You could go the just brushing route. There's natural oils in the hair follicle. When brushed down to the tip the oil spreads down each hair and naturally cleans the hair.

I did it for a couple of years in the late 80s/early 90s. It does work really well - a fair amount of brushing involved, but it just becomes a nice habit.

Probably lots of great websites out there to help make up your mind.

I only stopped because I had it all cut off.

...plus, I'm bald now - not due to the brushing tho!