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

Introduction

Learning how to clean makeup brushes is one of the most important habits for anyone who wears makeup. Clean brushes not only protect your skin from bacteria and breakouts; they also make your products apply more smoothly and last longer. Over time, bristles collect oils, dirt, and leftover pigment, which can clog pores and affect the finish of your makeup.

With the best way to clean makeup brushes, you’ll improve both hygiene and performance. This guide shares practical makeup brush cleaning tips, from basic wash methods to professional brush cleansers and easy DIY makeup brush cleaner recipes. You’ll also learn how often to clean makeup brushes so your tools stay in top condition and your skin stays healthy.

Whether you’re new to makeup or already have a full kit, keeping brushes fresh and sanitized is an essential step in every beauty routine.

1. Basic Cleaning Methods

Why Cleaning Is Important

Understanding how to clean makeup brushes starts with knowing why it matters. Brushes pick up oils, dead skin, and bacteria every time they touch your face. Research has shown that unwashed brushes can accumulate harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which increases the risk of skin irritation and infection (Naeem et al., 2012). Without regular care, this buildup can cause breakouts, irritation, and uneven application. Following the best way to clean makeup brushes will not only protect your skin but also extend the life of your tools.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Rinsing the Brushes
Hold each brush under lukewarm water with the bristles facing downward. This keeps water from loosening the glue inside the ferrule. As a rule of thumb, rinsing after each use is one of the simplest makeup brush cleaning tips to reduce buildup.

Applying Cleanser
Place a small amount of brush cleanser or gentle shampoo in your palm and swirl the bristles until they lather. For those who prefer natural solutions, a DIY makeup brush cleaner like baby shampoo works just as well. Always avoid soaking the handle, especially if it’s wooden.

Rinsing Again
Rinse until the water runs clear, repeating the lathering if necessary. This step is crucial to remove all product and bacteria so the brushes are fully refreshed.

Squeezing Out Excess Water
Gently squeeze the bristles with your fingers, then blot on a clean towel. Reshape the bristles before leaving them to dry.

Best Practices for Basic Cleaning

• Never soak brushes in water, as this loosens the glue holding bristles.
• Always use lukewarm water, hot water can warp or damage delicate hairs.
• Stick with gentle cleansers; harsh soaps make bristles brittle.
• Many professionals agree that baby shampoo remains the best way to clean makeup brushes at home because it’s safe, affordable, and effective. Dermatologists also recommend gentle shampoos for brush cleaning, noting they maintain bristle quality while effectively removing residue (Kaur & Singh, 2019).

2. Using Brush Cleansers

Types of Brush Cleansers

When deciding how to clean makeup brushes, choosing the right cleanser makes a big difference. There are liquid, solid, and spray options available, each suited to different needs.

• Liquid Cleansers: The best way to clean makeup brushes that are used with cream or liquid products. They dissolve oils and pigments deeply.
• Solid Cleansers: Compact and ideal for travel. They gently cleanse and condition natural bristles, making them a favorite among professionals.
• Spray Cleansers: A convenient choice for quick refreshes. These are perfect for spot-cleaning between shades, one of the most practical makeup brush cleaning tips.

How to Use Brush Cleansers

For Liquid Cleansers

1. Dispense a small amount into a dish.
2. Swirl the bristles in the solution until lathered.
3. Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water and reshape.

For Solid Cleansers

1. Wet the brush and swirl directly over the solid soap.
2. Work the lather into the bristles.
3. Rinse clean and reshape before drying.

For Spray Cleansers

1. Spray directly onto bristles or onto a clean towel.
2. Wipe the brush in circular motions to lift away residue.
3. Let the brush air dry before using again.

Why Use Brush Cleansers?

While a DIY makeup brush cleaner is great for natural solutions, professional cleansers provide consistent results and are designed to sanitize effectively. They also help answer the common question of how often to clean makeup brushes, since quick sprays can maintain hygiene between deep washes.

3. DIY Brush Cleaning Solutions

Why Go DIY?

Not every solution requires store-bought products. Creating a DIY makeup brush cleaner at home is budget-friendly and often just as effective. These homemade methods are especially popular for anyone who wants gentle, natural ingredients.

Common DIY Ingredients

• Baby Shampoo: Gentle, affordable, and one of the best ways to clean makeup brushes without damaging delicate bristles.
• Olive Oil: Helps break down stubborn makeup residue while conditioning natural bristles. Best used alongside a mild soap.
• Vinegar: Acts as a natural disinfectant, though it must be diluted and followed with a fragrant cleanser to neutralize the smell. Vinegar: Acts as a natural disinfectant, though it must be diluted and followed with a fragrant cleanser to neutralize the smell.

DIY Cleaning Recipes

Baby Shampoo and Water

1. Mix one part baby shampoo with four parts lukewarm water.
2. Swirl the brush in the mixture, then rinse until clean.
3. Reshape bristles and leave to dry.

Olive Oil and Dish Soap

1. Combine two parts dish soap with one part olive oil.
2. Dip the brush and massage gently through the bristles.
3. Rinse thoroughly, ensuring no oil remains.

Vinegar and Water Solution

1. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water.
2. Soak brushes briefly, then rinse in lukewarm water.
3. Follow with baby shampoo to remove odor.

When to Use DIY Solutions

DIY methods are excellent for quick refreshes or when you run out of store-bought products. They’re a reliable option if you’re wondering how often to clean makeup brushes, since you can easily whip up a solution weekly. Plus, these recipes double as eco-friendly alternatives that support sustainable beauty practices.

4. Tips for Drying Brushes

Why Proper Drying Matters

Even after finding the best way to clean makeup brushes, how you dry them is just as important. Improper drying can lead to loose bristles, damaged handles, or even mold growth. Taking the time to dry your brushes correctly extends their lifespan and keeps them performing at their best.

Best Drying Practices

Blotting Excess Water
After rinsing, gently blot brushes with a clean towel to remove water. Avoid twisting or pulling the bristles, as this can cause shedding and shorten the life of your tools.

Reshaping the Brushes
Before setting them down, reshape the bristles with your fingers. This keeps the brush head in its original form, which is crucial for smooth application the next time you use it. Proper reshaping is a small but vital step in any makeup brush cleaning routine.

Drying at an Angle
Always dry brushes with the bristles angled downward. This prevents water from seeping into the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles), which can loosen the glue and cause shedding. Using a brush holder or stand can make this process easier.

Air Drying Only
Allow your brushes to air dry completely. Depending on density, drying may take several hours or overnight. Avoid using a hairdryer, as heat can warp natural fibers or melt synthetic ones. Proper drying is essential if you’re focused on both brush care and skin health, a cornerstone of makeup hygiene practices.

Pro Tip

If you want to speed up the process, place brushes on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel slightly so that brushes sit at a downward angle. This low-cost hack helps with quicker drying and protects the brush shape.

5. Frequency of Cleaning

How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?

Knowing how often to clean makeup brushes depends on the type of brush and how frequently you use it. A survey by the American Academy of Dermatology found that infrequent cleaning of makeup tools is strongly associated with higher incidences of acne and dermatitis (AAD, 2021). Brushes that apply liquid and cream products (like foundation or concealer) need more frequent cleaning than those used with powders. Keeping a consistent schedule is not only the best way to clean makeup brushes but also a key step in preventing skin irritation and breakouts.

General Guidelines

• Foundation and Concealer Brushes
  These should be cleaned at least once a week. Since they come into direct contact with your skin and liquid products, they are more prone to bacteria buildup.
• Eyeshadow Brushes
  Clean every one to two weeks. If you switch between colors often, use a spray cleanser for spot cleaning in between full washes.
• Blush, Bronzer, and Powder Brushes
  Every two weeks is sufficient, unless you use them daily. Cleaning them regularly ensures even powder application and better makeup results.
• Lip and Eyeliner Brushes
  These require cleaning after every use. Because they come in contact with highly pigmented or creamy products, frequent cleaning prevents staining and ensures precision.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Dirty brushes aren’t just bad for your skin; they also shorten the life of your tools. Makeup residue, oil, and dust wear down bristles faster, making them brittle. Regular cleaning, whether through professional cleansers or a DIY makeup brush cleaner, maintains both hygiene and performance.

Quick Routine vs. Deep Cleaning

• Quick Clean: Use a spray cleanser for daily or in-between refreshes. This is especially helpful for eyeshadow brushes if you’re using multiple colors.
• Deep Clean: Wash thoroughly with shampoo, brush cleansers, or DIY solutions weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the brush type.

By combining quick cleans with regular deep cleans, you ensure brushes remain in top condition, supporting both makeup hygiene practices and flawless application.

Conclusion

Keeping your tools in top shape doesn’t require expensive products or complicated steps. The best way to clean makeup brushes combines consistent care, the right cleansers, and proper drying methods. Whether you use store-bought products or a DIY makeup brush cleaner, regular maintenance ensures your brushes stay soft, effective, and long-lasting.

The benefits go beyond your brushes: clean tools support better makeup hygiene practices, healthier skin, and smoother application. From spot-cleaning with sprays to weekly deep cleans and proper drying, these habits turn brush care into a seamless part of your beauty routine.

By understanding how often to clean makeup brushes and following the techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll protect both your skin and your investment in quality tools. In the end, cleaning is not just about maintenance, it’s about elevating your makeup game while practicing smart, hygienic beauty.

FAQs

References

American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Makeup hygiene: Why you should clean your brushes. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/makeup/clean-makeup-brushes

Entani, E., Asai, M., Tsujihata, S., Tsukamoto, Y., & Ohta, M. (1998). Antibacterial action of vinegar against food-borne pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli O157:H7. Journal of Food Protection, 61(8), 953–959. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X-61.8.953

Kaur, J., & Singh, H. (2019). Cosmetic dermatology and skin care practices: An overview. Journal of Dermatology Research and Therapy, 5(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.23937/2469-5750/1510044

Naeem, Z., Khan, S., & Adil, M. (2012). Cosmetic and personal care products: A study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among female college students in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, 24(3-4), 105–109.