How to Clean Makeup Brushes | Keep Brushes Like New

Clean makeup brushes weekly using mild soap and lukewarm water, rinsing until the water runs clear, then laying them flat to dry with bristles hanging off the counter edge.

Dirty brushes don’t just apply makeup poorly — they’re a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause breakouts and skin irritation.

What You Need to Wash Makeup Brushes

The supply list is short: mild liquid soap (dish soap works for synthetic bristles), baby shampoo, or a gentle shampoo; lukewarm water; a shallow bowl or your palm; and a clean towel. A brush cleaning mat or textured glove makes the job faster but isn’t required. For spot cleaning between full washes, keep 99% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton pad handy.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes Step by Step

Wet only the bristles — never the ferrule (the metal band) or the handle — under lukewarm water running in the direction of the bristles. Squeeze a small amount of cleanser into your palm or onto a cleaning mat, then swirl the damp bristles in it until a lather forms. Rinse thoroughly under running water until the water runs completely clear, gently squeezing the bristles as you go. Press out excess moisture with a clean towel, reshape the bristles to their original form, and lay the brush flat with the bristles hanging just off the counter edge so air circulates around them.

The single most important rule: never stand brushes upright to dry — water wicks down into the ferrule, loosens the glue, and causes bristle shedding. Skip hairdryers and radiators entirely. Heat ruins bristles and shrinks natural fibers.

How Often to Clean Each Type of Brush

Foundation and concealer brushes need washing once per week. Eye brushes — the ones touching your lash line and sensitive lids — should be cleaned twice per week. Powder brushes for blush, bronzer, and setting powder can go every 1 to 2 weeks. Makeup sponges, which trap product and moisture deep inside, require cleaning after every single use. Between full washes, a 10-second swipe with a cotton pad dampened with 99% isopropyl alcohol keeps bacteria in check.

For synthetic brushes, you can use a slightly stronger soap like gentle dish soap. Natural bristle brushes demand a gentler shampoo — baby shampoo is the safest bet — because harsh detergents strip the natural oils that keep bristles soft.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Brushes

The fastest way to destroy a brush is wetting the ferrule: water seeps into the handle and loosens the glue, causing bristles to fall out in clumps. Drying brushes upright causes the same problem from the other direction. Hairdryers, radiators, and direct sunlight all damage bristle integrity over time, making them scratchy and less effective at blending. Harsh soaps like laundry detergent or hand sanitizer strip natural oils and leave synthetic fibers brittle. Handle the bristles gently when washing — aggressive twisting or scrubbing bends the fibers permanently.

Handle Sanitization

During brush washing, the handles also accumulate bacteria from your hands and bathroom surfaces. A quick wipe with a disinfectant spray on a paper towel keeps the entire tool sanitary. This matters most for brushes you lend to others or carry in a travel bag.