Budget-Friendly Makeup Brush Cleaning: Get Sparkling Clean Brushes Under $5!

Updated at: 10/05/2025

Luxury makeup brushes might seem essential for a flawless application, but their hefty price tags can quickly drain your beauty budget. Luckily, achieving that same professional finish doesn't require breaking the bank! Dirty makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, impacting your skin and the longevity of your makeup products. Regular cleaning is crucial, but specialized brush cleaners can be expensive. This guide demonstrates how you can keep your brushes sparkling clean and hygienic, all without spending more than five dollars! We'll be using readily available household items that are gentle on your brushes yet incredibly effective at removing stubborn product build-up.

Forget expensive cleaning solutions; achieving perfectly clean makeup brushes is easier (and cheaper!) than you think. This simple, budget-friendly method will leave your brushes feeling soft, looking brand new, and ready for your next makeup masterpiece. Ready to get started and transform your dirty brushes into pristine tools? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step process below!

Safety Guidelines

  • Avoid submerging wooden or bamboo handles completely in water, as this can damage the glue and cause the brush head to detach.
  • Reshape your brushes gently after washing and lay them flat to dry; avoid leaving them upright as water can seep into the ferrule and damage the glue.
  • Always use a gentle, mild soap; harsh chemicals can damage the brush bristles and potentially irritate your skin.

Methods: Baby Shampoo & Sponge Method

Tools Needed

  • Baby shampoo
  • Cleaning sponge (or fingers)
  • Old towel or t-shirt
  • Running water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

    • Add a small amount of baby shampoo to the sponge.
    • Swirl the brush on the sponge until it becomes frothy.
    Swirl the brush on the sponge until it becomes frothy.Swirl the brush on the sponge until it becomes frothy.
    Prepare the Cleaning Solution

  2. Clean the Brush

    • Wet your brush under running water.
    • Rinse the brush thoroughly until no more shampoo or makeup residue remains.
    • Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary.
    Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary.Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary.Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary.
    Clean the Brush

  3. Dry the Brush

    • Lay the brush flat on a towel to dry.
    Lay the brush flat on a towel to dry.
    Dry the Brush

Tips

  • For foundation brushes, you might need multiple washes.
  • Use your fingers to help remove stubborn residue if needed.

Methods: Baby Shampoo & Fingertip Method

Tools Needed

  • Baby shampoo
  • Old towel or t-shirt
  • Running water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shampoo

    • Wet your brush under running water.
    • Add a small amount of baby shampoo to the brush.
    Add a small amount of baby shampoo to the brush.Add a small amount of baby shampoo to the brush.
    Prepare the Shampoo

  2. Clean the Brush

    • Swirl the brush with your fingertips, moving upwards to prevent transferring dirt into the shampoo.
    Swirl the brush with your fingertips, moving upwards to prevent transferring dirt into the shampoo.
    Clean the Brush

  3. Rinse and Dry

    • Rinse the brush thoroughly until no more shampoo or makeup residue remains.
    • Lay the brush flat on a towel to dry.
    Lay the brush flat on a towel to dry.Lay the brush flat on a towel to dry.
    Rinse and Dry

Tips

  • This method is especially quick for smaller brushes.

Methods: Beauty Sponge Cleaning

Tools Needed

  • Baby shampoo
  • Running water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sponge

    • Wet the sponge.
    • Add baby shampoo and gently swirl it in your hands, squeezing out excess water.
    Add baby shampoo and gently swirl it in your hands, squeezing out excess water.Add baby shampoo and gently swirl it in your hands, squeezing out excess water.
    Prepare the Sponge

  2. Cleanse the Sponge

    • Continue squeezing until no more makeup residue comes out.
    Continue squeezing until no more makeup residue comes out.
    Cleanse the Sponge

  3. Rinse and Finish

    • Rinse and squeeze thoroughly.
    Rinse and squeeze thoroughly.
    Rinse and Finish

Tips

  • Squeeze gently to avoid tearing the sponge.

Read more: Deep Clean Your Makeup Brushes: The Ultimate Guide for Flawless Skin

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Harsh Cleaners

Reason: Strong soaps, detergents, or alcohol can damage brush bristles, causing them to shed or become brittle.
Solution: Opt for mild baby shampoo or a specialized brush cleaner instead.

2. Rubbing Brushes Too Vigorously

Reason: Aggressive scrubbing can break down the glue holding the bristles together, leading to premature wear and tear.
Solution: Gently swirl the brush head in the cleaning solution, avoiding harsh rubbing.

3. Not Thoroughly Rinsing

Reason: Residual soap can clog pores and irritate the skin, leaving makeup residue on the brushes.
Solution: Rinse the brushes thoroughly until the water runs clear.

FAQs

What's the best budget-friendly cleaner for makeup brushes?
A gentle cleanser like baby shampoo or a mild dish soap works wonders! Avoid anything harsh or heavily scented.
How often should I clean my makeup brushes?
Ideally, you should clean your face brushes weekly, and eye brushes after each use to prevent bacterial buildup and cross-contamination.
Can I use a washing machine to clean my brushes?
No! The washing machine is too harsh and can damage the brush bristles and handles. Hand washing is always best.
Investing in a good set of brushes is the first step to achieving flawless makeup application. If you're looking to expand your collection or are just starting out, you might want to check out our guide on excellent value brush sets which features some amazing 10-piece options. But no matter how many brushes you own, keeping them clean is crucial for hygiene and preventing breakouts. This is where this guide comes in, showing you how to get sparkling clean brushes without breaking the bank – all for under $5!