To clean makeup brushes properly, rinse only the bristles under lukewarm running water, work in a light shampoo or gentle cleanser, rinse until the water runs clear, squeeze out excess moisture, reshape the bristles and lay the brushes flat to air-dry.
It’s important to clean your brushes regularly because they pick up makeup build-up, oil, dirt and microbes. Dirty brushes can cause acne and rashes—and even bacterial or fungal infections, warns the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
In my opinion, washing brushes is one of those tiny cosmetic habits that’s easy to neglect but may have a big impact on both skin hygiene and makeup application.
Cleaning Products
You only need a few essentials:
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Lukewarm water
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Shampoo for gentle or clarifying
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Clean bowl
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Clean rag or paper towel
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Flat surface to dry upon
For routine cleaning, you usually don’t need harsh disinfectants or sophisticated DIY mixes.
Cleaning Step by Step
The AAD suggests the following basic process:
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Do not rinse the brush under running water—only rinse tips under lukewarm water.
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Add a tablespoon of mild or clarifying shampoo in a basin of lukewarm water.
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Dip the tips of the brushes into the solution.
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Work the bristles in your palm to create a lather.
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Wash well under running water.
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Repeat until water runs clear.
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With a clean paper towel, gently squeeze excess moisture from the sponge.
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Reshape the bristles and let the brushes dry flat.
One practical suggestion I’d like to underline is that brushes should be cleaned gently, not by harsh scrubbing of the bristles. They might lose their shape over time if handled roughly.
Cleaning Schedule
To avoid the accumulation of microorganisms, the AAD suggests that you wash your makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days.
Cleveland Clinic is more specific in its advice, depending on the product. If possible, brushes used for liquid cosmetics such as foundation or concealer should be cleansed once a week, while eye-area brushes should be cleaned approximately every two weeks.
I tend to use my foundation and concealer brushes a lot more than I would my brushes for dry powder only, so I would wash those more often.
Storage and Drying
Lay brushes flat on a clean cloth with bristles dangling slightly over the counter edge.
Don’t leave wet brushes standing upright. Water can run toward the handle and loosen the glue that holds the brush together.
Be sure the brushes are totally dry before storing or using again. Store them in a clean, dry location, not in a spot that is always wet.
Common Errors
Don’t:
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Wetting the whole brush in water
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Use of very hot water
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Vigorous scrubbing of bristles
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How to dry wet brushes upright
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Brushing before they are entirely dried
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Using someone else's makeup brushes
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Waiting months to clean them
The FDA also recommends not sharing cosmetics, as doing so could spread germs among people who use the products.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I clean my makeup brushes with just soap?
A basic cleanser may do the trick, but AAD suggests a gentle or clarifying shampoo, as soap and water alone can dry up the bristles.
2. How long do makeup brushes stay wet?
It will take some time to dry, but leaving them to air-dry overnight is a viable method.
3. Do filthy makeup brushes promote acne?
Yes. Dirty brushes can harbor oil, product residue and germs that can lead to outbreaks and irritation.
4. When do I discard a makeup brush?
Replace when bristles become badly frayed, damaged or lose their original shape.
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