How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes
This Article Written By
Carly C.
Author / Co-Owner
Hi there, my name is Carly! I am a massive New England Patriots fan, I cannot start my day without Starbucks, and… growing up, I was my mom’s messiest kid. Who would’ve thought I would be the one to own a cleaning business.
Hey there! It’s Carly from FreshLee Cleaning Co., back with some fabulous tips to keep your beauty routine fresh and flawless. If you’re anything like me, you love your makeup brushes and use them daily to create gorgeous looks. But let’s be real—how often are you cleaning those brushes? Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, oils, and leftover product, which can lead to breakouts and uneven makeup application. Don’t worry, though! I’m here to guide you through the best ways to clean your makeup brushes so they stay in top shape and your skin stays happy and healthy. Let’s dive in!
Why Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes is Important
Why It's Important
Makeup brushes come into contact with your skin every day, picking up oils, dirt, and bacteria. Over time, these can build up in the bristles, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, and even skin infections. Plus, dirty brushes don’t apply makeup as smoothly, which can ruin your look.
How To Do It
Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes removes all that gunk, keeping your skin clear and your makeup application flawless. Aim to clean your brushes at least once a week if you use them daily.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
What You Need
Before you get started, gather the following supplies:
- Gentle liquid soap or baby shampoo
- Olive oil or coconut oil (for deep cleaning)
- A clean towel or paper towels
- A brush cleaning mat or silicone pad (optional but helpful)
- Lukewarm water
How To Do It
Having everything ready makes the process smooth and easy. If you don’t have a brush cleaning mat, don’t worry—you can still clean your brushes effectively by using your hand.
Start with a Simple Clean
Why It's Important
A regular, gentle clean keeps your brushes in good condition and removes surface-level dirt and product.
How To Do It
- Wet the bristles of your brush with lukewarm water, being careful not to wet the handle to avoid loosening the glue that holds the bristles in place.
- Put a small amount of gentle soap or baby shampoo on your palm or a brush cleaning mat.
- Swirl the brush bristles in the soap, working up a lather.
- Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
- Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the bristles with your fingers.
- Lay the brush flat on a clean towel to dry, making sure the bristles hang off the edge of the counter to maintain their shape.
Don’t Forget the Brush Handles!
Why It's Important
While the bristles are the main focus, the handles of your brushes can also pick up dirt and bacteria. Cleaning the handles ensures your entire brush is hygienic.
How To Do It
Wipe down the handles with a damp cloth and a little soap, then dry them with a clean towel. This step only takes a minute but makes a big difference in keeping your brushes clean.
Drying Your Brushes the Right Way
Why It's Important
How you dry your brushes is just as important as how you clean them. Improper drying can lead to misshapen bristles or even damage the brush.
How To Do It
After cleaning, lay your brushes flat on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. This allows them to air dry without being squished. Never dry your brushes upright—water can seep into the handle and loosen the glue, shortening the life of your brushes.
Quick Cleaning Between Uses
Why It's Important
If you don’t have time for a full clean, a quick clean between uses can keep your brushes in better shape and prevent product buildup.
How To Do It
Use a brush cleaning spray or a DIY solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Spray it onto a paper towel and gently swipe the brush back and forth to remove surface product. This isn’t a replacement for regular cleaning but is great for a quick refresh.