How To Wash Makeup Brushes

This guide explains how to approach how to wash makeup brushes, including the preparation, practical steps, common mistakes, and final checks that help you finish with confidence.

15-30 minutes: Active time

Easy Difficulty

Water in the ferrule Watch out for

Before You Start

Gathering your supplies beforehand makes the process quick and simple. The goal is to gently but thoroughly remove all traces of makeup, oil, and skin cells without damaging the delicate bristles or the construction of the brush itself.

What You Need

Safety, Timing, or Context Checks

The key to successful brush cleaning is consistency and care. Aim to wash brushes used for liquid or cream products like foundation and concealer at least once a week. Brushes used for powder products can be washed every 2-4 weeks. Note whether your brushes have natural hair bristles (like goat or sable) or synthetic bristles, as natural fibres can be more delicate and may benefit from an extra conditioning step.

Check first: Avoid harsh detergents like dish soap or household cleaners. These can strip natural bristles of their softness, cause synthetic ones to become brittle, and may leave behind residue that can irritate your skin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to safely and effectively clean your makeup brushes, restoring them to their best condition for a perfect makeup application.

Quick Reference

Common Problems When You Wash Makeup Brushes

Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them.

Bristles Feel Stiff or Scratchy After Drying

This is almost always caused by soap residue left in the brush. If you find your brush feels crunchy or stiff, simply re-rinse it thoroughly under lukewarm water until you're absolutely certain all the cleanser is gone. Then, reshape and let it air dry completely again.

Brushes Are Shedding More Than Usual

A few stray hairs shedding is normal, but a noticeable increase often points to a weakened ferrule. This is typically caused by water getting inside and dissolving the glue. The best fix is prevention: always keep your brushes angled downwards when washing and rinsing. If a brush has started shedding significantly, it may unfortunately be time to replace it.

They Take Forever to Dry

Dense kabuki or foundation brushes can hold a lot of water. If your brushes are taking more than 24 hours to dry, they may be in a poorly ventilated or humid room. Try moving them to a sunnier, drier spot. Also, ensure you squeezed out as much water as possible before laying them out to dry. Not removing enough water can also lead to a musty smell.

They Still Look Dirty or Smell Oily

For brushes that are heavily saturated with oil-based foundations or creams, a single wash might not be enough. Try a double cleanse: first, work a small amount of a gentle oil (like jojoba or a makeup cleansing oil) through the dry bristles to break down the product, then proceed with the standard soap-and-water wash. This should lift any remaining residue and odours.

Advanced Tips for Washing Makeup Brushes

Once you've mastered the basics, these advanced techniques can help you get even more from your tool care routine.

Spot Cleaning Between Deep Washes

You don't always need to do a full wet wash. For quick colour changes with eyeshadow brushes or a daily refresh, use a spot cleaner. Simply spray a no-rinse brush cleanser onto a microfibre cloth and swirl the brush on the damp area until the pigment is gone. The bristles will dry in minutes.

Deep Sanitising for Peace of Mind

If you've been ill or are a makeup artist, you might want to sanitise your brushes. After they are completely clean and dry, you can lightly mist the bristles with a spray containing 70% isopropyl alcohol. Hold the can at a distance and give them a quick spritz. Let the alcohol evaporate fully before using the brushes. Do not soak them, as this can be overly drying for natural fibres.

Cleaning Your Makeup Sponges and Puffs

Makeup sponges require a different approach. Because they absorb so much product, they need to be fully saturated to be cleaned. Wet your sponge until it expands, then work a generous amount of cleanser into it. Repeatedly squeeze and release the sponge under water until the water runs clear. It's vital to let sponges dry completely in an open, well-ventilated area to prevent mould growth inside.