What Do You Use to Clean Makeup Brushes: A Practical Guide
Discover safe cleaners, brushes, and steps to clean makeup brushes effectively. Learn techniques for synthetic and natural bristles, drying, and maintenance from Cleaning Tips.
To clean makeup brushes, gather mild soap or specialized brush cleanser, lukewarm water, and a clean towel. Gently swirl the bristles in the cleanser, rinse under running water until the water runs clear, and reshape the brush heads. Lay flat to dry on a towel, and repeat regularly to prevent bacteria buildup, breakouts, and bristle damage.
Why clean makeup brushes matters
Your makeup brushes touch your skin every day, so keeping them clean is more than a cosmetic preference—it’s a health habit. Over time, brushes collect oils, old makeup particles, and bacteria that can transfer back onto your skin, contributing to clogged pores or irritation. The Cleaning Tips team emphasizes that a routine cleaning plan protects skin health, preserves brush integrity, and ensures makeup applies evenly. In this section, we explore the why and the how of brush hygiene, including warning signs that your brushes need a deeper cleanse and how often to reclean based on usage. A simple, consistent routine saves you from costly breakouts and bristle damage later. This guidance aligns with Cleaning Tips' ongoing focus on practical, skin-safe cleaning habits for households in 2026.
What you use to clean makeup brushes
Choosing the right cleanser is more important than you might think. A mild soap or a dedicated brush cleanser neutralizes oils and lifts pigment without damaging delicate bristles. Common options include baby shampoo, gentle liquid hand soap, or a silicone brush-cleaning solution. Water should be lukewarm—not hot—to protect bristle integrity and prevent handle swelling. For best results, pair your cleanser with a clean bowl or basin and a soft towel. Avoid perfumed detergents or household cleaners with strong fragrances, as these can irritate skin and leave residues. According to Cleaning Tips, using appropriate cleaners and avoiding harsh chemicals makes a noticeable difference in brush longevity and skin comfort.
Cleaning by brush type: synthetic vs natural bristles
Synthetic brushes (nylon, taklon, or similar blends) are generally easier to clean and more resistant to water damage, making them forgiving for daily cleansing. Natural bristles (such as sable or goat) are softer and hold moisture longer, which can lead to longer drying times and greater risk of bristle shedding if not treated gently. When cleaning natural-bristle brushes, use milder cleansers and avoid aggressive scrubbing. For both types, rinse thoroughly to remove soap residues that can dry out bristles or irritate skin. The goal is clean bristles that bounce back without losing shape, texture, or grip on makeup. This approach helps ensure brushes remain comfortable on the skin and render an even application.
How to prepare brushes and avoid damage
Before washing, inspect each brush for loose ferrules or missing bristles. Do not soak the ferrule, as water can loosen glue over time. Gently remove visible product buildup with your fingers or a soft brush to reduce the amount of cleaning needed. Place a towel in the sink to catch drips and lay brushes flat to keep bristles from bending. If you use a brush cleaning pad or mat, place brushes bristles-down and work in small circular motions. This preparation minimizes drag on the bristles and helps maintain brush shape after drying, a tip echoed in professional cleaning routines recommended by Cleaning Tips in 2026.
Step-by-step cleaning overview
Here is the concise workflow you’ll follow for most brushes: wet the bristles from the lower third down, apply a small amount of cleanser, lather in gentle circular motions, rinse until water is clear, gently squeeze out excess water, reshape the brush head, and lay flat to dry. You’ll typically see the most effective results when you complete a cleansing cycle, dry brushes thoroughly, and store them upright or on a clean surface. A thorough cleanse can be repeated if you notice product buildup or skin irritation returns. This overview prepares you for a deeper, step-by-step routine that prioritizes skin health and brush longevity.
Drying and storage habits
Drying is as important as cleansing. Gently squeeze out extra moisture with a soft towel—do not twist the bristles or apply heat to accelerate drying. Reshape each brush to its original form and lay it flat on a clean towel or hang with bristles pointing downward. Allow brushes to dry fully before use; damp brushes can harbor bacteria and promote mold if left damp in a makeup bag. When storing, keep brushes in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight to protect bristle color and integrity. Consistent drying practices help extend brush life and preserve performance.
Common mistakes to avoid and quick fixes
Common mistakes can undo your hard work. Avoid over-soaking brushes, which weakens glue and loosens bristles. Do not use hot water or harsh solvents that strip natural oils or deteriorate the ferrule. Rinse until no soap remains, as residues can cause skin irritation. Never store brushes damp in a closed case, since moisture promotes mildew. If bristles shed or fray, reassess cleanser choice and brushing technique; a gentler approach often prevents further damage. Cleaning Tips highlights that simple adjustments in technique can yield stronger results with less effort.
Authority and practical sources you can trust
For science-backed cleaning principles and cosmetic safety, rely on reputable sources. The FDA provides cosmetics safety guidelines and reminds consumers to avoid harmful chemicals near facial tools. Harvard Health Publishing discusses skincare hygiene and the impact of clean tools on skin health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers general insights into the importance of hygienic beauty routines. These sources underpin practical recommendations and help homeowners and renters maintain clean brushes with confidence.
Tools & Materials
- Mild soap or brush cleanser(Choose fragrance-free options; avoid heavy detergents that can irritate skin)
- Lukewarm water(Always test water temperature; too hot can damage bristles)
- Clean bowl or basin(Wide enough to submerge bristles without hitting the handle)
- Soft towel or microfiber cloth(Used to blot and shape bristles during drying)
- Optional brush cleaning mat or pad(Helps loosen makeup more effectively with light scrubbing)
- Alcohol-free brush sanitizer (optional)(Use sparingly; not a substitute for thorough cleansing)
Steps
Estimated time: 30-45 minutes
- 1
Prepare brushes and workspace
Set up a clean workstation. Remove any residual makeup from brush heads by gently brushing along a clean surface, then lay brushes on a towel with bristles pointing downward to keep glue and ferrule dry.
Tip: Keep the ferrule away from water to minimize glue weakening. - 2
Wet bristles with lukewarm water
Hold the brush with bristles facing down and run a gentle stream of lukewarm water along the bristles, avoiding the handle. This helps prevent water from seeping into the ferrule and loosening glue with repeated exposure.
Tip: Never soak the entire brush; a quick rinse is enough for most brushes. - 3
Apply cleanser and lather
Apply a small amount of cleanser to the bristles and work it into a light lather using gentle circular motions. Focus on the base of the bristles where most makeup accumulates.
Tip: If you see pigment stubbornness, repeat the lathering stage rather than forcing scrubbing. - 4
Rinse until clear
Rinse the bristles under running lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Check for soap residue, which can irritate skin or affect makeup application later.
Tip: If the water beads with residue, repeat the cleansing step once more. - 5
Remove excess water and reshape
Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel without twisting, then reshape the brush head to its original form. This helps restore bristle alignment and return to its natural shape.
Tip: Avoid pulling on bristles while reshaping; let gravity help settle the form. - 6
Dry flat or hang with bristles down
Place brushes flat on a clean towel or hang with the bristles pointing downward to air dry. Ensure they are in a dry, ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight.
Tip: Drying times vary by brush size; reserve more time for larger powder and contour brushes. - 7
Store clean brushes properly
Once completely dry, store brushes upright in a clean holder or bag to keep them dust-free and ready for use.
Tip: Regularly refresh storage to prevent bristle bending during transit.
Questions & Answers
How often should I clean makeup brushes?
Clean brushes on a regular schedule based on usage and product buildup. If you use your brushes daily, consider cleansing more often; for lighter use, deeper cleanses can be scheduled less frequently. Always inspect for product buildup or skin irritation as signs you’re due for a cleanse.
Clean brushes on a regular schedule based on usage. If you use them daily, cleanse more often; inspect for buildup and irritation as cues to cleanse.
Can I use household cleaners on makeup brushes?
Avoid bleach, ammonia, or strong solvents. Use mild cleansers or a dedicated brush cleanser to minimize residue and protect bristles. Household cleaners can leave irritants that transfer to skin.
Avoid harsh household cleaners. Use mild cleansers to protect bristles and skin.
Should I soak brushes when cleaning?
Soaking brushes can loosen glue and damage bristles. Instead, rinse bristles under lukewarm water and clean with a gentle motion. Dry thoroughly to prevent mold.
Don’t soak brushes; rinse gently and dry completely.
What is the best way to dry brushes?
Lay brushes flat on a clean towel or hang them with bristles pointing downward to ensure water drains away from the handle. Avoid heat sources that can warp bristles.
Dry with bristles downward on a towel or rack, away from heat.
Are natural bristle brushes harder to clean than synthetic?
Natural bristles can be more delicate and hold moisture longer, requiring gentler cleansers and careful drying. Synthetic bristles tolerate more vigorous cleaning but still benefit from mild products.
Natural bristles need gentler cleaning; synthetic are a bit tougher but still benefit from mild care.
Will cleaning brushes reduce acne and breakouts?
Regular cleaning removes buildup that can transfer makeup and oils to your skin, reducing pore clogging. It’s part of a broader skin-care routine that also includes proper product choices.
Clean brushes regularly to reduce product and oil transfer to skin.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Choose gentle cleansers to protect bristles
- Rinse until clear to avoid irritation
- Dry brushes flat or bristles-down to preserve shape
- Avoid soaking ferrules to prevent glue loosening
- Store brushes in a clean, dry space
