inlays in the handle — a functional and elegant accessory that deserves a visible place in your hallway. It’s not uncommon for a quality clothes brush to last an entire adult lifetime if cared for properly. Natural hair — or fibres that mimic it — is especially gentle on your clothing.
Even the motion and stress of washing machines can quickly wear garments; detergents contain chemicals that can fade and break down fabrics, and the same applies to dry-cleaning solvents.
Brush against the nap first to lift dust and dirt. Avoid scrubbing motions; instead use short, quick strokes. Afterwards, brush along the nap to smooth and even out the surface.
Kent clothes brushes use natural boar bristles. Their microscopic scales enhance cleaning effectiveness beyond just the bristle tips.
Correct technique is essential. Never scrub — use firm sweeping strokes or quick hand movements where dust has gathered. Always brush in the same direction to avoid patchy appearance in the light.
Always brush against the nap first to release embedded dust, then finish along the nap for a smooth surface.
To remove a stain, use short strokes without pressing too hard, as excessive pressure can break fibres. Clothes can also be refreshed with a lightly damp brush. Dip only the bristle tips — never the wood — into water, shake off excess, and brush as usual.
If garments are very dusty, dry brush first before using a damp brush. Natural boar-bristle brushes work best. Synthetic brushes have less “give,” are harder, may scratch fabrics, and tend to wear out faster. A natural brush can last nearly a lifetime — more expensive, but well worth the investment.
Before brushing a jacket, empty pockets and unfold pocket flaps. Turn up collars and lapels, lay the jacket face down, flatten shoulders, and let sleeves fall naturally.
Always brush against the nap first, then immediately with it. Brush the full length in long strokes, keeping all movements in the same direction.
Sweep the brush up the right front, from outer armhole edge past the buttons. Brush from hem to lapel tips, then down the full length again. Pay attention to shoulders where dust and dandruff collect.
Repeat on the other side with identical strokes. Brush sleeve outsides, then insides by folding sleeves forward. Don’t forget hidden areas.
Finish with the collar, brushing interfacing left to right, then right to left.
In spring and autumn, trouser hems often collect dirt from slush or rain splash.
Kent’s CC20 has two sides: shorter bristles for tougher dirt on inner legs, and longer bristles for gentler brushing. Bristle length determines stiffness and force transfer.
Unbutton when sitting. When hanging, empty pockets and use padded plastic or wooden hangers. Avoid hanging garments by the collar. After wearing, take a few minutes to brush away lint and surface dirt to prevent fibres from trapping debris.
Use soft bristle brushes for suits and jackets. At Dege & Skinner, Kent brushes are recommended. After each wear, air your suit in a ventilated space to release moisture and odors and help wool fibres recover shape.
For light creases, hang the suit in a steamy bathroom for 30 minutes, then air in a ventilated room.
For fine fabrics like cashmere or lightweight knits, choose a soft brush. For tougher garments like jeans or chinos with heavier dirt, use a firmer brush with shorter, denser bristles for better grip and power.
Your pressure and technique also determine gentleness. Longer bristles flex more, producing a softer “swoosh” effect.
Larger garments benefit from larger brushes, while travel favors compact sizes.
>> All our clothes brushes
In elegant eras past — as seen in series like *Downton Abbey* — this task was performed by a butler using a clothes brush. Over time, we’ve forgotten the brush’s many qualities and benefits for caring for fine garments.
Why is brushing your clothes clean a good idea?
Quality clothes brushes are used to care for your wardrobe and can undoubtedly extend the life of your garments. Before washing machines and dry cleaning became common, all clothes were washed by hand. To reduce how often garments needed laundering, clothes brushes were used to remove dirt and dust stains.A clothes brush made with natural hair has microscopic scales that grip dirt, unlike nylon fibres which merely scrape the surface. Vegan brushes using materials such as Bionifil employ castor oil to create fibres not derived from animals, yet engineered with artificial “scales.” These fibres resemble boar bristle and are both popular and gentle on garments. Kent CC7 is an example of a vegan clothes brush using Bionifil fibre.
Above you see Acca Kappa’s clothes brush with beautiful wooden inlays in the handle — a functional and elegant accessory that deserves a visible place in your hallway. It’s not uncommon for a quality clothes brush to last an entire adult lifetime if cared for properly. Natural hair — or fibres that mimic it — is especially gentle on your clothing.
Even the motion and stress of washing machines can quickly wear garments; detergents contain chemicals that can fade and break down fabrics, and the same applies to dry-cleaning solvents.
Brushing your clothes clean is gentle on fabrics and beneficial for both the environment and your wallet — extending garment life and reducing how often you need to wash them.
Technique when brushing your clothes
Using a clothes brush reduces how often garments need washing and pressing. Unless worn directly against the skin, most clothes don’t need laundering after every wear — especially suits, dresses, trousers, blazers, jeans, and coats.Brush against the nap first to lift dust and dirt. Avoid scrubbing motions; instead use short, quick strokes. Afterwards, brush along the nap to smooth and even out the surface.
Kent clothes brushes use natural boar bristles. Their microscopic scales enhance cleaning effectiveness beyond just the bristle tips.
Correct technique is essential. Never scrub — use firm sweeping strokes or quick hand movements where dust has gathered. Always brush in the same direction to avoid patchy appearance in the light.
Always brush against the nap first to release embedded dust, then finish along the nap for a smooth surface.
Different fabrics are woven differently and vary in durability. Adapt your technique and brush choice to each garment.
To remove a stain, use short strokes without pressing too hard, as excessive pressure can break fibres. Clothes can also be refreshed with a lightly damp brush. Dip only the bristle tips — never the wood — into water, shake off excess, and brush as usual.
If garments are very dusty, dry brush first before using a damp brush. Natural boar-bristle brushes work best. Synthetic brushes have less “give,” are harder, may scratch fabrics, and tend to wear out faster. A natural brush can last nearly a lifetime — more expensive, but well worth the investment.
Brushing a jacket
It’s best to brush clothes on a flat, firm surface such as a table. A bed can work but may be too soft. Alternatively, hang garments on a sturdy, well-shaped hanger.Before brushing a jacket, empty pockets and unfold pocket flaps. Turn up collars and lapels, lay the jacket face down, flatten shoulders, and let sleeves fall naturally.
Always brush against the nap first, then immediately with it. Brush the full length in long strokes, keeping all movements in the same direction.
Sweep the brush up the right front, from outer armhole edge past the buttons. Brush from hem to lapel tips, then down the full length again. Pay attention to shoulders where dust and dandruff collect.
Repeat on the other side with identical strokes. Brush sleeve outsides, then insides by folding sleeves forward. Don’t forget hidden areas.
Finish with the collar, brushing interfacing left to right, then right to left.
Brushing trousers
If cuffs are turned up, unfold them. Dust accumulates here. Brush up the legs first, then downward to smooth the nap — including inner legs.In spring and autumn, trouser hems often collect dirt from slush or rain splash.
Kent’s CC20 has two sides: shorter bristles for tougher dirt on inner legs, and longer bristles for gentler brushing. Bristle length determines stiffness and force transfer.
Skirts
Lay skirts flat. Brush the back from hem to waist, then smooth waist to hem. Do the front last with extra care as it’s most visible.Hats
Brush hats gently to remove dust without creating bald spots. Place your free hand inside the crown to stabilize. Use light, short strokes upward, then repeat on the brim.How to care for and brush your suit
Avoid wearing your suit two days in a row — allow at least 24 hours to breathe. Don’t overfill pockets as this strains seams.Unbutton when sitting. When hanging, empty pockets and use padded plastic or wooden hangers. Avoid hanging garments by the collar. After wearing, take a few minutes to brush away lint and surface dirt to prevent fibres from trapping debris.
Use soft bristle brushes for suits and jackets. At Dege & Skinner, Kent brushes are recommended. After each wear, air your suit in a ventilated space to release moisture and odors and help wool fibres recover shape.
For light creases, hang the suit in a steamy bathroom for 30 minutes, then air in a ventilated room.
Choosing the right clothes brush for the right garment and fabric
Selecting the right brush for each garment and fabric matters. Not all suits are delicate — some weaves are robust.For fine fabrics like cashmere or lightweight knits, choose a soft brush. For tougher garments like jeans or chinos with heavier dirt, use a firmer brush with shorter, denser bristles for better grip and power.
Your pressure and technique also determine gentleness. Longer bristles flex more, producing a softer “swoosh” effect.
Larger garments benefit from larger brushes, while travel favors compact sizes.
>> All our clothes brushes
