Knowing how to clean makeup brushes is one of the simplest ways to keep old makeup, oil and bacteria off your face. You only need lukewarm water, a mild shampoo or soap, and a flat spot to dry the brushes.
This guide gives six steps, a cleaning schedule based on dermatology and clinic advice, and tips for sponges, storage and when to replace tools. Once you know how to clean makeup brushes, the whole job takes about ten minutes plus drying time.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says to clean makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days, using lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo.
- Cleveland Clinic suggests cleaning brushes for wet products weekly, dry product brushes about monthly and eye brushes every two weeks.
- Dry brushes flat or at an angle with the tips lower than the handle, so water does not loosen the glue.
- Dirty brushes can contribute to breakouts, rashes and infections, and brushes and eye makeup should never be shared.
- Replace frayed brushes, and see a doctor for a very red eye, drainage or eye pain after using makeup.
Why Learning How to Clean Makeup Brushes Matters
Makeup brushes pick up skin oils, dead skin cells and old makeup. A Geisinger article quotes dermatologist Mary Brady, who says this buildup can encourage bacterial growth and raise the risk of clogged pores, breakouts, irritated skin, pink eye and rashes.
Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Melissa Piliang adds that your eyes are more prone to infection, so brushes used around them should be washed regularly. Learning how to clean makeup brushes is a small habit with a real payoff.
The sources reviewed here describe risks such as acne, rashes, and bacterial or fungal infections. They do not claim that every dirty brush causes a problem, so think of cleaning as sensible prevention.
What You Need Before You Start
You need very little. Gather lukewarm water, a bowl, a gentle shampoo or mild soap, a clean towel and a flat place to dry.
Set aside enough time for the whole process. Brushes need to dry fully, so it pays to plan ahead, so many people find it easiest to clean them at night, as Cleveland Clinic suggests, so they are ready by morning.
Putting the supplies together first makes how to clean makeup brushes feel like a quick routine instead of a chore.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes: 6 Easy Steps
The AAD’s guide to cleaning makeup brushes is the base for these steps. Cleveland Clinic and Geisinger give very similar advice, so you can trust the general method even if the details differ.
- Wet the bristle tips. Rinse only the tips under lukewarm running water. The AAD warns that submerging the whole head can dissolve the glue that holds it to the handle.
- Add a gentle cleanser. Put about a tablespoon of shampoo into a bowl of lukewarm water. Cleveland Clinic says a mild soap such as baby shampoo or dish soap also works.
- Swirl and massage. Swirl each brush tip in the bowl, or massage it in your palm for a better lather.
- Rinse well. Rinse under running water until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out the water. Press gently with a clean, dry paper towel.
- Dry flat. Lay the brush on a towel with the tips hanging off the counter edge.
How Often to Clean Makeup Brushes
Advice varies by source, which is why a table helps. The AAD and Geisinger both say every 7 to 10 days for general use. Cleveland Clinic is more specific by product type.
| Tool | How often | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General face brushes | Every 7 to 10 days | AAD, Geisinger |
| Brushes for wet products (foundation, concealer) | About once a week | Cleveland Clinic |
| Brushes for dry products (powder, blush) | About once a month | Cleveland Clinic |
| Eye brushes | Every two weeks | Cleveland Clinic |
| Sponges for liquid makeup | Spot clean after each use | Geisinger |
If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, cleaning more often is reasonable. Following a regular schedule is the easiest way to remember how to clean makeup brushes before they build up residue. Our guide to foods for skin health covers other habits that support clear skin.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes: Drying Them the Right Way
Drying is where many people make mistakes. The AAD says to lay brushes flat on a towel with the tips hanging off the counter edge, and not to dry them upright in a container because water can run down and loosen the glue.
Geisinger suggests drying at an angle with the tip lower than the handle, and Cleveland Clinic says to let brushes dry overnight. Do not use a hairdryer, since heat can damage the bristles and glue. Patience is part of how to clean makeup brushes well.
What to Use: Shampoo, Soap or Brush Cleaner
The AAD suggests a gentle or clarifying shampoo and notes that plain soap and water can dry out the bristles. Cleveland Clinic lists baby shampoo or dish soap as mild options.
Choose one product that does not irritate your skin, and avoid strong fragrance if you have sensitive skin. A dedicated brush cleaner is optional, and no source reviewed here says it is required. If you are learning how to clean makeup brushes on a budget, a gentle shampoo is enough, and you can skip the specialty bottles.
How to Clean Makeup Sponges
The AAD page does not cover sponges. Geisinger says applicators for liquid makeup, such as sponges, need spot cleaning after every use, and Cleveland Clinic notes sponges absorb makeup and moisture, which can encourage bacteria and yeast.
A simple approach to cleaning sponges is to wet the sponge, work in a drop of mild soap, squeeze until the water runs clear, and let it dry fully. Replace sponges that are torn, stained or smell off.
Eye Makeup Safety and Replacement
Eye makeup needs extra care. The FDA says mascara should be discarded two to four months after purchase, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology says three months. Never add saliva or water to dry mascara.
Prevent Blindness adds that brushes can scratch the cornea and bacteria on the brush can enter the scratch, and that disposable applicators are the safest choice. Do not share makeup or brushes with anyone.
Replace brushes that are frayed, worn or have lost their shape, as Cleveland Clinic advises. If you get an eye infection, discard the eye makeup you were using.
A Simple Weekly Cleaning Routine
This plan is a suggestion, not a tested schedule. Adjust it to the brushes you actually use.
- After each use: Spot clean sponges for liquid makeup, as Geisinger advises.
- Every week: Wash face brushes used with foundation and concealer.
- Every two weeks: Wash eye brushes.
- Once a month: Wash brushes used for powder and blush.
A reminder on your phone helps, and a short routine for how to clean makeup brushes is easier to keep than a long one. Most people who keep up with how to clean makeup brushes tie it to a regular day, such as Sunday evening.
Storing Brushes
Store clean, dry brushes upright in a clean holder or lay them in a drawer. Cleveland Clinic notes that brushes left in the open can collect dust and airborne bacteria.
Keep makeup out of heat. The FDA says not to store cosmetics above 85°F, such as in a hot car, because heat can break down preservatives.
Common Mistakes When Learning How to Clean Makeup Brushes
- Soaking the whole brush. This can loosen the glue.
- Drying upright. Water can run into the handle.
- Using harsh soap. It can dry out bristles and irritate skin.
- Skipping eye brushes. These carry a higher infection risk, so include them whenever you plan how to clean makeup brushes.
- Sharing brushes. The AAD and Geisinger both advise against it.
Our guide to 5 natural remedies for dark circles is a helpful read if you use concealer brushes often.
When to See a Doctor
Cleveland Clinic advises calling a doctor for a very red eye, eye drainage or eye pain after applying makeup. Stop using any product that irritates your skin or eyes, as the FDA recommends, and see a doctor if the irritation continues. A dermatologist can also help if breakouts continue after you clean your tools.
FAQs
How do I know how to clean makeup brushes without special cleaner?
Use lukewarm water and a mild shampoo or soap, as the AAD and Cleveland Clinic describe. Rinse until the water runs clear and dry the brushes flat.
How often should I clean makeup brushes?
The AAD says every 7 to 10 days. Cleveland Clinic suggests weekly for wet product brushes, monthly for dry product brushes and every two weeks for eye brushes.
Can I clean brushes with dish soap?
Cleveland Clinic lists dish soap as a mild option. The AAD prefers a gentle shampoo, so choose what is gentle on your skin and bristles.
How long do brushes take to dry?
Cleveland Clinic suggests letting brushes dry overnight. Do not use a hairdryer.
Do I need to replace brushes after cleaning?
Only if they are frayed, worn or have lost their shape, according to Cleveland Clinic. Clean brushes that are in good shape can be used again.
Conclusion
How to clean makeup brushes comes down to six habits: use lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser, a quick swirl, a full rinse, a gentle squeeze and flat drying. Aim for every 7 to 10 days, and clean eye brushes and sponges more often.
The sources differ a little on timing, and none of them is a clinical trial, so adjust the schedule to your skin. Your next step: set a weekly reminder this month and note whether your skin feels calmer. See a doctor for eye pain, drainage or ongoing irritation.
Small, steady habits matter most when you decide how to clean makeup brushes and keep your skin comfortable.
