How to Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponges

Cleaning makeup brushes and sponges is a simple task you probably don’t do often enough.

It’s easy to overlook regular makeup brush maintenance, and most of us are probably guilty of not washing the tools we use to apply makeup often enough. However, this simple task is worth adding to your weekly list of chores because it is essential for preventing the spread of bacteria that can cause breakouts and other skin irritations.

If your makeup brushes and sponges are overdue for cleaning, this guide is for you. Ahead, you’ll find everything you need to know about the different types of makeup brush and sponge cleaners, how to use them, and how often you should plan to clean your makeup application tools.

Supplies for Cleaning Makeup Brushes and Sponges

Several types of makeup cleaners are available. Liquid makeup cleaner is available commercially or can be made at home using easy-to-find ingredients like baby shampoo. To use it, spray it on makeup brushes or pour it into a bowl to soak the brush bristles or sponges. Solid brush cleaners that resemble a small bar of soap are also available and easy to use. Mild bar soap like Ivory or Dove works in the same way as a solid brush cleaner. Both brush-cleaning formulas, liquid or solid, work equally well.

Textured silicone cleaning mats are helpful when cleaning makeup brushes. The nubby mats have grooves that remove buildup from makeup, dead skin, and oil from the bristles.

In between deep-cleaning, wipe makeup brushes and sponges clean using makeup-removing wipes to prevent pigment transfer and eliminate buildup.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Step 1. Dampen the Brush Bristles

Wet the bristles of your makeup brushes by holding them under cool running water. Take care to avoid getting the handle and ferrule of the brush wet, as exposure to water can weaken the glue that holds the bristles in place, leading to shedding over time.

Step 2: Apply Makeup Cleaner

Apply liquid cleaner to the bristles, by spraying it or putting a small amount in your palm and rubbing the brush in it in gentle circular motions. You can also put liquid cleaner into a small bowl and dip the brushes directly into it, taking care to submerge only the bristles.

To clean makeup brushes with solid cleaner or bar soap, rub the wet bristles back and forth on the bar to pick up the cleaner or soap.

Step 3: Massage the Bristles

Penetrate the bristles with the cleaner by placing the brush in the palm of your hand or on a textured silicone mat and working the bristles gently back and forth to create a lather.

Step 4: Rinse the Bristles

Hold the bristles of the brush under cool running water to rinse away makeup residue and cleaner. Avoid soaking the ferrule and handle. When the water runs clear and no longer contains pigment or suds, gently squeeze the bristles to extrude any excess water.

Step 5: Reshape the Bristles and Dry the Brush

Reshape the brush and lay it flat on a towel to air dry.

How to Clean Makeup Sponges

Step 1: Dampen the Sponge

Hold the sponge under cool running water and squeeze it to saturate it with water.

Step 2: Apply Makeup Cleaner

Apply liquid cleanser directly onto the wet makeup sponge and use your hands to massage it into the sponge.

To clean makeup sponges with solid cleaner or bar soap, rub the wet sponge back and forth on the bar to pick up the cleaner or soap.

Step 3: Rinse the Sponge

Hold the sponge under cool running water and squeeze it using a gentle pumping motion until the water runs clear. Then, squeeze the sponge to extrude excess water and place it on a towel to air-dry.

How to Dry Makeup Brushes and Sponges

Drying makeup brushes and sponges before putting them away is important because wet tools can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Gently squeeze the excess water from the brush bristles and sponges, and reshape the bristles after cleaning. Lay the makeup brushes and sponges on a clean towel to air-dry. 

Don’t use a hair dryer or other heated tool to dry your makeup brushes because the heat can melt the glue holding the bristles in place. Don’t wash makeup brushes in the dishwasher, as exposure to water and high heat can cause irreversible damage.

How to Store Makeup Brushes and Sponges

After using and cleaning makeup brushes and sponges, store them properly. Makeup brushes last longer if they are stored correctly when not in use.

Keep your makeup brushes and sponges in a closed container to prevent dirt and dust from settling on them. Clean makeup bags, pencil cases, or acrylic makeup organizers are good options for properly storing makeup brushes and sponges between uses.

How Often to Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponges

Ideally, clean your makeup brushes and sponges once a week; at a minimum, plan to clean your makeup application tools monthly.

If possible, clean the tools used to apply liquid products, like liquid foundation or liquid blush, after every use, as liquid formulas are more likely to harbor bacteria that can lead to skin irritation or infections. Clean the brushes used to apply powders, like eyeshadow or bronzer, once a week. Makeup sponges, which can harbor bacteria, should also be cleaned after every use.

Related: 10 Everyday Bathroom Items You Should Clean or Throw Out ASAP

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