How to clean makeup brushes and sponges

Brushes and sponges are the champions of any makeup bag. They add that professional look, whether someone is touching up foundation or reapplying blush. And it's likely that people use them every time they put on a fresh face. But do people know how to clean them?

The truth is, people should probably give their makeup tools a wash more often. "Think about how cautious we usually are with anything touching our faces," says Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist and professor at Yale School of Medicine. "It's easy to forget this when putting on blush." A buildup of oil and dead skin on a brush or sponge can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and cause acne breakouts or a rash.

So how often should people clean their beauty tools and where do they begin? Here's some advice on how to wash them the correct way.

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How to clean makeup brushes

Besides the health of skin, cleaning makeup brushes and sponges is also vital for the longevity of makeup tools, says New York City based fashion and beauty makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci. "If you care for them, brushes can last a lifetime," she says. In her own work, Ciucci uses a liquid brush cleanser for day-to-day cleaning, and she shampoos her tools once a month.

Here’s a step-by-step plan for keeping makeup tools clean:

Step 1: Rinse the brush

Under warm, running water, rinse off excess product from the tips of your brush.

Step 2: Create the solution

Fill a large bowl with water and add a tablespoon of makeup brush cleaner. Alternatively, use gentle or clarifying shampoo. A good rule of thumb is to never use any soap on makeup brushes that wouldn't be safe to use on the face.

Step 3: Work the solution in

Place the brush tips in the bowl and rub away the built-up makeup. Use the palm of the hand to help with the motion and lathering.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Rinse brush tips once again in warm, running water, then let them air dry on a towel until completely dry. Letting the brush tips hang off the edge of the counter is helpful, too. If someone is in a rush, Dr. Gohara notes that they can use a cool blow dryer to dry their brushes. "Spread the bristles to make sure that the brush doesn't remain moist at the core," she adds.

How to clean makeup sponges

Below are steps on how to clean makeup sponges.

Step 1: Rinse and prepare solution

It's recommended to place the sponge in a bowl with a few drops of liquid cleanser or soap. Work the sponge with the cleansers noted above: a gentle or clarifying shampoo or makeup brush cleaner. Ciucci advises using warm to medium-hot water to foam up the sponge. "When I'm forced to use cold water, I find that the sponge doesn't expand enough - that the soap doesn't saturate the sponge and that it's hard to rinse," she says.

Step 2: Work the solution in

Massage the soapy water into the sponge for 15 seconds, then keep the sponge under warm, running water until all the residue and makeup buildup is gone.

Step 3: Dry

Squeeze out the excess water and let the sponge air dry on a paper towel. Ciucci notes that it's important to dry sponges out in the open air. "Drying sponges in a drawer or medicine cabinet can encourage mold growth," she says.

Dr. Gohara agrees and adds that it's important to wring out the sponge multiple times to make sure that the suds, along with the grime and bacteria, are gone. "Dry the sponge in a cool environment. A humid bathroom counter will undo all your hard work," she says.

How often should makeup brushes and sponges be cleaned?

For optimal results, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days. The organization also advises people to never share makeup brushes with anyone else.

For sponges, Dr. Gohara recommends cleaning them “ideally after every use, but that is a big ask, so aim for at least once a week.”

Best makeup tools cleaners

So now that we've covered the why, how and how often of cleaning, here are some suggestions on what cleaners to use. Dr. Gohara prefers any gentle cleanser for use on your face, such as a gentle jabón de tocador. If bar soap is the chosen method, “wet a brush with warm water and swirl onto the bar of soap. Gently massage, rinse, squeeze gently and lay the brush flat to dry on a towel,” she says.

Makeup users can also choose a bar or liquid soap that isn't extra sudsy. "Dish soap sounds like a good choice, but it foams too much and takes forever to rinse out of the sponge," Ciucci explains.

Sometimes it may be better to replace the tool. There are many pinceles de maquillaje y esponjas to consider when that time comes. 

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consulte con su proveedor de servicios de salud antes de tomar alguna vitamina o suplemento y antes de comenzar o cambiar alguna práctica relacionada con el cuidado de su salud.