How to Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponges Properly

Knowing how to clean makeup brushes and sponges properly can help keep your makeup tools feeling fresh and working as they should. Start by removing loose product, then use a suitable cleanser and lukewarm water where washing is permitted. Rinse thoroughly, reshape your brushes, gently press excess water from sponges and allow everything to dry completely before storing.

Always check the care instructions for your individual tools, particularly when working with specialist materials, joined parts or powered makeup tools.

What you'll need

• The care instructions for your makeup brush or sponge 
• A cleanser suitable for the material
• Lukewarm water, where washing is permitted
• A clean palm, brush-cleaning tray or cleaning bowl
• A clean towel or drying surface
• A well-ventilated area 
• Separate storage for clean and used tools

The Brushworks Makeup Brush Cleaner Tray and Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaning Bowl are two current options to consider. Check the individual product instructions before using either, as cleaning methods can vary between tools.

Before you start

Before cleaning your makeup brushes, check for loose bristles, damaged handles, torn sponge material or weakened joins. Read the care instructions and prepare a clean washing area, keeping your clean tools away from the splash zone.

It can also help to separate tools by the products they’re used with. A brush covered in foundation or cream makeup may need more cleaning than one used lightly with powder. Refresh your water and cleaning surface when needed rather than washing heavily loaded tools in dirty water.

How to clean makeup brushes

1. Remove loose residue. Gently wipe or tap away excess dry product where appropriate.
2. Wet the bristles. Focus water on the brush head and avoid unnecessarily soaking the ferrule, joins or handle.
3. Add cleanser. Use a small amount of makeup brush cleanser.
4. Work through the bristles gently. Use light circular movements against a clean palm or an approved cleaning surface.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Continue until released product and cleanser have been removed.
6. Repeat only if needed. A second gentle wash is better than scrubbing or pulling at the bristles. 
7. Remove excess water. Press gently with a clean towel without twisting the head.
8. Reshape the bristles. Return the head to its intended outline.
9. Allow to dry completely. Position the brush so air can circulate and its shape is protected.

Try to keep water away from joined areas unless the product instructions specifically allow it. Prolonged soaking can affect parts of the brush even when the bristles themselves are washable.

How to clean makeup sponges

Cleaning makeup sponges requires a similarly gentle approach. Avoid wringing, twisting or pulling the sponge, as this can damage the material.

1. Wet the sponge according to its care instructions.
2. Apply a suitable cleanser.
3. Compress and release gently to move cleanser through visible residue.
4. Rinse repeatedly until cleanser and released product are removed.
5. Repeat the gentle process if colour remains in the surface.
6. Press out excess water without wringing, tearing or scraping.
7. Leave the sponge somewhere clean and well ventilated to dry completely.
8. Never store a damp sponge in a closed case or makeup bag.

Remember that a makeup sponge can hold water inside even when the surface feels relatively dry, so give it plenty of time and airflow before storing it away.

Cleaning trays and bowls

A makeup brush cleaning tray or silicone bowl can make washing your brushes easier and more consistent. Use gentle pressure to work cleanser through the bristles without scrubbing the brush head too aggressively.

Keep smaller eye brushes on a lighter touch than larger face brushes, and always follow the natural shape of the bristles as you clean. Rinse the tray or bowl when makeup residue starts to build up, and clean it before and after use to avoid transferring old product.

Instant cleaner vs a full wash

An instant makeup brush cleaner can be handy between washes, especially when you want to switch between colours or products. Always follow the product instructions for application, ventilation and drying time.

However, an instant cleaner shouldn’t automatically be treated as a replacement for cleaning makeup brushes properly. Unless the product specifically says otherwise, don’t assume it disinfects or provides the same level of cleaning as a full wash.

Think of instant cleaning as a quick maintenance step, while a full wash gives your brushes a more thorough clean. The best approach depends on the brush, the products you use and its care instructions.

How often should brushes and sponges be cleaned?

There’s no one makeup brush cleaning schedule that works for everyone. How often you clean your brushes and sponges depends on how you use them and the products they come into contact with.

• how often the tool is used;
• whether it touches liquid, cream, powder or several textures;
• whether colours are changing;
• whether visible residue affects pick-up or blending;
• whether the tool has been dropped or stored in an unclean place;
• the instructions supplied with the product.

If a brush starts to feel coated, transfer colour unexpectedly or make your makeup look less even, it’s probably time for a clean.

A calendar reminder can be useful, but checking the condition of your makeup brushes is more important than following a set schedule that doesn’t suit your routine.

Drying makeup brushes properly

How you dry your makeup brushes is just as important as how you wash them. After rinsing, gently press the brush head with a clean towel and reshape the bristles.

Leave the brush somewhere clean with good airflow, making sure the bristles aren’t being crushed. Avoid direct heat from hairdryers, radiators or hot surfaces unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.

Before storing, check the centre of the brush head as well as the outer bristles to make sure it’s completely dry.

Storage after cleaning

Only put your makeup brushes and sponges away once they’re fully dry. Keep brush heads protected from being bent or squashed, and give makeup sponges an open, clean space rather than placing them straight into an airtight case.

Keeping your tools organised can make your routine much easier:

1. Clean and ready: fully dry tools stored in their protected place.
2. In use: tools currently being used in your routine.
3. Awaiting cleaning: used tools kept separately from your clean collection.
4. Drying: recently washed tools left somewhere clean and well ventilated.

This simple system helps prevent clean and used makeup tools from getting mixed up, especially when you’re travelling.

Common cleaning mistakes

• Returning a damp brush or sponge to a sealed makeup bag
• Using very hot water without checking the care directions
• Pulling bristles, twisting brush heads or wringing sponges
• Soaking handles and joins unnecessarily
• Using the same dirty cleaning water for the whole collection
• Storing clean tools against used applicators
• Assuming every soap, solvent, machine or cleaning device suits every material
• Adding strong fragrance, alcohol or other ingredients without approved guidance
• Continuing to use a torn sponge or loose brush because it has been washed

Cleaning cannot repair structural damage. Replace a tool when tears, permanent deformation, loosened parts or other damage prevent safe and consistent use.

A ten-minute maintenance routine

A little makeup brush maintenance after each use can make your deeper cleaning routine feel much more manageable.

After applying your makeup, separate the brushes and sponges that need attention and remove any loose, dry residue from suitable brushes. Place used makeup sponges somewhere clean and well ventilated, then wash your tools properly before you need them again.

Wipe down your storage area and clean any makeup brush cleaning tray or bowl. Once everything is completely dry, return your tools to their usual storage.

The best makeup brush cleaning routine is one you’ll actually stick to. Keeping things simple with a clean, dry and store approach can be much easier than an elaborate routine you rarely follow.