If brushes are used in connection with food - that is, for greasing pans or for brushing rolls or pastry with butter, egg, or milk - they must be of a kind that can be cleaned with boiling water. This is impossible if the bristles are glued in. The bristles should be strong and pliable (Russia or Chinese bristles are best) and should be bound to the handle with twine rather than with metal. A shaving brush of badger hair is really better adapted to the purpose than any brush specially designed.

Small wooden-backed brushes are indispensable for the proper cleaning of vegetables, for brushing grated lemon rind from the grater, and for many other purposes. A small poker heated red hot can be used to mark on the backs of the brushes the purposes for which they are to be used. A round pitcher- or bottle-brush, and a long wire-handled trap-brush for the refrigerator, are sanitary necessities.