How To Deep Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes are part of our beauty routine. They make applying cosmetic products a breeze. But brushes accumulate lots of dirt after each use, especially products like foundation and concealer.

Not washing your makeup brushes will also damage the bristles and lead to the growth of bacteria. This can cause skin irritation, acne, and other issues.

According to makeup artists, brushes must be deep cleaned once a month when used sporadically and once a week if used daily. Here’s what I recommend you to do when washing makeup brushes:

1. Set up your working station

Your kitchen or bathroom sink is the perfect place. Gather your dirty brushes and fill a bowl with clean water. Then add two squirts of alcohol to the water.

Lay your dirty brushes with the bristles down in the water this will aid in breaking up dirt and bacteria. Place a hand towel next to your sink to dry the brushes afterward.

Then pour mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo or Dawn dishwashing detergent, into a small saucer. You can also use a solid laundry soap like Zote.

Now, let’s begin the actual cleansing.

2. Learn how to wash your makeup brushes

I like to start washing my face brushes first. So, take a brush and squeeze its bristles. Next, dip the bristles in mild shampoo.

Let lukewarm water run from your faucet, and swirl your brush in the palm of your hands. In a circular motion, rub your brush against the palm of your hand to loosen up dirt quicker. Then, you’ll see all dirt coming off.

Once the water from your brush comes out clean, you can stop. Let the water run for a few seconds, and then rinse-squeeze your brush bristles.

Next, dry your brush on the hand towel and lay flat. When that’s done, proceed with the next brush.

This hand-washing method works best when you are washing ten brushes or less.

When washing more than ten or twelve brushes, it’s best to use the glove- or mat-washing method. You can even use some tools, for example, Sigma Beauty created a cleaning glove and a brush mat for deep cleaning your brushes.

You can even buy a generic version on eBay. All you have to do is follow the steps mentioned above and use the mat or glove instead of your hands. This glove/mat method can even be more convenient as it won’t break out your skin.

3. Care for your brushes after washing

After you have all your brushes laid out, find a flat surface to let your brushes dry overnight. Then, take a towel, roll one end up ¾ of the way, and place it on top of the selected flat surface.

Now, place all the washed brushes diagonally with the bristles facing outwards and not touching the towel. This is important as it can create mold. Plus, the bristles must be aired out.

Once your brushes are dried, reshape your bristles by using brush guards. You can buy brush guards online at MyBrushGuard.com or Amazon. Re-stow your brushes with guards until the next time you use them.

Now that you know how to deep clean your brushes, make sure to have lots of fun washing them and prolonging their life!