Makeup brushes and sponges collect product, oil, dead skin cells and dust every time you use them. Over time this build-up makes application patchy, changes the colour of your products and gives bacteria a comfortable home. Cleaning them is quick once you know the routine, and it helps your tools last much longer.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you notice irritation or breakouts that do not settle, talk to a pharmacist or a qualified professional.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
There is no single official schedule, but these are widely used guidelines:
- Sponges and brushes used with liquid or cream products (foundation, concealer): about once a week, or more often if used daily.
- Eye brushes: weekly is a good habit, because the eye area is sensitive.
- Powder brushes (blush, bronzer, setting powder): every two weeks or so.
- Any tool: straight away if you have had an eye or skin infection, or if someone else has used it.
Between deep cleans, a quick spot clean on a tissue or with a spray cleaner helps keep colours from mixing.
What You Need
You probably have everything already:
- lukewarm water;
- a gentle cleanser such as baby shampoo, mild liquid soap or a dedicated brush cleanser;
- a textured silicone mat or simply the palm of your hand;
- a clean towel or paper towels for drying.
Avoid very hot water and harsh detergents, which can loosen the glue that holds bristles in place and dry out natural hair.
Step-by-Step: Washing Brushes
Step 1: Wet the bristles only
Hold the brush with the bristles pointing down and run them under lukewarm water. Keep water away from the ferrule, the metal part that joins the bristles to the handle, because moisture there weakens the glue over time.
Step 2: Lather gently
Put a drop of cleanser in your palm or on the mat and swirl the bristles through it. You will see the colour of the product run out.
Step 3: Rinse until clear
Rinse under the tap, still pointing down, and repeat the lather-and-rinse cycle until the water runs clear. Dense foundation brushes may need two or three rounds.
Step 4: Squeeze and reshape
Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel and shape the bristles back into their original form with your fingers.
Step 5: Dry flat or bristles down
Lay brushes flat on a towel with the bristles hanging over the edge of a counter, or use a drying rack that holds them upside down. Never dry them standing upright in a cup, because water runs into the handle.
Step-by-Step: Washing Sponges
- Soak the sponge under running water until it expands fully.
- Rub cleanser into the stained areas and massage it in with your fingertips.
- Squeeze the sponge repeatedly under the tap until the water and foam run clear.
- Press it into a clean towel to remove most of the water.
- Let it air-dry completely in a well-ventilated spot before storing it.
Never store a damp sponge in a closed bag or case, as trapped moisture encourages mould.
Quick Spot Cleaning Between Washes
A full wash is not always practical, especially in the morning. To spot clean, spray a little brush cleanser on a tissue or paper towel and sweep the bristles across it until no more colour comes off. This is especially handy for eyeshadow brushes when you want to switch from a dark shade to a light one. Spot cleaning removes surface product but does not replace a proper wash, so keep your regular cleaning day in the calendar.
It also helps to keep tools for liquid products separate from tools for powders, since creamy residue on a powder brush makes it pick up colour unevenly.
Drying Time and Storage
Most brushes dry overnight, while dense brushes and sponges can take longer. Avoid hair dryers and radiators, which can damage bristles and glue. Once dry, store tools upright in a holder or in a case that allows air flow, away from the bathroom’s steam if possible.
When to Replace Your Tools
With good care, quality brushes can last for years. Sponges wear out much faster. Replace any tool when:
- bristles shed constantly, splay out or feel rough;
- a sponge tears, crumbles or stays stained after washing;
- there is a lingering smell, even after cleaning;
- you see any sign of mould.
If you are just putting a kit together, our guide to beginner makeup kit essentials suggests which few tools are worth owning. Browse the beauty section for more routines and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dish soap to clean makeup brushes?
A small amount of mild dish soap can break down oily products such as foundation, but it may dry out natural bristles if used often. A gentle shampoo or dedicated brush cleanser is usually kinder for regular washing.
Can I put makeup sponges in the microwave or washing machine?
Some people do, but it can damage the sponge and heat can be uneven. Washing by hand with mild soap and letting the sponge dry completely is the safer, simpler option.
Why does my brush smell after washing?
A smell usually means water got into the handle or the brush dried too slowly. Dry brushes flat or upside down in a ventilated spot, and replace the brush if the smell does not go away.
Is it okay to share makeup brushes?
It is best not to share brushes, especially eye brushes, because they can spread bacteria. If a brush has been shared, wash it thoroughly before using it again.
Set a regular cleaning day and your brushes will reward you with smoother application. You can find more practical guides on Rashywings.com.
