Deep Clean Your Makeup Brushes & Sponges: Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Tools

Updated at: 22/02/2025

We all love the perfect application our makeup brushes and sponges provide, creating flawless looks that last. But these hardworking tools accumulate a surprising amount of bacteria, oil, and product buildup, impacting both the quality of your makeup application and potentially your skin's health. Dirty brushes can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and even infections, rendering your expensive cosmetics less effective and your complexion less radiant. Ignoring regular cleaning is like using a dirty paintbrush – the results will be far from ideal.

Investing just a few minutes each week in deep cleaning your makeup tools is a small price to pay for long-lasting performance and healthy skin. This simple act extends the lifespan of your beloved brushes and sponges, ensuring they continue to blend seamlessly and flawlessly. Ready to learn the secrets to achieving a sparkling clean and rejuvenated collection? Let's dive into our step-by-step guide to deep cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Gentle soap (blender soap recommended)
  • Warm water
  • Small caddy for brushes
  • Squeegee/brush cleaning tool
  • Drying rack for brushes
  • Towel
  • Optional: Lysol wipes for brush handles
Safety Guidelines
  • Avoid submerging wooden-handled brushes completely, as this can damage the wood and loosen the ferrule (the metal part connecting the handle and bristles).
  • Always allow brushes and sponges to air dry completely and thoroughly before storing to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Lay them flat or stand them upright with bristles/sponge facing downwards.
  • Use gentle, circular motions when cleaning to avoid damaging the brush bristles or breaking down the sponge material. Harsh scrubbing can lead to premature wear and tear.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • Gather your brushes, sponges, soap, and cleaning tools.
    Gather your brushes, sponges, soap, and cleaning tools.
    Preparation

  2. Cleaning Smaller Brushes

    • Wet your brushes with warm water, keeping the ferrule (metal part) dry to avoid loosening the glue.
    • Lather the soap gently onto the bristles, avoiding the ferrule.
    • Gently scrub the brushes on a cleaning tool or your palm, ensuring to remove all makeup residue.
    • Rinse the brushes thoroughly under running water, keeping the bristles pointed downwards to protect the glue.
    Rinse the brushes thoroughly under running water, keeping the bristles pointed downwards to protect the glue.Rinse the brushes thoroughly under running water, keeping the bristles pointed downwards to protect the glue.Rinse the brushes thoroughly under running water, keeping the bristles pointed downwards to protect the glue.Rinse the brushes thoroughly under running water, keeping the bristles pointed downwards to protect the glue.
    Cleaning Smaller Brushes
    • Gently squeeze out excess water without twisting or pulling the bristles.
    • Reshape the brushes and place them in a drying rack, bristles pointing downwards.
    • Repeat steps 2-7 for all brushes.
    Repeat steps 2-7 for all brushes.Repeat steps 2-7 for all brushes.Repeat steps 2-7 for all brushes.
    Cleaning Smaller Brushes

  3. Cleaning Larger Brushes

    • Clean larger brushes similarly, using a more thorough scrubbing motion if necessary.
    Clean larger brushes similarly, using a more thorough scrubbing motion if necessary.
    Cleaning Larger Brushes

  4. Cleaning Dual-Sided Brushes

    • For dual-sided brushes, lay them flat on a towel and clean both sides gently.
    For dual-sided brushes, lay them flat on a towel and clean both sides gently.
    Cleaning Dual-Sided Brushes

  5. Cleaning Sponges

    • Soak sponges in warm water, apply soap and work it in, rinse thoroughly, and squeeze out excess water.
    Soak sponges in warm water, apply soap and work it in, rinse thoroughly, and squeeze out excess water.
    Cleaning Sponges

  6. Drying and Storage

    • Allow brushes and sponges to dry completely.
    • Store your clean brushes in a protective caddy.
    Store your clean brushes in a protective caddy.Store your clean brushes in a protective caddy.
    Drying and Storage

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Makeup Brushes: Achieve Professional Results

Tips

  • Use a gentle soap and warm water. Avoid excessive wetting above the brush hairs.
  • Don't scrub too hard; gentle movements are sufficient.
  • Ensure all soap residue is removed.
  • Keep brush bristles pointed downwards when rinsing and drying to maintain shape and prevent damage.
  • Never submerge your brushes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using harsh chemicals

Reason: Strong detergents or disinfectants can damage the bristles or fibers of your brushes and sponges, making them brittle and less effective.
Solution: Opt for gentle, pH-balanced cleansers specifically designed for makeup brushes.

2. Ignoring the handle

Reason: Germs can accumulate on brush handles, especially if you're applying makeup near your mouth or eyes.
Solution: Clean the entire brush, including the handle, with a gentle soap and water solution.

3. Not letting them dry completely

Reason: Damp brushes and sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, leading to potential skin irritation and ruining the tools.
Solution: Lay brushes flat or hang them upside down to air dry completely before storing.

FAQs

How often should I clean my makeup brushes and sponges?
The frequency depends on usage. For daily use, clean brushes at least once a week and sponges after each use. Less frequent use allows for cleaning every 2-3 weeks, but never leave them uncleaned for more than a month.
What's the best way to dry my brushes and sponges after cleaning?
Reshape your brushes and lay them flat on a clean towel to air dry completely. Avoid leaving them upright in a container as this can encourage the growth of mold and bacteria. Squeeze out excess water from sponges and air dry them flat, too.