How to Clean Makeup Brushes Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Makeup brushes, gentle cleanser and a silicone cleaning mat arranged for a step-by-step brush-cleaning guide.

Learning how to clean makeup brushes properly can help remove old makeup, oil and residue while keeping your beauty tools in good condition. Fortunately, you do not need a complicated routine or expensive equipment. With a gentle cleanser and the correct drying method, you can clean your brushes easily at home.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

Makeup products gradually collect between the bristles whenever you use a brush. Facial oils, dust and other residue may also build up over time.

Regular cleaning can:

  • Remove old makeup from the bristles
  • Prevent colours from mixing during application
  • Help brushes apply products more evenly
  • Keep the bristles feeling soft
  • Extend the useful life of good-quality brushes
  • Make your beauty routine feel cleaner and more organised

Cleaning is especially important for brushes used with liquid and cream products because these formulas may collect deep inside the bristles.

What You Need to Clean Makeup Brushes

Before starting, gather the following items:

  • Lukewarm water
  • A clean towel
  • A small bowl or clean sink
  • Gentle soap or makeup-brush cleanser
  • Silicone cleaning mat, if available
  • Makeup-brush drying rack, if available

A purpose-made makeup-brush cleanser (paid link) can make the process more convenient. Always read and follow the cleanser’s directions before using it.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes Properly

Step 1: Wet the brush bristles

Hold the brush with its bristles pointing downward and rinse them under lukewarm water.

Try to keep water away from the metal section where the bristles connect to the handle. Allowing water to enter this area may weaken the glue or loosen the bristles over time.

Avoid soaking the entire brush in a bowl of water.

Step 2: Apply a small amount of cleanser

Place a small amount of gentle cleanser in your palm, a clean bowl or on a brush-cleaning mat.

Use only as much as you need. Too much cleanser can take longer to rinse from dense brushes.

Step 3: Gently clean the bristles

Move the wet bristles gently over your palm or cleaning surface. Work the cleanser into the bristles without pulling or pressing them too hard.

A silicone makeup-brush cleaning mat (paid link) may help loosen makeup from the bristles. Follow the product instructions and use gentle circular movements to avoid damaging the brush.

Repeat the cleaning process if the water remains heavily coloured by makeup.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly

Rinse the bristles under clean lukewarm water while keeping the brush pointed downward.

Continue rinsing until the water appears clear and no visible cleanser remains. Avoid using very hot water because it may affect the bristles or the adhesive inside the brush.

Step 5: Remove excess water

Gently squeeze the bristles using clean fingers or a soft towel. Do not twist, pull or rub them roughly.

Reshape the brush head so that the bristles return to their normal position.

Step 6: Dry the brushes correctly

Lay the brushes horizontally on a clean towel with the bristles extending beyond the edge of a counter. This allows air to move around the brush head.

You can also use a makeup-brush drying rack (paid link) that holds brushes with the bristles facing downward.

Do not dry wet brushes upright with the bristles pointing upward. Water may travel into the handle and loosen the parts holding the brush together.

Allow the brushes to dry completely before placing them back into storage.

How Often Should Makeup Brushes Be Cleaned?

The best cleaning schedule depends on how frequently you apply makeup and which products you use.

Brushes used with liquid foundation, concealer and cream products normally need more frequent cleaning than brushes used occasionally with dry powders. A brush should also be cleaned when it has visible product buildup, feels different or stops applying makeup evenly.

People who share makeup tools should avoid sharing uncleaned brushes. If a brush is used by another person, clean it properly before using it again.

How to Clean a Makeup Sponge

Reusable makeup sponges should also be cleaned according to their manufacturer’s instructions.

A simple method is to:

  1. Wet the sponge with lukewarm water.
  2. Apply a small amount of suitable cleanser.
  3. Gently squeeze the sponge to loosen makeup.
  4. Rinse it thoroughly.
  5. Continue squeezing and rinsing until the water is clear.
  6. Place it in a clean, well-ventilated area to dry completely.

Avoid aggressively twisting the sponge because this may cause tearing.

If you need an additional applicator, you can view this makeup sponge on Amazon (paid link). Check its material, quantity and cleaning instructions on the current listing before purchasing.

Replace a reusable sponge if it develops tears, an unusual smell, permanent staining or other signs of deterioration that do not improve after cleaning.

Common Makeup-Brush Cleaning Mistakes

Soaking the entire brush

Submerging the handle and metal section may allow water to reach the glue holding the brush together.

Using very hot water

Hot water may damage some bristles or weaken the brush’s construction. Lukewarm water is a safer general choice.

Scrubbing too aggressively

Rough scrubbing, pulling and twisting may change the shape of the brush or cause bristles to fall out.

Leaving cleanser inside the bristles

Product left behind may make the brush feel stiff. Rinse carefully until the water runs clear.

Drying brushes upright

When wet brushes are placed upright, water can move down into the handle. Dry them horizontally or with the bristles pointing downward instead.

Storing damp brushes

Make sure brushes are completely dry before putting them into a closed container.

How to Store Clean Makeup Brushes

Store clean, dry brushes in an area protected from dust, moisture and bathroom splashes.

A makeup-brush storage holder (paid link) may help keep your brushes upright and organised. Before purchasing, check the holder’s dimensions and capacity to make sure it will accommodate your brush collection.

Do not place damp brushes into the holder. Allow them to dry completely first.

When Should You Replace a Makeup Brush?

A makeup brush may need replacing when:

  • It sheds bristles repeatedly
  • The handle or metal section becomes loose
  • The bristles remain stiff after careful cleaning
  • The brush loses its original shape
  • The bristles become rough or uncomfortable
  • It no longer applies makeup evenly

If several brushes need replacing, consider an affordable makeup-brush set (paid link). Compare the included brush types, materials, customer feedback and seller information before deciding.

Useful Makeup-Brush Cleaning Tools

You do not need every accessory to clean your brushes, but the following tools may make the process easier:

  • Brush cleanser: Helps remove cosmetic residue from the bristles.
  • Silicone cleaning mat: Provides a textured surface for gentle cleaning.
  • Drying rack: Holds brushes in a suitable drying position.
  • Storage holder: Keeps clean, dry brushes organised.
  • Makeup sponge: Provides another application option for liquid or cream products.
  • Brush set: Useful when replacing old or damaged brushes.

Choose products based on your routine, available storage space and budget—not unrealistic promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash makeup brushes with ordinary soap?

A gentle soap may be suitable for some brushes, but always consider the brush manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Avoid harsh products that leave the bristles dry or stiff.

Can I soak makeup brushes overnight?

It is better not to soak an entire brush. Prolonged soaking may allow water into the handle and weaken the adhesive.

Can I use a hair dryer?

High heat may affect the shape or condition of the bristles. Air-drying is generally the gentler option.

Why does my brush still feel oily after washing?

Liquid or cream makeup may require another gentle cleaning cycle. Rinse thoroughly afterward to remove all remaining cleanser.

Should I clean a brand-new makeup brush?

Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some people prefer to wash new brushes gently before their first use to remove loose particles or packaging residue.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clean makeup brushes properly can help keep your beauty tools organised, comfortable to use and performing as intended.

Remember the basic process: wet only the bristles, clean gently, rinse thoroughly, reshape and allow the brush to dry completely. Avoid soaking the handle or storing brushes while they are still damp.

For more practical beauty advice and carefully selected product options, visit our Beauty Offers page.

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