How to Clean Makeup Brushes: Five Fabulous Steps

If you can’t remember the last time you washed your makeup brushes, it has been too long.

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but dirty brushes are a playground for bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. Neglecting this chore can lead to breakouts, rashes, and patchy makeup application.

Don’t worry, though. We are here to help you get those tools sparkling clean. We will walk you through the best methods, products, and techniques to restore your brushes to their former glory.

The Best Ways to Clean Makeup Brushes

You don’t always need expensive gadgets to get a deep clean. There are several effective ways to wash foundation, blush, and eyeshadow brushes using items you likely have at home. Here are the top methods to spruce up your kit.

With Dish Soap

This is the holy grail of DIY brush cleaning. Since dish soap is designed to cut through grease on pans, it works miracles on oil-based foundations and cream concealers.

Dish soap (like Dawn) effectively breaks down the oils and polymers in long-wear makeup. It also disinfects, which is a huge bonus if you have been skipping wash day. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.

With Hand Soap

If you need a gentler approach, reach for your bathroom hand soap. This is a great option for powder brushes or lighter makeup residue.

With Makeup Brush Cleanser

Sometimes, household hacks don’t cut it. Dedicated brush cleansers are formulated to condition bristles while dissolving waterproof makeup. They take the guesswork out of the process and often dry faster than soap and water.

If you invested money in high-end brushes, protecting them with a proper cleanser is a smart move.

Here are a few top-rated options to consider:

• EcoTools Makeup Cleaner: This is an excellent choice for sensitive skin. It is dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and free of phthalates. It is best used for your weekly deep clean to keep synthetic bristles soft and free of irritants.
• Cinema Secrets Pro Cosmetics Cleaner: This is a favorite among professional makeup artists for a reason. It is a quick-drying, rinse-free formula that melts away stubborn waterproof makeup instantly. It is ideal if you need to use your brushes immediately after cleaning them.
• RICRIS Premium Makeup Brush Electric Cleaner and Dryer: If you hate the manual scrubbing process, this gadget is for you. It spins the brush in a bowl of water to clean it and then spins it in the air to dry it in seconds. It is a great time-saver for anyone with a large collection of brushes.

With Baby Shampoo

Baby shampoo is the gold standard for natural hair brushes (like goat or sable hair). Because these bristles are real hair, they can dry out and break if you use harsh chemicals.

Baby shampoo is pH-balanced and gentle. It cleans effectively without stripping the natural moisture from the bristles. It leaves brushes soft, fluffy, and smelling fresh.

With Dry Shampoo

We are not talking about the spray for your roots. There are “dry” brush cleaners designed for instant color switching. One popular option is the Dry Clean Instant Dry Brush Cleaner Spray from Sephora.

This is perfect for eyeshadow brushes. You spray it on, wipe the brush on a tissue, and the color is gone. It allows you to switch from a black shadow to a beige shadow without washing the brush in the sink.

With Vinegar

You can use apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a disinfectant, but proceed with caution. While it kills bacteria, the acidity can be harsh on the glue that holds the bristles in place (the ferrule).

Use a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water. Dip only the tips of the bristles. Do not submerge the metal part. This should be a backup method rather than your primary routine.

With Baby Oil

Baby oil is effective at breaking down long-wear liquid lipstick or waterproof mascara on brushes. However, it is difficult to rinse out.

If you use oil, you must follow up with a soap wash to remove the greasy film. If you don’t, the oil remains on the bristles and will make your makeup application streaky.

With Cleansing Mat

A textured cleansing mat is a game-changer for deep cleaning. These silicone mats have various grooves and bumps.

You swirl the soapy brush against the texture to mechanically loosen dirt from deep within the dense bristles. It is much more effective (and faster) than using the palm of your hand.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Now that you have your supplies, let’s break down the routine. You should do this simple wash every week for brushes you use daily.

This method works for synthetic and natural brushes, as well as beauty sponges.

• Time: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need:

• Gentle soap or cleanser
• Lukewarm water
• Clean towel

1. Rinse the Tips

Hold the brush bristles pointing downward under lukewarm running water. Only wet the tips. Avoid getting water into the metal ferrule (the part connecting bristles to the handle), as this loosens the glue.

2. Lather Up

Squeeze a drop of soap or cleanser into your palm or onto a cleansing mat. Gently swirl the brush bristles in the soap using circular motions. You should see the makeup pigment starting to dissolve into the foam.

3. Rinse and Check

Rinse the bristles under the water again, keeping the brush pointing down. Massage the bristles gently with your fingers. If the water is still colored, repeat step two. Continue until the water runs clear.

4. Squeeze Out Moisture

Gently squeeze the bristles with your hand or a clean towel to remove excess water. Do not pull on the bristles. Reshape the brush head to its original form with your fingers.

5. Air Dry Correctly

Lay the brush flat on a towel with the head hanging off the edge of the counter. This allows air to circulate 360 degrees. Never dry your brushes standing up in a cup; water will drip down into the glue and ruin the brush.

How to Deep Clean Makeup Brushes

If your foundation brush is stiff with old product or your blending sponge is stained, you need a heavy-duty clean. This “double cleanse” method breaks down stubborn oils.

1. Pre-treat with oil: Pour a small amount of olive oil or almond oil onto a plate. Dip the dirty bristles into the oil and swirl. The oil binds to the makeup waxes and dissolves them.
2. Scrub on a mat: Add a drop of brush shampoo or dish soap to a textured cleansing mat. Swirl the oily brush on the mat. The soap will grab onto the oil and dirt.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Run under lukewarm water. You may need to rinse longer than usual to ensure all the oil is gone.
4. Reshape and dry: Squeeze out the water, reshape the bristles, and lay flat to dry.

If you don’t have oil, 70% Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is a powerful disinfectant and stain remover.

1. Dip the tip: Pour a little alcohol into a shallow cup. Dip only the very tip of the brush bristles.
2. Swirl on towel: Immediately swirl the brush on a paper towel. You will see the pigment transfer instantly.
3. Repeat: Keep dipping and swirling until the brush comes away clean.
4. Air out: Alcohol dries very fast, but let the brush sit for an hour so the fumes dissipate before using it near your eyes.

Tips For Cleaning Makeup Brushes Properly

To keep your tools in mint condition for years, follow these pro tips. A little care goes a long way in protecting your investment.

1. Use lukewarm water: Hot water can damage synthetic fibers and melt the glue in the handle. Cold water doesn’t dissolve oils well. Lukewarm is the sweet spot.
2. Condition natural hair: If you use expensive natural hair brushes, use a tiny drop of hair conditioner on them once a month. Rinse it out well. This keeps the bristles from becoming brittle and breaking.
3. Clean sponges frequently: Sponges absorb more bacteria than brushes because they stay damp. Wash them after every 2 or 3 uses to prevent mold growth.
4. Don’t be too rough: Scrubbing too hard on a mat or your hand can cause shedding. Use gentle pressure. Let the soap do the work, not your muscles.
5. Gravity is your friend: We cannot stress this enough: dry them upside down or flat. A makeup brush drying rack is a great investment. It holds brushes upside down so gravity pulls water away from the handle glue. You can also use mesh covers (brush guards) to keep the bristles tight while they dry.
6. Avoid the ferrule: The metal part connecting the bristles to the handle is the danger zone. Keep water and soap away from here. If water gets trapped inside, it leads to rot and loose handles.
7. Sanitize between clients: If you are a makeup artist, washing is not enough. You must use a professional sanitizer spray between every single client to prevent cross-contamination.
8. Skip the vinegar soak: Vinegar is acidic. Prolonged exposure can eat away at the natural cuticles of animal hair brushes. Stick to soap or shampoo.

How Often Should You Replace Makeup Brushes?

Even with the best care, brushes don’t last forever. Most makeup brushes need replacing every 1 to 5 years. Sponges should be tossed every 3 months.

Here are the tell-tale signs it is time to say goodbye:

• Shedding: If you end up with more bristles on your face than on the brush, the glue has failed.
• Shape loss: If the brush looks frazzled, bent, or won’t return to its original shape after washing, it won’t apply makeup evenly.
• Stiffness: If the bristles feel scratchy or hard, they can irritate your skin.
• Cracked handles: Cracks can harbor bacteria and moisture.
• Lingering smell: If a brush smells bad even after a deep clean, it likely has bacterial or fungal growth deep inside. Toss it immediately.

How to Extend the Life of Your Makeup Brushes

Quality tools are an investment. Here is how to make them last longer.

First, consistency is key. Heavy product buildup hardens deep in the bristles and can snap them. Washing weekly prevents this damage.

Second, store them properly. Do not jam them into a crowded makeup bag where the bristles get crushed.

How to Clean Makeup Sponges

Cleaning your Beauty Blender requires a slightly different technique because sponges absorb everything.

Remember: sponges are porous and retain moisture, making them the perfect home for mold. Replace them frequently.

• Time: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need:

• Running water
• Bar soap (solid soap works best for sponges)
• Clean towel

1. Saturate

Hold the sponge under warm running water. Squeeze it repeatedly until it fills with water and expands to its full size.

2. Scrub on Soap

Rub the wet sponge directly against a bar of soap. Really load it up with suds. Massage the sponge with your thumbs, pressing deep to push the soap into the center.

3. Rinse and Squeeze

Rinse under the water while squeezing. You will see colored foam coming out. Keep repeating the soap-scrub-rinse cycle until the water runs clear and the sponge looks clean.

4. Dry Thoroughly

Squeeze out every last drop of water. Place the sponge in a well-ventilated area (not a dark drawer) to air dry completely.

FAQs

Can Dirty Makeup Brushes Cause Acne?

Yes. Dirty brushes are covered in dead skin, oil, and bacteria. Rubbing this mixture back onto your face clogs pores and can lead to acne mechanica, rashes, and even staph infections ⁽¹⁾.

How Do I Dry My Makeup Brushes?

Lay them flat on a towel with the bristle head hanging over the edge of the counter. Alternatively, use a drying rack designed to hold brushes upside down. Never dry them upright in a cup, as water will damage the handle glue.

What Soap Should You Use to Clean Makeup Brushes?

Gentle grease-fighting soaps are best. Dawn dish soap is great for synthetic brushes with heavy liquid makeup. Baby shampoo is best for delicate natural hair brushes. Specialized solid brush cleansers are excellent for travel and convenience.

Can I Soak My Makeup Brushes?

You can soak the bristles, but never submerge the whole brush. The water must not touch the ferrule (metal part) or the handle, as this will dissolve the glue and cause the brush to fall apart.

What Household Items Can You Use to Clean Makeup Brushes?

Dish soap and olive oil (mixed) make a great deep cleaner. Baby shampoo is a gentle alternative. Avoid using harsh vinegars or rubbing alcohol unless you are sanitizing specific synthetic tools, as these can be drying.

Can I Use Face Wash to Clean My Makeup Brushes?

Yes, you can use your facial cleanser. It is formulated to break down makeup, so it works well on brushes. However, it is often more expensive than dish soap, so you might want to save it for your face.

What is the Difference Between Cleaning Synthetic and Natural Brushes?

Synthetic brushes are durable and can handle stronger detergents like dish soap. Natural brushes are made of hair (goat, squirrel, etc.) and require gentle care, like baby shampoo or conditioner, to prevent the bristles from drying out and breaking.

Makeup Brush Reset

Keeping your tools clean is the single best thing you can do for your skin and your makeup application. A clean brush blends better, wastes less product, and keeps bacteria at bay.

Whether you choose a high-tech electric cleaner or good old-fashioned dish soap, consistency is what counts. Aim for a weekly wash, and your skin will thank you.