An apparatus (100, 200) is described for disinfecting and sanitizing up to three brushes (16) with steam, where the brushes (16) are placed in a horizontal position in the apparatus, such that the handles (16a) of the brushes (16) protrude from the apparatus and are not exposed to the steam generated for disinfecting and sanitizing the brushes. The apparatus (100, 200) comprises a case (1) covered by a tilting lid (8) and supported by a base (2), a water tank (3) and a chamber (4) located inside the case (1), the chamber (4) having a system for evaporating the water contained inside the tank (3), a support (5) for the brushes (16), a resistance heating system (6) for heating the water, a protection screen (7), a thermostat (26) and an electronic or mechanical control and operation system.