Clean Your Makeup Brushes in 5 Minutes (+ Why You Should!)

Let’s be honest—when was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? If you’re cringing right now, you’re not alone. I used to put off washing mine, but once I learned what was lurking in my brushes, I became religious about it.

I’m serious about taking good care of my skin (see my skincare routine here), and washing my makeup brushes is a large part of this since they can get pretty nasty. Today, I’m sharing how I clean my makeup brushes (and how often)! It takes 5, maybe 10 minutes. It’s not hard–other than remembering to do it. And I have a hack for that, too!

Why Should I Wash My Makeup Brushes?

Dirty makeup brushes trap bacteria, dead skin cells, oil, and residual makeup. Every time you use an unwashed brush, you’re spreading all of that back onto your skin. This can clog your pores and lead to acne breakouts, irritation, or even infections. Yikes. Not to mention, product buildup on brushes makes it harder to blend makeup smoothly. If you want flawless makeup and healthy skin, regular brush cleaning is a must.

Another reason to wash your brushes is that the more product build-up on the brush, the more likely you are to cause damage to your skin. Skin is super sensitive, especially on your face! If your brush is caked with makeup and not soft, you can cause more damage than you think, which can lead to irritation and dryness. It can also make your powders look nasty when you transfer oil from your skin to your makeup. 

How Often Should I Clean My Makeup Brushes?

I know, I know—cleaning your brushes sounds like a chore. But trust me, it’s worth it. Dermatologists recommend washing foundation and concealer brushes once a week since they hold the most bacteria and product buildup. Eye brushes can go about two weeks between washes, and powder brushes should be cleaned every two to three weeks. If you struggle with acne or sensitive skin, cleaning your brushes more frequently can make a big difference. Here are a few other ways to keep your skin clear.

If you’re in the market for new makeup brushes, my current favorite is this Duo Brush Face from DIBS (I love that it’s two different sizes on each end). I use this for foundation and bronzer. For blush, I like to use this Everything Brush from Jones Road–assuming the blush I’m using is creamy. Tarte carries a ton of great brushes, too.

How Should I Clean My Makeup Brushes?

Deep cleaning your brushes doesn’t have to be time-consuming. The easiest way I’ve found is to swirl the bristles in a gentle cleanser, massage them to break down the makeup, rinse with lukewarm water, and lay them flat to dry. With the right products, the whole process takes just five minutes.

What Should I Use to Clean My Makeup Brushes?

You don’t need an expensive brush cleanser—some of the best options are already in your home. For everyday washing, baby shampoo or Castile soap works well. If you’re tackling heavy-duty buildup from foundation or concealer, a little dish soap can work wonders. Sephora also sells dedicated brush cleansers if you prefer a ready-made solution. Here are a few tried-and-true brush cleaners:

• Baby shampoo – Super gentle and perfect for deep cleaning without stripping the bristles. Here’s an affordable baby shampoo option that’s made with clean ingredients.
• Charcoal Bar – Charcoal is naturally detoxifying and gets rid of oil buildup, so it’s great for makeup brush cleaning. I love the Charcoal Body Bar from Crunchi.
• Dish soap – Works well for removing stubborn foundation and product buildup.
• Castile soap – A natural, mild option that gets rid of dirt and oil effectively. I got this Dr. Bronner’s brand at the grocery store.
• Makeup brush cleansers – Sephora and other beauty brands sell specialized cleansers that work well. You can also buy silicone cleaning mats for brushes that create a surface to swirl the the brush on while the product buildup comes out.
• Rubbing alcohol – Great for disinfecting, but should only be used for synthetic brushes (not natural bristles). Snag this affordable bottle on Amazon.

How Should I Dry My Makeup Brushes?

Once your brushes are clean, gently squeeze out the excess water with a clean towel. Then, lay them flat on the towel with the bristles hanging slightly over the edge of the counter. This helps them dry faster and prevents water from seeping into the ferrule (the metal part), which can cause shedding and damage.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes (Step-by-Step)

1. Wet the bristles with lukewarm water, avoiding the handle to prevent loosening the glue.

2. Apply your chosen cleanser to the bristles or a brush cleaning mat/glove.

3. Gently massage the bristles in circular motions to break down makeup.

4. Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water until the water runs clear.

5. Squeeze out excess water and reshape the brush head.

6. Lay the brushes flat to dry on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge.

What About Cleaning Sponges?

Makeup sponges like beauty blenders absorb even more product and bacteria than brushes, so they should be cleaned after every use– and that’s why I don’t use them! If you insist on using a makeup sponge, soak it in warm, soapy water, gently squeeze out excess makeup, and rinse until the water runs clear.

What’s the Best Way to Dry Makeup Brushes?

I always lay them flat and then put something that is raised under the handles so that the brush hairs are tilted down just a little. A hand towel is great for this. This way, the water won’t dry up in the handle of the brush or cause any residual soap to get into the glue, which can break it down over time. That can cause your brush to start to come apart and bristles to fall out.

Drying it this way also helps the bristles dry in the correct direction. Be as gentle as you can on your brush; the bristles are usually very fine!

How to Store Makeup Brushes

Once your brushes are clean and dry, store them in an upright container to keep the bristles from getting crushed. I like to keep mine in a cup or brush holder to allow airflow and prevent bacteria buildup. If you travel often, consider getting a brush case to protect them from dirt and germs.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your makeup brushes doesn’t have to be a hassle, and the benefits for your skin are huge. If you’ve been struggling with acne breakouts, irritation, or patchy makeup application, dirty brushes could be to blame. Set aside five minutes once a week, grab your cleanser of choice, and make brush cleaning a habit. Your skin (and makeup) will thank you!