How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes With Ease (2024)

Equipment / Tools

Materials

How to Clean Makeup Brushes With Baby Shampoo

1. Flush to Remove Buildup

   Hold the bristles of a makeup brush under a running faucet of warm water to flush out residue in the brush. Do not use hot water or hold the entire brush under the stream. Hot water might weaken the glue that is holding the brush head to the handle.

   

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   Fill a small bowl or sink with two cups of warm water and one tablespoon of baby shampoo. Stir to disperse the shampoo.

   

3. Clean the Brush

   Dip the brush in the shampoo water and swish to saturate. Use your fingers to gently massage the bristles and create a lather to lift away the makeup. Do not soak the entire brush.

   

4. Rinse and Repeat

   Hold the brush bristles under a faucet running warm water to rinse out the shampoo. Repeat the cleaning and rinsing steps until the water runs clear of color and no more suds are present.

   

5. Remove Excess Water

   Use a lint-free microfiber towel to gently squeeze and absorb the excess water from the brush bristles. Do not twist or wring.

   

6. Air-Dry the Brush

   • Place the brush flat on a dry microfiber towel to air-dry. Drying time will vary depending on the size of the brush. Turn the brush regularly to speed drying on all sides.
   • Do not dry the brushes upright in a holder. The excess moisture can damage the glue holding the head to the handle or damage the finish of the handle.

   Tip

   Place the dry microfiber towel at the edge of the bathroom counter and lay the freshly cleaned makeup brush with the bristles hanging over the edge of the counter to encourage even airflow all around the brush head.

   

How to Clean Makeup Brushes With Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquid works well on makeup brushes that have been caked with liquid foundation because the grease-cutting ingredients in the soap cut through the oily components. Mix a cleaning solution of one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and one cup of warm water in a small bowl. Follow the recommended cleaning steps.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes With Distilled White Vinegar

The acetic acid in distilled white vinegar helps to sanitize makeup brushes by killing bacteria. It can be used for cleaning or as a final rinse. The vinegar odor will dissipate when the brushes dry.

To use for cleaning or rinsing, wash brushes with the dishwashing liquid method first, then swirl the brush fibers in a vinegar solution containing two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar in one cup of warm water. Take care not to let the vinegar reach the ferule (the metal part) of the brush. Then tap the brush against the edge of a sink or other hard surface to dislodge excess moisture and lay flat to dry.

Tips to Clean Makeup Brushes and Keep Them Lasting Longer

• Clean makeup brushes regularly.
• Have two sets of makeup brushes on hand so that while one is drying after cleaning you can use the other set.
• Store brushes upright in a holder to prevent the bristles from becoming misshapen. For an extra set, store them in a breathable fabric makeup brush roll to protect them from dust.
• Do not store makeup brushes in direct sunlight. It can cause the bristles to become brittle.
• Handle brushes gently when gathering product and applying makeup to prevent damage to the bristles.
  

When to Replace Makeup Brushes

Any type of makeup brush should be replaced if it is losing bristles, feels harsh on your face, or has an off-odor. A brush that has lost its shape should also be replaced because it will no longer give you the contours you want. Good quality brushes used for powdered makeup will usually last 2-3 years. Brushes used for liquid products should be replaced after 1-2 years.