Makeup brushes collect more than just makeup. Over time, they can build up with oils, skincare products, dust, and other residue. Cleaning them regularly helps keep them fresh and in good condition while making your makeup application smoother.
The good news? You don’t need expensive products or complicated equipment. With a few simple steps, you can clean most makeup brushes at home.
Why Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
Every time you use a makeup brush, it can pick up makeup residue, natural oils, dust, and other buildup. If you leave that buildup on the bristles, the brush can become difficult to use and may not apply makeup evenly.
Regular cleaning also helps protect the bristles and extend the useful life of your brushes.
How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?
How often you should clean a brush depends on how frequently you use it and what you use it for.
As a general guide:
- Foundation and concealer brushes: Clean about once a week.
- Eye makeup brushes: Clean weekly, especially if you use them frequently.
- Powder and blush brushes: Clean every 1–2 weeks.
- Brushes used with cream or liquid products: Clean more frequently because they tend to hold more product.
If a brush looks visibly dirty, feels stiff, or has a noticeable buildup of product, it’s probably time to wash it.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need a special brush-cleaning kit. Gather:
- Lukewarm water
- A small amount of gentle soap or mild shampoo
- A clean towel
- A clean, dry surface for drying
Avoid using very hot water because excessive heat can affect the glue that holds the bristles together.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes Step by Step
1. Wet the Bristles
Hold the brush with the bristles pointing downward and rinse them under lukewarm water.
Try not to soak the entire brush. Keeping water away from the handle and ferrule can help prevent moisture from reaching the inside of the brush.
2. Add a Small Amount of Soap
Put a small amount of gentle soap or mild shampoo in the palm of your hand.
You can also use a clean silicone brush-cleaning mat if you have one, but it isn’t necessary.
3. Gently Work the Soap Into the Bristles
Move the brush in small circular motions against your palm.
Work the soap through the bristles gently until you start to see makeup residue being released.
There’s no need to scrub aggressively. Rough handling can damage delicate bristles.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the brush under lukewarm running water until the water runs clear and there is no visible soap or makeup residue.
Keep the brush pointing downward while rinsing.
5. Remove Excess Water
Gently squeeze the bristles with your fingers or use a clean towel to remove excess water.
Don’t twist or pull the bristles.
6. Reshape the Brush
Use your fingers to gently reshape the bristles so the brush returns to its original shape.
This helps it dry properly and keeps the bristles from becoming misshapen.
7. Let the Brushes Dry Completely
Place the brushes on a clean, dry towel and allow them to air-dry completely.
Ideally, position the handles so the bristles extend slightly over the edge of a counter or table. This allows air to circulate around them.
Avoid storing or using the brushes while they’re still damp.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes Without Brush Cleaner
You don’t necessarily need a specialized makeup brush cleaner.
For many everyday brushes, lukewarm water combined with a small amount of gentle soap or mild shampoo can be enough to remove ordinary makeup buildup.
The important thing is to rinse thoroughly and allow the brushes to dry completely afterward.
How to Deep Clean Makeup Brushes
If a brush has heavy product buildup, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.
Start by rinsing the bristles with lukewarm water, then work a small amount of gentle soap through the bristles. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
Don’t use harsh household cleaners or strong chemicals on makeup brushes.
How to Dry Makeup Brushes Properly
Drying is just as important as washing.
After cleaning:
- Remove excess water with a clean towel.
- Reshape the bristles.
- Lay the brushes on a clean towel.
- Keep the bristles exposed to air.
- Wait until they’re completely dry before storing them.
Avoid placing wet brushes upright with the bristles pointing upward. Water can move toward the base of the bristles and potentially weaken the adhesive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Very Hot Water
Hot water can damage some brush materials and may affect the adhesive holding the brush together.
Soaking the Entire Brush
Try to keep water concentrated on the bristles rather than soaking the handle and ferrule.
Scrubbing Too Hard
Makeup brushes can have delicate bristles. Gentle cleaning is usually enough.
Putting Brushes Away While Wet
Damp brushes can take a long time to dry when stored in an enclosed space. Let them dry completely first.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Household cleaning products aren’t designed for makeup brushes. Stick with a gentle cleaning product suitable for the brush.
How to Keep Makeup Brushes Cleaner for Longer
A few simple habits can make your brushes easier to maintain:
- Don’t overload brushes with product.
- Store clean brushes in a dry place.
- Avoid sharing personal makeup brushes.
- Clean brushes regularly instead of waiting for heavy buildup.
- Give brushes enough time to dry completely after washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use shampoo to clean makeup brushes?
Yes. A small amount of mild shampoo can work for removing ordinary makeup residue. Rinse the brush thoroughly afterward.
How long do makeup brushes take to dry?
Drying time varies depending on the brush size, material, and room conditions. Allow them to air-dry completely before using or storing them.
Can I use dish soap to clean makeup brushes?
A mild dish soap may remove heavy product buildup, but it can be drying or harsh for some brush materials. A gentle cleanser is generally a safer everyday choice.
Should I wash makeup brushes after every use?
Not necessarily. Brushes used with liquid or cream products may benefit from more frequent cleaning, while powder brushes can generally be cleaned less often.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to clean makeup brushes doesn’t have to be complicated. Lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser, and proper drying are usually all you need for regular maintenance.
Make brush cleaning part of your normal routine, and you’ll spend less time dealing with heavy buildup while keeping your brushes fresh and ready for your next makeup application.