How to Clean Makeup Brushes

If you wear makeup often, you’ve probably noticed that your makeup brushes tend to get a little dirty after a few uses. Cleaning your makeup brushes will help keep your skin clear and your makeup application flawless. Try cleaning your brushes quickly after every use and doing a deep clean about once a week to keep your brushes in tiptop shape.

Method 1
Method 1 of 11:
Spritz your brushes with rubbing alcohol after every use.

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    Cleaning every day can help keep your brushes germ and bacteria-free. After you use any of your brushes, spray a bit of rubbing alcohol onto the bristles of your brush, then gently wipe it on a clean cloth. Leave the brush out to dry before you use it again.[1]
    • You can find rubbing alcohol at most drug stores or pharmacies.
    • If you’re really worried about germs on your makeup brushes, consider investing in a makeup brush sterilizer. This machine uses a UV light to disinfect your brushes in minutes, leaving them 99.9% germ-free.

Method 2
Method 2 of 11:
Deep clean your brushes once a week.

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    Using dirty makeup brushes can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. If you use your brushes often, try to clean them thoroughly every 7 to 10 days. Your skin will thank you![2]
    • This is especially true for foundation and concealer brushes, since those are usually coated with thick layers of makeup.

Method 3
Method 3 of 11:
Wipe off excess makeup with a clean cloth.

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    This is the first step in the deep cleaning process. Before you get to deep cleaning, grab a paper towel or a clean hand towel and give your brush a good wipedown, handle and all. You’ll probably be surprised at how much makeup comes off with this quick once over, and it can really make your cleaning job easier.[3]
    • Try swirling your makeup brush onto a paper towel a couple of times to remove all the excess makeup.

Method 4
Method 4 of 11:
Run the bristles of the brushes under lukewarm water.

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    As you rinse, keep the bristles pointed downward. This will help avoid the water running back and into the center of the brush, which can dissolve the glue that holds the brushes together. Move and separate the bristles to really penetrate into the center of the brush.[4]
    • Stick to lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water can damage the bristles on your brush over time, especially if you clean them often.

Method 5
Method 5 of 11:
Mix warm water and 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of shampoo.

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    You can use baby shampoo or clarifying shampoo. Fill up a bowl or a shallow dish with water from the sink, then mix in your shampoo of choice. Your measurements don’t have to be exact, but make sure there’s enough water to cover the bristles of your brush.[5]
    • You can also use makeup cleansers or detergents, but shampoos work just as well.
    • While some makeup experts recommend using dish soap for its degreasing properties, others warn that the harsh soap could dry out your bristles over time.

Method 6
Method 6 of 11:
Add olive oil or coconut oil if your makeup is oil-based.

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    You only need about 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of oil to help clean your brush. If you use an oil-based foundation or concealer, mix in 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil or coconut oil along with your water and shampoo. The oil will help break down the makeup much easier, leading to a cleaner, fresher brush.[6]
    • This is a great way to cleanse natural brushes to keep them in tiptop shape.

Method 7
Method 7 of 11:
Swirl each brush in your mixture.

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    Try to get a good lather going for the best results. This should only take around 20 seconds. You’ll probably notice the water getting cloudy or dirty as the makeup comes off your brush, which is a good sign![7]
    • If your brush is really dirty, swirl it around in the palm of your hand to work up a lather. This will help agitate the bristles more, which can lead to a deeper clean.

Method 8
Method 8 of 11:
Rinse the brush under warm water.

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    Continue massaging the bristles to really clean them off. Keep the brush pointed downwards so the water doesn’t run back into the handle, and keep rinsing until all of the soap or shampoo is completely gone. Don’t worry if your brush isn’t completely clean yet—you’ll still have a chance to cleanse it further.[8]
    • If the water runs completely clean, your brush is good to go! You don’t need to cleanse it again.

Method 9
Method 9 of 11:
Shampoo the brush again if it’s still dirty.

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    Thick makeup might be a little tricky to get out. If your brush needs it, empty out your dirty bowl and fill it back up with warm water and shampoo. Swirl the brush around again, then rinse it using warm water.[9]
    • For most brushes, cleaning it a second time will be enough for a thorough cleansing. But, if your brush isn’t completely clean after a second shampoo, feel free to keep washing it until the water runs clear.

Method 10
Method 10 of 11:
Squeeze out excess water.

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    Make sure your brushes aren't dripping wet. Use your hands or a clean paper towel to gently squeeze the bristles until they’re damp. Don’t wring or rub the brushes, as that could damage the bristles.[10]
    • While the brushes are still dripping wet, try not to tilt them upwards so the water doesn't run into the handle. After you pat them dry, you can be a little less cautious about this.

Method 11
Method 11 of 11:
Lay your brushes out flat to dry.

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    Put a clean towel down to catch any extra moisture. Hang the tip of the brush off the edge of a counter or a table so the bristles dry normally instead of flattening out. Try to keep the brushes lying flat until they’re fully dry to prevent any water damage to the handle or the glue inside.[11]
    • Depending on the size and thickness of your brushes, they could take a few hours or a full day to dry.
    • Although it might seem like a good idea, don’t use heat to dry your brushes! Hair dryers can damage and warp the bristles on your brushes, especially if they’re synthetic.

Community Q&A
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  • Question
    What can I use to clean my makeup brushes?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    A mild soap such as baby shampoo can be mixed with water and used to clean makeup brushes. You can also clean them with alcohol. Let the brushes dry completely before using or storing them.
  • Question
    How do you dry a kabuki brush?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    Staff Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

    You can dry it in the same way as a normal makeup brush: lay it flat or hang it upside down so water doesn't run back into the handle. Wait for a few hours or a full day until it's fully dry before using it again.
  • Question
    If I don't use my eyeshadow brushes daily, should I still clean them bi-weekly?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    You can try spot treating them after every use instead of doing a deep clean bi-weekly. Once you notice a buildup of powder or gunk, it's time to do a deep clean.
  • Question
    Can I use coconut oil to clean the brushes instead of olive or almond oil?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, coconut oil is very good for the skin and in liquid form will work very well.
  • Question
    Can I use normal shampoo?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can, but since normal shampoo is often thicker than baby shampoo, you'll have to make sure to thoroughly rinse your brushes when you're done.
  • Question
    Can I use Dawn soap to wash brushes?
    I like sushi
    I like sushi
    Top Answerer
    If nothing else is available, then you could. It would not be the most ideal choice because it could potentially dry out your brushes.
  • Question
    Can I use my facial wash to clean my brushes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't recommend this as some types of facial washes might cause your brushes to clump.
  • Question
    What are the names of some good cleaners?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Realtechniques and Beautyblender are both good brush cleaners. However, using baby oil or shampoo will give more or less the same results.
  • Question
    Can I use baby conditioner?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. It's gentle on skin and perfect for cleaning your makeup brushes.
  • Question
    My brushes still feel like there is oil on them, will that go away once they dry?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Most of the time that will go away. Be sure to use a good brush cleanser or even a light baby shampoo to clean the bristles.

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References

  1. ↑ https://makeup.lovetoknow.com/makeup-accessories/how-disinfect-makeup-brushes
  2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/clean-your-makeup-brushes
  3. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-makeup-brushes-apartment-therapy-tutorials-212122
  4. ↑ Alicia D'Angelo. Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
  5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/clean-your-makeup-brushes
  6. ↑ https://makeup.lovetoknow.com/makeup-accessories/how-disinfect-makeup-brushes
  7. ↑ https://makeup.lovetoknow.com/makeup-accessories/how-disinfect-makeup-brushes
  8. ↑ https://nymag.com/strategist/article/how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes.html
  9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/clean-your-makeup-brushes
  1. ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/guide-how-clean-makeup-brushes-real-synthetic-a8323556.html
  2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/clean-your-makeup-brushes

About This Article

Alicia D'Angelo
Co-authored by:
Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 1,391,150 times.
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Co-authors: 52
Updated: December 2, 2021
Views: 1,391,150
Categories: Makeup Brushes