How To Wash Makeup Brushes

Learning how to wash makeup brushes is a cornerstone of any good beauty routine. This guide will walk you through the simple, step-by-step process of deep cleaning your brushes, ensuring they are hygienic, last longer, and help you achieve flawless makeup application every time. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your technique, clean brushes are essential for healthy skin and beautiful results.

Fast Answer

Frequency: Weekly for most brushes
Ideal Solution: Gentle soap or brush cleanser
Water Temperature: Lukewarm
Drying Method: Flat on a clean towel

20-30 minutes: Time needed (including drying setup)

Easy Difficulty

Damage to ferrule/bristles Watch out for

Before You Start

Gather all your makeup brushes that need cleaning.
Ensure you have a gentle cleaning solution (baby shampoo, mild dish soap, or a dedicated brush cleanser).
Have a clean, soft towel ready for drying.
An optional brush cleaning mat or textured glove can help speed up the process.
Choose a clean, flat surface to work on, near a sink with lukewarm running water.

Check first: Do not soak the brush handle or the metal part (called the ferrule) in water. Water can seep into the ferrule, dissolving the glue that holds the bristles in place, causing them to shed or the brush head to become loose. Always keep the water flow directed at the bristles only.

Keeping your makeup brushes clean is more than just good hygiene; it directly impacts your skin health and the quality of your makeup application. Over time, brushes accumulate makeup residue, oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This can lead to breakouts, skin irritation, and dull or uneven makeup finishes. Regular cleaning, typically once a week for brushes used with liquid or cream products, and every two weeks for powder brushes, is a small effort with significant benefits.

This guide will help you establish a consistent and effective cleaning routine, ensuring your brushes are always in top condition. We’ll cover everything from the tools you need to advanced drying techniques, making the process straightforward and easy to incorporate into your beauty regimen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, lay out everything you'll need on a clean, flat surface. This includes your dirty makeup brushes, your chosen cleaning solution, a source of lukewarm running water (your sink), and at least one clean, absorbent towel. Having everything organised makes the cleaning process smoother and more efficient. If you have a brush cleaning mat or a textured silicone glove, have that ready too, as it can make lathering and rinsing much easier.

Consider dedicating specific towels for brush cleaning to avoid transferring any residue onto your regular bathroom towels. A clean workspace also helps ensure that your freshly cleaned brushes don't pick up any new dirt or dust before they've had a chance to dry completely.

Tip: If you have many brushes, consider cleaning them in batches. This prevents overcrowding in the sink and makes each brush easier to handle individually, ensuring a thorough clean.

2. Wet the Bristles (Carefully)

Hold your first brush under lukewarm running water, pointing the bristles downwards. It's crucial to wet only the bristles and avoid getting water into the ferrule (the metal band connecting the bristles to the handle). Water seeping into the ferrule can weaken the glue, causing bristles to shed or the entire brush head to loosen over time. Keep the water flow gentle and consistent, allowing the water to run through the bristles until they are thoroughly damp but not soaking wet at the base.

Lukewarm water is ideal because it's effective at breaking down makeup and oils without being so hot that it could damage delicate bristles or melt the glue in the ferrule. Cold water may not be as effective at dissolving stubborn makeup, especially oil-based products like foundation or concealer.

Watch out: Never hold the brush with the bristles pointing upwards under the tap. This allows water to run directly into the ferrule, which is a common cause of brush damage.

3. Apply Your Cleaning Solution

Once the bristles are wet, dispense a small amount of your chosen cleaning solution into the palm of your hand. For most brushes, a pea-sized amount is usually sufficient. If you are using a brush cleaning mat or textured glove, apply the solution directly onto the textured surface. The goal is to have enough product to create a gentle lather that can penetrate all the bristles.

When selecting a cleaning solution, a gentle liquid soap like baby shampoo is often recommended for its mildness, which is beneficial for both natural and synthetic bristles. Alternatively, a dedicated makeup brush cleanser is formulated specifically to break down makeup residues and may offer conditioning benefits. Avoid harsh detergents that could strip natural bristles of their oils or dry them out.

Tip: For very heavily soiled brushes, you can let the cleaning solution sit on the bristles for a minute or two before you start lathering. This helps to loosen stubborn makeup.

4. Lather and Cleanse

Gently swirl the wet brush bristles in the cleaning solution in your palm or on your cleaning mat. Use circular motions, applying light pressure. You should see a lather forming, and the makeup residue will start to visibly come off the bristles and mix with the soap. Continue swirling and working the lather through all the bristles, making sure to reach the centre of the brush head.

The textured surface of a cleaning mat can be particularly effective at dislodging makeup from dense brushes without requiring excessive force. Be gentle, especially with delicate natural hair brushes, as aggressive scrubbing can cause bristles to bend, fray, or shed. The aim is to thoroughly cleanse without damaging the brush structure.

Tip: Pay extra attention to foundation and concealer brushes, as they tend to hold onto more oily, stubborn product. You might need to repeat this step for these brushes.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

With the bristles still pointing downwards, rinse the brush thoroughly under lukewarm running water. Continue to gently swirl the brush in your palm or on the mat under the water, allowing the suds and loosened makeup to wash away. Keep rinsing until the water running off the brush is completely clear and free of any soap bubbles or makeup residue. This step is critical; any leftover soap can make your brushes feel stiff or even cause skin irritation when you use them next.

Make sure to check the base of the bristles, closest to the ferrule, as product can often accumulate there and be harder to rinse out. You might need to gently squeeze the bristles between your fingers a few times under the water to ensure all cleanser has been removed. A truly clean brush will have its original colour and softness restored.

Check first: If the water still looks cloudy or coloured, there's still makeup or soap present. Continue rinsing until it's perfectly clear.

6. Squeeze Out Excess Water and Reshape

Once rinsed, gently squeeze out any excess water from the bristles using your fingers. Start from the ferrule and move towards the tip, applying light pressure. Be careful not to pull or tug at the bristles. After squeezing, gently reshape the brush head to its original form. For fluffy powder brushes, this means fluffing them out; for flat foundation brushes, ensure they are flat. This step helps the brushes dry in the correct shape, maintaining their integrity and performance.

Reshaping is especially important for natural hair brushes, as they can sometimes lose their original form when wet. Taking a moment to gently mould them back into place will ensure they dry correctly and maintain their functionality for applying makeup precisely. Avoid twisting or bending the bristles excessively during this process.

Tip: For very dense brushes, you can roll them gently in a clean towel before reshaping to absorb even more water, speeding up the drying process.

7. Dry Properly

This is arguably one of the most important steps to prevent damage and bacterial growth. Lay your cleaned and reshaped brushes flat on a clean, dry towel. Position them so the bristles hang slightly over the edge of a counter or table if possible, to allow for maximum air circulation around the bristles. This prevents moisture from getting trapped at the base of the brush, which can lead to mould, mildew, and weakening of the glue.

Never dry brushes upright with the bristles pointing upwards, as any remaining water will drain into the ferrule and eventually cause damage. Allow brushes to air dry completely, which can take several hours or even overnight, depending on their size and density. Ensure they are bone dry before using them again or storing them away.

Watch out: Avoid using direct heat, such as a hairdryer, to speed up drying. High heat can damage bristles, especially natural hair, and melt the glue in the ferrule. Patience is key for proper drying.

8. Repeat for All Brushes and Store

Continue this cleaning process for all your makeup brushes. Treat each brush individually to ensure it receives a thorough wash and proper reshaping. Once all your brushes are completely dry, which may take up to 24 hours depending on their thickness, they are ready to be stored. Store them in a clean, dry place, such as a brush holder or a drawer, away from dust and humidity. Ensuring they are fully dry before storage is vital to prevent bacterial growth and musty odours.

Proper storage also helps maintain the shape and longevity of your brushes. Avoid storing them in damp environments like a steamy bathroom if possible, especially if they are not fully dry. A well-ventilated area is always best. A clean, organised storage system will also make your daily makeup routine more enjoyable and efficient.

Tip: For a quick visual check, hold a dry brush up to natural light. If you see any clumps of product or discolouration, it may need another rinse or a more thorough wash next time.

Quick Reference

Situation	Use this	Why
Daily eye brushes (powder)	Quick spot clean after each use, deep clean weekly	Prevents pigment transfer and ensures clean application.
Foundation/Concealer brushes	Deep clean weekly	Removes heavy, oily product buildup that can harbour bacteria.
Powder/Blush/Bronzer brushes	Deep clean every 1-2 weeks	Less direct skin contact, but still collects product and oils.
Synthetic bristles	Mild soap or brush cleanser	Durable, good for liquid/cream products, easy to clean.
Natural hair bristles	Gentle baby shampoo or conditioner-infused cleanser	Preserves softness and natural oils, prevents breakage.

Common Problems When You Wash Makeup Brushes

Even with careful attention, you might encounter a few issues when cleaning your brushes. Knowing how to troubleshoot these can save your brushes and your skin.

Bristles Shedding or Feeling Stiff

If you notice bristles coming loose or feeling unusually stiff after washing, it's often due to applying too much force during cleaning, using water that's too hot, or getting water into the ferrule. Aggressive scrubbing can break the delicate hair fibres, while hot water can dissolve the glue. To fix this, use lighter pressure, ensure the water is lukewarm, and always keep the brush pointing downwards so water doesn't seep into the ferrule. For stiff bristles, a tiny drop of hair conditioner (rinsed thoroughly) can sometimes help restore softness to natural hair brushes.

Brushes Not Drying Properly or Developing a Musty Smell

Incomplete drying is a common problem that can lead to bacterial growth and a foul, musty odour. This usually happens if brushes are dried upright, allowing water to collect at the base, or if they are not given enough time to fully air dry. Always lay brushes flat on a towel, ideally with the bristles hanging slightly off a counter to promote airflow. Ensure the room is well-ventilated and allow ample time for drying, often overnight or even 24 hours for very dense brushes. If a brush smells musty, it often needs a re-wash and more diligent drying.

Product Residue Remaining After Washing

If your brushes still look dirty or feel greasy after a wash, it means the product hasn't been fully removed. This can occur if you didn't use enough cleaning solution, didn't lather thoroughly enough, or didn't rinse completely. For stubborn residues, especially from oily foundations or cream products, you might need to repeat the lathering and rinsing steps. Using a brush cleaning mat can also significantly improve the removal of product from dense brush heads. Don't be afraid to gently work the cleanser deeper into the bristles.

Damage to the Ferrule or Handle

Seeing the metal ferrule becoming loose or the handle discolouring is a clear sign that water has gotten into these areas. As mentioned, this happens when brushes are soaked or washed with bristles pointing upwards. Unfortunately, once the glue has started to dissolve, it can be difficult to fully repair. Prevention is key: always keep water away from the ferrule and handle, focusing only on the bristles. If a ferrule is slightly loose, some people have had success with strong, waterproof glue, but it's often a sign the brush might need replacing.

Brushes Losing Their Shape

After washing, some brushes, particularly fluffy powder brushes or precise eye brushes, might lose their original shape. This is common, but easily fixed with proper reshaping. After rinsing and squeezing out excess water, gently mould the bristles back into their intended form with your fingers. This step is crucial before laying them flat to dry. If the brush has a protective net, you can slip it back on after reshaping to help maintain its form as it dries.

Advanced Tips for Washing Makeup Brushes

Once you've mastered the basics of how to wash makeup brushes, these advanced tips can help you optimise your routine for even better results and brush longevity.

Conditioning Natural Hair Brushes

Natural hair brushes, like those made from goat or squirrel hair, can sometimes become a bit dry or brittle over time, just like human hair. After cleansing and rinsing, you can apply a tiny drop of hair conditioner (sulphate-free is best) to the bristles. Gently work it through, leave it for about 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and no residue remains. This can help to restore softness and flexibility, prolonging the life of your natural brushes.

Using a Brush Drying Rack

While laying brushes flat on a towel is effective, a dedicated brush drying rack offers superior airflow and ensures brushes dry with their bristles pointed slightly downwards. These racks typically hold brushes upside down or at an angle, preventing any water from seeping into the ferrule while allowing air to circulate freely around the entire brush head. This significantly speeds up drying time and further safeguards against damage and mildew.

Spot Cleaning Between Deep Cleans

For brushes you use daily, especially eye shadow or blush brushes, spot cleaning between deep washes can be a game-changer. A quick brush cleaning spray can remove surface makeup and disinfect the bristles without the need for water and lengthy drying. Simply spray the cleanser onto a tissue or directly onto the brush, then gently swirl the brush on the tissue until the colour comes off. This helps maintain hygiene and prevents colour transfer, allowing you to use the same brush for different shades without cross-contamination.

Batch Cleaning for Efficiency

If you have a large collection of brushes, deep cleaning them one by one can feel like a chore. Consider batch cleaning. Gather all your brushes, then work through the wetting, lathering, and rinsing steps for several brushes at once, or category by category (e.g., all face brushes, then all eye brushes). This streamlines the process and can make a big cleaning session feel more manageable. Just ensure you still give each brush individual attention for thoroughness.

When to Replace Your Brushes

Even with the best care, makeup brushes don't last forever. Knowing when to replace them is crucial for hygiene and makeup application quality. Look for signs like excessive shedding (where bristles come out every time you use or wash the brush), a consistently musty smell that won't go away, bristles that are permanently splayed or bent out of shape, or handles that have become very loose. Typically, good quality brushes can last for several years with proper care, but lower quality ones might need replacing sooner.

How To Wash Makeup Brushes FAQ

How often should I wash my makeup brushes?

The frequency depends on the type of brush and how often you use it. For brushes used with liquid or cream products (like foundation or concealer brushes), it's best to deep clean them once a week. Brushes used for powder products (like blush, bronzer, or eyeshadow brushes) can typically be deep cleaned every one to two weeks. Daily spot cleaning is also recommended for eyeshadow brushes to prevent colour mixing.

Can I use regular shampoo or dish soap to clean my brushes?

Yes, gentle baby shampoo is an excellent and affordable option for cleaning most makeup brushes, as it's mild enough for both natural and synthetic bristles. Mild dish soap can also be effective, especially for breaking down oily foundation and concealer, but ensure it's truly mild and rinse very thoroughly to avoid any residue or drying out the bristles. Avoid harsh detergents that can strip natural brush hairs.

What's the best way to dry brushes?

The best way to dry makeup brushes is by laying them flat on a clean, absorbent towel, with the bristles hanging slightly off the edge of a counter or table. This allows for optimal air circulation and prevents water from seeping into the ferrule and weakening the glue. Never dry brushes upright, as this traps moisture in the ferrule. Air dry completely, which can take several hours or overnight.

How do I clean a beauty blender or makeup sponge?

While this guide focuses on brushes, cleaning a beauty blender or makeup sponge follows a similar principle. Wet the sponge thoroughly under lukewarm water, apply a gentle liquid soap (like baby shampoo or a dedicated sponge cleanser), and gently squeeze and massage the sponge until a lather forms and the makeup comes out. Rinse repeatedly under running water, squeezing until the water runs clear. Squeeze out excess water and let it air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

How long do makeup brushes typically last?

The lifespan of makeup brushes varies greatly depending on their quality, how often they are used, and how well they are cared for. High-quality brushes, especially those with natural hair, can last for many years (5-10+) with proper cleaning and storage. More affordable or synthetic brushes might last 1-3 years before showing signs of wear like shedding, splayed bristles, or a permanent loss of shape. Regular, gentle cleaning is the best way to extend their life.

Final Checklist for How To Wash Makeup Brushes

Before you consider your brush cleaning routine complete, run through this quick checklist to ensure everything is perfect:

All makeup brushes have been thoroughly washed and rinsed until water runs clear.
No cleaning solution residue remains on the bristles, making them feel stiff or sticky.
Brushes have been gently reshaped to their original form.
All brushes are laid flat on a clean towel, with bristles ideally hanging off the edge for optimal airflow.
Brushes are drying in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or humidity.
You have allowed sufficient time for all brushes to dry completely before storing or using them again.
You have a plan for regular cleaning, fitting into your weekly or bi-weekly beauty routine.