Need a Record Brush. Got a recommendation?

That’s actually an interesting question. The mystery is why would removing the static charge -  if any - prior to playing the CD help, since spinning the plastic disc at high speed during play is what ostensibly places the static charge on the disc in the first place. As to whether CDs or other objects in the room develop static charges I suspect depends mostly on humidity in the room. It also depends on what size static charge is audible.

 Geoff, that's right. Any static charge on the disk would happen in the transport. Now what happens if I remove the disc and place it directly into a soft plastic case. Since plastic is an insulator and not a conductor, would the static charge be preserved on the CD?

The Diskeeper Anti-Static CD Sleeve adds to my confusion regarding CD's needing to be statically discharged...
https://www.amazon.com/Diskeeper-Anti-Static-Round-Bottom-Sleeve/dp/B00HS4352Q

I don’t know. If it’s any consolation the anti static sleeves are apparently designed for Japanese mini LPs. As I already asked, what good is eliminating static charge on the CD prior to play if the static charge is placed there by playing It? Ditto keeping them in anti static sleeves. I.e., it doesn’t matter if the CDs in sleeves have a static charge or not.

I use the audioquest carbon fiber brush. I have the hunt brush as well but I prefer the audioquest. Important not to touch the carbon fibers with your fingers but flip the bristles back and forth inside the guard to clean.

https://www.sleevecityusa.com/diskeeper-anti-static-cd-dvd-sleeve-p/3cdcir.htm

I guess I've wasted enough time. I'll continue with the anti-static brush when using plastic CD cases. Thanks.