How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes Like An Expert
How often do you clean your makeup brushes and are you doing it correctly? Constantly using unwashed makeup tools not only is nasty but can also result in different skin issues such as acne and infection. This article will guide you on how to clean your brushes and sponge correctly and how often you need to wash it:
- Why Should You Clean Your Brushes
- How to Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponge
- How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Why Should You Clean Your Brushes

Cleaning your brushes can be a chore and some might feel it is too time-consuming. However, allotting a few minutes to deeply clean and sanitize your makeup brushes can prevent you from developing acne and contracting viruses. Some effects of using dirty makeup sponges and brushes are clogged pores, pink eye, staph infection, inflammation, allergies, and wrinkles. Here are some reasons why you need to clean your brushes:
- It helps keep it in pristine condition
- Clean brush apply makeup better
- Stop skin from getting irritated
- Bristles stay softer
Just like our bodies, your makeup brushes can store dirt and oil and you need to bathe them to stay clean and fresh. Your skincare routine will not be effective if you constantly use your dirty makeup brushes. Break this nasty habit and read below on how to clean your makeup brush and sponge like a pro:
How to Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponge

What You Will Need:
- Lukewarm water
- Gentle bar of soap or cleanser
- Dry towel
- Makeup brushes and sponge
For Deep Cleaning:
Step 1: Grab your brushes and wet the bristles with lukewarm water. Avoid wetting the ferrule or the metal part that holds the handle and the bristles. This will ensure that the glue that holds it together stays on.
Step 2: Grab the soap and swirl the brushes in circular motion. You may use your fingers to gently swirl the bristles to get rid of stuck makeup and dirt in the center.
Step 3: Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat step 2 until clean.
Step 4: Squeeze out water from the brushes with a clean towel or your hands. Be careful not to pull the bristles to avoid damaging them.
Step 5: Lay on a clean towel and air dry.
Celebrity makeup artist @jamiemakeup shows us how it’s done in her TikTok below:
@jamiemakeup This is your reminder to go clean your brushes. Any questions? #makeup #mua #makeupartist #washyourbrushes #makeupbrushes #washyourmakeupbrushes #makeuptips #howto #beautyhacks #beautyhaul #OscarsAtHome #WomenOwnedBusiness #beautyblender #foundation #foundationtips #spring #dirtybrushes #tiptok #SeeHerGreatness #concealer #makeupover40 #makeupover50 #antiaging #sensitiveskin #skincare ♬ Zou Bisou Bisou - Gillian Hills
For Disinfecting:
For daily disinfecting, spray a rubbing alcohol over the bristles and use a cotton ball with alcohol to rub the ferrule and the handle.
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes

How often you should clean your makeup brushes depends on your skin type and the products you use. As a general rule, brushes that are used for liquid products such as concealer, foundation, and liquid highlighter should be washed once a week while brushes that are used for powder and dry products should be washed every two weeks. If you have acne prone and oily skin, you may want to wash it more often. For blending sponge, washing it every day is preferable since wet sponges can attract and cultivate bacteria faster.