How to Use a Clothes Brush to Keep Suits and Coats Fresh
By Kent Brushes | The World's Finest Hairbrushes & Combs | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Gör-det-själv-guider
Learn the right way to use a clothes brush to remove lint, dust, and pet hair from suits and coats, and keep them looking fresh between cleanings.
Quick Answer
Use a clothes brush with a mix of natural bristles and nylon to gently sweep away lint, dust, and pet hair from suits and coats. Brush in one direction, starting from the shoulders, and do it after each wear to keep fabrics fresh.
Why Bristle Type Matters
Natural bristles are effective at lifting dust and lint from the surface of wool and other traditional suit fabrics, while nylon bristles are better at removing pet hair and stubborn fibers from sturdier materials like denim and corduroy. A brush that combines both, such as the Kent Beechwood Bristle Nylon Mix Clothes Brush, gives you the flexibility to care for a range of garments with one tool.
Using the wrong bristle type can be too harsh on delicate fabrics or too soft to remove embedded pet hair. Matching the bristle mix to your most-worn garments ensures you get the best result without damaging the material.
When to Brush vs. When to Clean
Brushing is a daily maintenance step, not a substitute for professional cleaning. It removes surface debris that can dull the fabric and attract more dirt if left in place. For stains, odors, or heavy soiling, follow the care label and take the garment to a cleaner.
Brushing after each wear also helps maintain the shape of suits and coats by preventing the buildup of abrasive particles that can wear down fibers over time.
Step-by-Step Clothes Brushing Routine
- Prepare the garment: Lay the suit jacket or coat flat on a clean, dry surface. Ensure the fabric is dry and free of any surface moisture, as brushing damp fabric can damage the fibers. Always brush dry garments to avoid stretching or damaging the material.
- Start from the shoulders: Using short, firm strokes, brush from the shoulder down toward the hem. Work in one direction to lift and remove dust and lint rather than pushing it deeper into the weave. Brush in the direction of the fabric's nap to avoid matting the fibers.
- Brush the collar and lapels: Pay extra attention to the collar and lapels, where oils from your skin and styling products can attract dust and lint. Use a gentle circular motion to lift embedded particles without crushing the fabric. These high-contact areas often need a few extra passes to stay clean.
- Address stubborn pet hair: For pet hair that resists the natural bristles, use the nylon center of the brush with slightly firmer strokes. Nylon creates a bit of static that helps pull hair away from the fabric. If pet hair persists, brush in the opposite direction first, then finish with a final pass in the nap direction.
- Finish with a final sweep: Complete the routine with a light, full-length sweep from shoulders to hem to remove any loosened debris and smooth the fabric. Hang the garment immediately to maintain its shape. Brushing after every wear prevents buildup and reduces the need for frequent dry cleaning.
Recommended Clothes Brush
- Beechwood Bristle Nylon Mix Clothes Brush - CG1: This beechwood clothes brush features an outer row of medium natural black bristles and a center filled with nylon, making it ideal for use on jeans and corduroy garments. The dual bristle design lets you effectively remove both fine dust and stubborn pet hair from a variety of fabrics, so you can keep your everyday garments looking fresh with one brush.
Beechwood Bristle Nylon Mix Clothes Brush - CG1
