How to Clean Makeup Brushes Safely and Hygienically

Why I Started Cleaning My Brushes (And Why You Should Too)

I used to be the queen of lazy makeup habits. I’d buy myself a beautiful $40 foundation brush, thinking that alone would solve all my skin problems. I’d blend away for weeks, and then wonder why my skin was acting up again. Breakouts would start happening around my cheeks, and my makeup just wouldn’t sit right. I couldn't make sense of it all until one day I looked closely at my brush and made a pretty shocking discovery.

That’s when it struck me. What if it wasn’t hormones, or my moisturiser, or how much I spent on the brush itself. What if it was the cleanliness of the damn thing all along?

I wanted to write about this because, honestly, it made me feel gross for the longest time. I kept it quiet, thinking I was just bad at skincare. But once I figured it out, I couldn’t not share what I’d learned.

The Weekly Routine That Changed My Skin

Here’s what I started doing once a week:

Step 1

Wet the bristles with lukewarm water, keeping the handle dry so the glue stays intact.

Step 2

 Dip the brush into a bowl of warm water mixed with a gentle soap (gentle is critical here. The Daiso Puff Sponge Detergent is my go-to. It's cheap and super reliable. But baby shampoo or castile soap work just as well). Swirl the brush around to loosen any product.

Step 3

Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. You might need to do this a couple times for foundation brushes since they’re especially clingy.

Step 4

Gently squeeze out the water with a clean towel and reshape the bristles so they look right again.

Step 5

 Lay the brush down with the handle elevated using a chopstick holder, folded cloth, or even a book. This helps drain away water from the metal part (the ferrule), so the glue doesn't get affected.

Leave the brush to dry overnight and voilà. You’ve now got clean, soft brushes that feel like they're brand new.

More stuff I learned along the way

Your brushes are breeding grounds for bacteria

I know. There’s never time to worry about these details. But the thing is, every time you use your brush, it swirls up skin oils, bacteria, and leftover product. And all of it ends up back on your face, day after day.

These aren’t just steps I Googled and ran with. I figured these out over years of doing my own makeup and serving a whole mix of clients with different skin types. Everyone has their own routine, but almost no one takes proper care of their brushes.

Regular brush care means you're not reapplying bacteria every time you do your makeup. It's a small step that makes a big difference if you actually care about your skin.

Your brushes aren’t worn out, they just need some love

I used to toss out brushes thinking they were 'worn out' the moment they stopped working properly. But it turns out, they just needed regular care, like any other tool.

If you’ve spent a decent chunk of money on your tools (and even if you haven’t), proper care always makes them last longer. The bristles stay softer, the shape holds better, and you won’t need to replace them as often as you might think. Plus, a clean brush just does everything better. Less streaky, less patchy, and way smoother to use.

Your skin health depends on it more than you think

Makeup brushes sit directly against your face, so what you clean them with matters a lot. Many cleansers will do the job, but they can leave behind residues that harm your skin or wear down the bristles. I've been trying this cleaning liquid lately instead of my usual Daiso one, and it’s been great too.

Unfortunately, I had to learn all this the hard way, but it all makes sense to me now. It turns out brush cleaning is more important than I ever realised. It’s the main cause of irritation and breakouts, and I just wish someone had taught me these things earlier.

Even dermatologists back this up. They say dirty makeup brushes can lead to infections like E. coli or staph. And they recommend cleaning them every 7 to 10 days to protect your skin.

FAQ

How often should I clean my brushes?

Ideally once a week. Foundation and concealer brushes need more a bit more love though. For those brushes, I'd say every 3 to 4 days since they soak up more product in general.

Can I use dish soap or regular hand soap?

I recommend avoiding these and sticking to products designed for their specific purpose. The ones I mentioned definitely work because I’ve tested them on myself and on my set of client brushes that I use.

What about sponges and beauty blenders?

The same rules and products apply. These collect bacteria quickly, so wash them every 3 to 4 days as well. Squeeze them out thoroughly and let them dry completely in the open once you're done.

Is it normal for some bristles to shed during cleaning?

Yes. Losing a few bristles during cleaning is normal, especially with older brushes. But if it happens more than you'd expect, or the brush feels rough even after cleaning, it might be time to replace it.

Can I dry my brushes upright in a cup?

In my experience, it’s better not to do this. This is because water can drip down into the handle and loosen the glue over time. Always lay them at an angle or use a brush drying rack if you have one.

Key Takeaways

Taking care of your brushes definitely shouldn't be an afterthought. Your skin, your savings, and your brush set will thank you. And honestly, there’s nothing more satisfying than a freshly washed set of tools, ready to go. Try my routine once this week when you get the chance and you’ll see what I mean.