Keeping your makeup brushes clean is one of the most important steps in any beauty routine, yet it's often overlooked. A clean brush not only delivers a flawless makeup application but also protects your skin from breakout-causing bacteria and prolongs the life of your favourite tools. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple, effective process of how to clean makeup brushes, ensuring they stay in perfect condition. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to refine your technique, this routine is for you.
Fast Answer
- Cleanser: Use a gentle soap like baby shampoo or a specialised brush cleanser.
- Method: Wet bristles, gently swirl in cleanser, rinse thoroughly with bristles pointing down, and lay flat to air dry.
- Frequency: Weekly for foundation and concealer brushes; every 2-4 weeks for eye and powder brushes.
Before You Start
Gathering your supplies beforehand makes the process smooth and quick. You likely have everything you need right at home. The key is to be gentle with your tools to ensure they last for years.
- Your dirty makeup brushes.
- A gentle cleansing solution, such as baby shampoo, a mild bar of soap (like Dove or Pears), or a dedicated makeup brush cleanser.
- A small bowl for water or simply use the palm of your hand.
- Access to a tap with lukewarm running water.
- A clean, absorbent towel for drying.
- An optional, but highly recommended, textured silicone mat for a deeper clean.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow this routine for a deep clean that restores your brushes without causing damage. Remember to be patient and gentle throughout the process.
Wet the Bristles Only
Start by holding your brush with the bristles pointing downwards under a stream of lukewarm water. Hot water can damage delicate bristles and potentially loosen the glue in the ferrule, while cold water is less effective at breaking down oils. Wet only the bristles, doing your best to keep the ferrule and wooden handle completely dry. This downward angle prevents water from seeping upwards into the handle.
Apply Your Cleanser
Place a small, pea-sized amount of your chosen cleanser onto a silicone cleaning mat, the palm of your hand, or into a small, shallow bowl. You don't need a lot of product; a little goes a long way. If you are using a solid bar of soap, you can simply wet the soap and swirl the damp brush directly onto it.
Gently Swirl and Lather
Gently swirl the wet brush bristles into the cleanser using circular motions. You will begin to see the makeup residue lift from the brush and mix with the soapy lather. Continue this motion for about 20-30 seconds, applying light pressure. If using a textured mat, work the brush across the different patterns to get deep into the centre of the bristles. Be thorough but avoid pressing so hard that you bend or fray the bristles.
Rinse Thoroughly
Once the brush is well-lathered and the makeup is loosened, it's time to rinse. Place the brush back under the lukewarm running water, again making sure the bristles are pointing downwards. Rinse until the water running from the bristles is completely clear. This is a crucial step; any leftover soap residue will leave your brushes feeling stiff and can irritate your skin.
Squeeze Out Excess Water
After rinsing, turn off the tap and gently squeeze the bristles with your fingers to remove as much excess water as possible. You can also gently press the brush head against the side of the sink. Finally, lightly press and blot the bristles with a clean, dry towel. Do not rub or tug, as this can distort the shape of the brush head.
Reshape the Bristles
This step is key to maintaining the performance and shape of your brushes. Use your fingers to gently smooth and mould the bristles back into their original shape. For example, fan out a powder brush, pinch a crease brush into its tapered point, and flatten a foundation brush. A well-shaped brush will dry perfectly and apply makeup just as it did when it was new.
Lay Flat to Air Dry
Lay the clean, reshaped brushes flat on your towel. For the best results, position them on the edge of a counter or table with the bristle heads hanging over the edge. This allows for 360-degree air circulation, which speeds up drying time and ensures the bristles dry evenly. Never stand your brushes up to dry in a cup; this will cause water to drain down into the ferrule, destroying the glue. Allow them to dry completely, which can take anywhere from 6 to 24 hours depending on the brush density and humidity.
Quick Reference
| Situation | Use this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Stubborn foundation or waterproof makeup | A drop of olive or coconut oil before soap | Oil effectively dissolves stubborn oil-based and long-wear makeup formulas. |
| Natural hair brushes (goat, squirrel) | Gentle baby shampoo | Harsher soaps can strip the natural cuticle of the hair, making bristles brittle and prone to breakage. |
| Synthetic brushes (Taklon, nylon) | Mild dish soap or a dedicated cleanser | Synthetic fibres are more resilient and can handle stronger cleansers needed to cut through cream and liquid products. |
| Quick clean between uses | A no-rinse brush cleansing spray | It disinfects and removes surface pigment in seconds, ideal for switching between eyeshadow colours. |
Common Problems When You Clean Makeup Brushes
Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common problems that arise when you clean makeup brushes.
- Problem: My brushes feel stiff or sticky after drying.
This is almost always caused by soap residue. You likely didn't rinse the bristles thoroughly enough. The fix is simple: just re-wet the bristles (pointing down!) and give them another complete rinse until you're certain all the cleanser is gone. - Problem: The bristles are splayed and have lost their shape.
This happens if you skip the reshaping step or if the brush dries in an awkward position. To fix it, you can get the bristles damp again, carefully reshape them with your fingers, and consider using a brush guard (a small mesh sleeve) to hold the shape while it dries. - Problem: The handle feels loose or the wood is cracking near the metal.
This is a sign that water has seeped into the ferrule and handle, damaging the glue and wood. Unfortunately, this damage is often permanent. The best course of action is prevention: always keep the brush angled downwards during washing and rinsing, and never soak the entire brush. - Problem: My brushes are taking more than a day to dry.
Dense kabuki or foundation brushes can take a long time to dry. This can be due to not squeezing out enough water or high humidity in the room. Ensure you've gently squeezed out as much moisture as possible and place the brushes in a well-ventilated area, preferably with the bristles hanging over a ledge for maximum air exposure.
Advanced Tips for Cleaning Makeup Brushes
Once you've mastered the basics, these advanced techniques can take your brush care to the next level, keeping your tools in pristine condition for even longer.
- Try a Double Cleanse: For brushes used with heavy creams, liquid foundations, or concealers, adopt the double-cleansing method from skincare. First, work a cleansing oil or balm into the dry bristles to break down all the makeup. Then, follow up with your gentle soap or brush cleanser to wash everything away.
- Condition Natural Hair Brushes: Just like the hair on your head, brushes made from natural animal hair can benefit from conditioning. After washing and rinsing, work a tiny amount of a lightweight hair conditioner through the bristles. Let it sit for a minute, then rinse extremely well. This keeps them feeling soft and supple.
- Invest in a Drying Rack: For those serious about their tools, a makeup brush drying tree is a fantastic investment. These racks are designed to hold your brushes vertically, bristles down, which is the absolute best position for drying. It makes the process foolproof and protects your investment.
- Incorporate a Sanitising Step: For an extra layer of hygiene, especially if you share brushes or are prone to breakouts, you can sanitise them after they are fully dry. Lightly mist the bristles with a spray containing 70% isopropyl alcohol and let it evaporate completely. This kills any lingering bacteria without a full re-wash.
How To Clean Makeup Brushes FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to clean makeup brushes.
How often should I really be cleaning my brushes?
The frequency depends on the brush and product. Brushes used for liquid or cream products (like foundation, concealer, or cream blush) should be cleaned once a week. These products harbour more moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. For powder products (like eyeshadow, powder blush, and bronzer), cleaning every 2 to 4 weeks is sufficient.
Can I use regular dish soap to clean my brushes?
You can, but with caution. A gentle dish soap is effective at cutting through oils and is fine for most synthetic brushes. However, it can be too harsh for natural hair brushes, potentially stripping them and making them dry and brittle over time. If you use it, make sure it’s a mild, dye-free formula.
What about cleaning makeup sponges?
Makeup sponges, like a Beautyblender, are porous and absorb a lot of product, so they need to be cleaned even more frequently-ideally after every use. The method is similar: wet the sponge, apply soap, squeeze and lather repeatedly until the water runs clear, and then let it air dry completely in an open area.
Do I need to wash brand new makeup brushes?
Yes, absolutely. New brushes have been handled during the manufacturing and packaging process and can have a coating of dust or chemicals on them. Giving them a quick wash before their first use ensures they are perfectly clean and ready for your skin.
Final Checklist for How To Clean Makeup Brushes
Run through this quick checklist to ensure you've covered all the essential steps for a perfect, damage-free clean every time.
- All supplies were gathered before starting.
- Bristles were always pointed downwards during wetting and rinsing.
- Water was kept away from the ferrule and handle.
- The brush was rinsed until the water ran 100% clear.
- Excess water was gently squeezed out with fingers and a towel.
- The brush head was reshaped back to its original form.
- The brush was laid flat with bristles over an edge to dry.
- You waited until the brush was completely dry before its next use.
