[header] How to braid garlic [title] Clean the bulbs. [step] There's no need to clean the garlic before you cure it, but you should take the time to remove any lingering dirt before you braid it. In some cases, you may be able to remove the dirt and other residue by brushing it away with your fingers. 
If the bulbs are particularly dirty, you may need to use a soft cloth to clean them. [substeps] For stubborn dirt that won't wipe away with fingers or a cloth, try using an old toothbrush to go over the bulbs.