Deep Clean Makeup Brushes in 10 Minutes! (Vinegar & Dish Soap Method)

Updated at: 23/02/2025

Makeup brushes are essential tools for achieving a flawless look, but their daily use exposes them to a build-up of product, bacteria, and oil. Dirty brushes can lead to skin irritation, clogged pores, and even breakouts, undermining the very beauty routine they're meant to enhance. Maintaining clean brushes is crucial for hygiene and preserving the quality of your makeup application, but let's be honest, the thought of a lengthy cleaning process can be daunting. Who has the time for a meticulous, hours-long deep clean?

Luckily, you don't need to sacrifice hygiene for convenience! This quick guide demonstrates how to deep clean your makeup brushes in just 10 minutes using a surprisingly effective method involving only vinegar and dish soap. Forget soaking and scrubbing for ages – this simple yet powerful technique will leave your brushes sparkling clean and ready for your next makeup masterpiece. Ready to learn the secret? Let's dive into the easy, step-by-step process!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Makeup brushes
  • Dish soap (Ajax used in video)
  • White vinegar
  • Measuring cup (optional)
  • Sink
  • Water
Safety Guidelines
  • Avoid submerging wooden or bamboo handled brushes completely, as this can damage the handle. Focus on cleaning the bristles.
  • Always rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap and vinegar. Residue can irritate skin and damage brush bristles.
  • Let brushes air dry completely, bristles facing downwards, to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Cleaning Solution

    • Fill sink with warm water.
    • Add dish soap (approximately 1-2 pumps).
    • Add 1 cup of white vinegar.
    Add 1 cup of white vinegar.Add 1 cup of white vinegar.Add 1 cup of white vinegar.
    Prepare Cleaning Solution

  2. Soak Brushes

    • Submerge makeup brushes in the solution.
    • Let the brushes soak for 10 minutes (or less, depending on how dirty they are).
    Let the brushes soak for 10 minutes (or less, depending on how dirty they are).Let the brushes soak for 10 minutes (or less, depending on how dirty they are).
    Soak Brushes

  3. Rinse Brushes

    • Rinse brushes thoroughly under running water.
    • Add a small amount of vinegar to the rinse water and let the brushes soak for a few more minutes.
    Optional: Add a small amount of vinegar to the rinse water and let the brushes soak for a few more minutes.Optional: Add a small amount of vinegar to the rinse water and let the brushes soak for a few more minutes.
    Rinse Brushes

  4. Dry Brushes

    • Gently squeeze out excess water and lay brushes flat to dry.
    Gently squeeze out excess water and lay brushes flat to dry.
    Dry Brushes

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

Tips

  • Water temperature should be warm, not scalding hot.
  • The video shows cleaning with minimal measuring. Adjust amounts of soap and vinegar according to your needs and brush quantity.
  • Check brushes frequently during the soaking process to monitor cleaning progress. You may not need the full 10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using too much vinegar

Reason: Excess vinegar can damage brush bristles and leave a lingering smell.
Solution: Dilute the vinegar solution further with water.

2. Not rinsing thoroughly

Reason: Soap and vinegar residue left on the brushes can irritate skin and clog pores.
Solution: Rinse the brushes under running water until the water runs completely clear.

3. Rubbing brushes too harshly

Reason: Aggressive scrubbing can damage the bristles, causing them to splay or fall out.
Solution: Gently massage the bristles against your palm or a cleaning mat.

FAQs

Can I use this method on all types of makeup brushes?
While this method works well for most synthetic and natural hair brushes, it's best to avoid it on brushes with delicate handles or glued-on bristles. For those, opt for a gentler cleaning method.