How to Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponges (And How Often)
Dirty makeup brushes can cause breakouts and irritation. Learn how often to clean brushes and sponges, the best step-by-step method, and when to replace them.
Your makeup brushes and sponges touch your face nearly every day, picking up oil, dead skin, makeup, and bacteria along the way. Over time, dirty tools can contribute to breakouts, irritation, and even eye infections. They also apply makeup less evenly.
Here's how often to clean your tools, the best way to do it, and when to replace them.
Why Cleaning Your Brushes Matters
- Reduces bacteria: Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria that may contribute to breakouts and skin irritation.
- Protects your eyes: Eye brushes used near your lash line can transfer bacteria to your eyes.
- Improves makeup application: Clean bristles blend more smoothly and colors stay true.
- Extends brush life: Regular cleaning keeps bristles soft and in good shape.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
| Tool | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Foundation and concealer brushes | Once a week |
| Beauty sponges | After every use or at least weekly |
| Powder and blush brushes | Every two weeks |
| Eye brushes | Once a week, especially for liner |
| Lip brushes | After each use if possible |
If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, cleaning more often is a smart idea.
What You'll Need
- A gentle cleanser: baby shampoo, fragrance-free liquid soap, or a dedicated brush cleanser
- Lukewarm water
- A textured silicone brush-cleaning mat or the palm of your hand
- A clean towel
How to Clean Makeup Brushes: Step by Step
Step 1: Wet the Bristles
Run lukewarm water over the bristles, pointing the brush downward. Avoid getting water into the ferrule, the metal part that connects the bristles to the handle. Water there can loosen the glue over time.
Step 2: Apply Cleanser
Put a small drop of cleanser into your palm or onto a cleaning mat.
Step 3: Massage Gently
Swirl the brush in circles on your palm or mat to work up a lather. You'll see makeup coming out of the bristles.
Step 4: Rinse
Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water, still pointing downward, until the water runs clear. Repeat steps 2 to 4 if needed.
Step 5: Reshape and Dry
Squeeze out excess water with a clean towel, reshape the bristles with your fingers, and lay the brush flat on the edge of a counter or towel so the bristles hang over the edge. You can also dry brushes with bristles pointing downward using a brush-drying rack.
Pro tip: Never dry brushes standing upright. Water can drip into the ferrule and loosen the glue, causing bristles to shed. It can also create a damp environment where bacteria and mold may grow.
How to Clean a Makeup Sponge
- Wet the sponge until it fully expands.
- Apply a small amount of cleanser or a solid sponge cleanser.
- Squeeze and massage the sponge under lukewarm water.
- Repeat until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out excess water and let it air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
Never store a damp sponge in a closed container. Moisture encourages mold growth.
Quick Cleaning Between Washes
For a quick refresh between deep cleanings, use a spray brush cleaner that evaporates quickly. Spray the bristles and swipe them on a tissue. This is handy for switching eyeshadow colors, but it doesn't replace regular deep cleaning.
When to Replace Your Tools
| Tool | When to Replace |
|---|---|
| Beauty sponges | Every 1–3 months, or sooner if torn or discolored |
| Synthetic brushes | When bristles fray, shed, or lose shape |
| Natural hair brushes | When bristles are damaged or the brush smells |
| Any tool | If it develops mold, a lasting odor, or discoloration |
High-quality brushes can last years with proper care.
Bonus: Clean Your Makeup Bag Too
Your makeup bag collects spills, powder, and bacteria. Empty it, wipe it out with a gentle cleanser or disinfecting wipe, and let it dry completely every few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dish soap to clean brushes?
Mild dish soap can cut through oily makeup, but it may dry out natural hair bristles. Use it occasionally and rinse thoroughly.
How long do brushes take to dry?
Most brushes dry in six to twelve hours. Larger, denser brushes may take longer.
Can dirty brushes really cause acne?
They may contribute by transferring oil, dead skin, and bacteria to your skin. Clean tools are an easy way to reduce potential triggers.
The Bottom Line
Clean your foundation and eye brushes weekly, sponges after every use or weekly, and powder brushes every two weeks. Use a gentle cleanser, keep water out of the ferrule, and dry tools flat or bristles down. Clean tools mean healthier skin and better makeup.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider about your skin. Read our full disclaimer.
