Deep Clean, Disinfect, & Condition Makeup Brushes: The Ultimate Guide

Updated at: 21/03/2025

Makeup brushes, our trusty tools for flawless application, harbor a surprising amount of bacteria, oil, and product buildup. Over time, this accumulation can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and even dull-looking makeup. Ignoring regular cleaning not only compromises your complexion but also diminishes the lifespan of your beloved brushes. Maintaining hygiene and prolonging their life requires a dedicated cleaning routine beyond a quick wipe-down. Dirty brushes are a breeding ground for germs, impacting your skin health and making your makeup look less vibrant.

This ultimate guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process to deep clean, disinfect, and condition your makeup brushes, ensuring they stay in top shape for years to come. From identifying the best cleaning solutions to mastering drying techniques, we'll cover everything you need to know to achieve sparkling clean, perfectly conditioned brushes, ready for their next application. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the detailed cleaning process.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Antibacterial hand soap
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Plate
  • Paper towels
  • Brush washing glove (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Avoid submerging wooden or bamboo handled brushes completely in water, as this can damage the handle and cause it to warp or crack.
  • Always allow brushes to air dry completely and flat to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule (metal part) and damaging the glue holding the bristles.
  • Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your brushes, as this can damage the bristles and shorten their lifespan. Opt for gentle, brush-specific cleaning solutions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Cleaning Solution

    • Mix antibacterial hand soap and extra virgin olive oil on a plate.
    Mix antibacterial hand soap and extra virgin olive oil on a plate.
    Prepare Cleaning Solution

  2. Clean and Disinfect Brushes

    • Swirl each dirty brush into the soap and oil mixture.
    • Swirl the brush in the palm of your hand to distribute the mixture and clean the bristles.
    Swirl the brush in the palm of your hand to distribute the mixture and clean the bristles.Swirl the brush in the palm of your hand to distribute the mixture and clean the bristles.
    Clean and Disinfect Brushes

  3. Rinse Brushes

    • Rinse the brushes under lukewarm water, ensuring water doesn't get into the ferrule (metal part connecting bristles to handle) to prevent glue loosening and bristle loss.
    • Continue rinsing and swirling until all soap and makeup residue are gone. The water should run clear.
    Continue rinsing and swirling until all soap and makeup residue are gone. The water should run clear.Continue rinsing and swirling until all soap and makeup residue are gone. The water should run clear.Continue rinsing and swirling until all soap and makeup residue are gone. The water should run clear.
    Rinse Brushes

  4. Dry and Store Brushes

    • Squeeze out excess water.
    • Reshape the brushes and lay them flat to dry, ideally using a brush guard or wrapping the handles with paper towels to absorb excess water and prevent lint from sticking.
    Reshape the brushes and lay them flat to dry, ideally using a brush guard or wrapping the handles with paper towels to absorb excess water and prevent lint from sticking.Reshape the brushes and lay them flat to dry, ideally using a brush guard or wrapping the handles with paper towels to absorb excess water and prevent lint from sticking.Reshape the brushes and lay them flat to dry, ideally using a brush guard or wrapping the handles with paper towels to absorb excess water and prevent lint from sticking.
    Dry and Store Brushes

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

Tips

  • Use antibacterial soap to kill bacteria.
  • Use olive oil to condition the brush bristles, preventing dryness and extending their lifespan.
  • Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the bristles.
  • Invest in a brush washing glove for easier and less harsh cleaning on your hands.
  • Don't use a regular towel to dry brushes, as it can leave lint behind. Paper towels are a better option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Harsh Chemicals

Reason: Strong chemicals like bleach can damage the bristles and the brush handle, shortening their lifespan and potentially making them unsafe to use.
Solution: Opt for gentle, brush-specific cleaners or a mild soap and lukewarm water instead.

2. Ignoring the Ferrule

Reason: Leaving product buildup around the ferrule (metal part connecting bristles to the handle) can lead to bacterial growth and a smelly brush.
Solution: Pay close attention to cleaning around the ferrule with a brush cleaner or cotton swab.

FAQs

How often should I deep clean my makeup brushes?
Ideally, you should deep clean your face brushes weekly and eye brushes every 2-3 weeks, or more frequently if used daily or with creamy products. Powder brushes can be cleaned less often, around monthly.
Can I use soap and water to clean my makeup brushes?
While soap and water can work for a basic clean, a dedicated brush cleaner is recommended for a more thorough deep clean and effective removal of product buildup. Harsh soaps can damage brush fibers over time.
Investing in high-quality makeup brushes is the first step to achieving a flawless makeup application. Proper care ensures these tools—like those featured in our article showcasing five stunning rose-toned brush sets—maintain their performance and longevity. This, however, requires diligent cleaning, disinfection, and conditioning. This guide will walk you through the ultimate process to keep your brushes in pristine condition, whether they're delicate pink beauties or workhorses in your everyday collection.