How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Learning how to clean makeup brushes can make this routine task feel simple and worthwhile. Regular washing removes makeup residue and oils, helps brushes work more smoothly, and can support a cleaner beauty routine. With a few minutes and a gentle cleanser, you can care for your brushes without damaging their bristles.

Cleaning can also be a satisfying way to maintain the tools you use every day. Gather your brushes before you start so you can wash them together and leave enough time for them to dry fully.

How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?

Dermatologists recommend washing makeup brushes at least once every 7–10 days. Pay particular attention to brushes used frequently with liquid or cream products, such as foundation and concealer brushes, since product can build up on their bristles.

If you use a brush for different products, clean it before switching between them. A quick wipe can remove some surface makeup, but it should not replace a regular wash.

Why Clean Makeup Brushes Regularly?

Brushes can collect makeup, oil, and dead skin cells over time. This residue may contribute to clogged pores and breakouts, while buildup can also make bristles feel less soft and affect how evenly makeup applies.

Clean bristles pick up and distribute product more evenly. Gentle, regular washing can also help preserve a brush’s shape and extend its useful life. Avoid scrubbing harshly or pulling at the bristles, as rough handling may damage them.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes Step by Step

1. Gather your brushes. Separate brushes that need washing and prepare a clean towel or flat surface for drying.
2. Choose a gentle cleanser. A brush cleaner, mild soap, or gentle shampoo can be used. Avoid harsh cleaners that may leave residue or dry out the bristles.
3. Wet the bristles carefully. Hold the brush with the bristles pointing downward and wet them with lukewarm water. Keep water away from the metal ferrule—the part connecting the bristles to the handle—because moisture can weaken the adhesive inside.
4. Work in the cleanser. For a solid cleanser, swirl the damp bristles gently over its surface. For a liquid cleanser, use a small amount in your palm and massage the bristles softly. Makeup should begin to lift into the lather.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Rinse with the bristles pointing down until the water runs clear. Repeat the wash if visible product remains.
6. Reshape and dry. Gently squeeze out excess water, reshape the bristles with your fingers, and lay the brush flat on a clean towel. Let it dry completely before using it again.

Do not stand wet brushes upright to dry, since water can run toward the handle and affect the ferrule. Keeping the bristles flat and allowing airflow around them helps them dry evenly.

Quick Cleaning Tips

For a quick refresh between full washes, spray a small amount of alcohol onto a towel and move the brush back and forth over it until makeup no longer transfers. Use this as a spot-cleaning option, not a substitute for washing, and allow the brush to dry completely before use.

A textured brush-cleaning mat can also help loosen product while you swirl soapy bristles across its surface. Use light pressure to avoid pulling or splaying the hairs.

Keep Your Brushes Clean and Ready to Use

Knowing how to clean makeup brushes makes it easier to build a simple care routine: wash them every 7–10 days, use a gentle cleanser, keep water away from the ferrule, and let them dry flat. These small steps help maintain clean bristles and support smoother makeup application.

— Keely