How to Clean Makeup Brushes at Home – Easy Guide to Wash & Sanitize Them

Keep your skin clear and your makeup flawless with this easy guide on how to clean makeup brushes at home.

Shivani Pathak

Shivani Pathak

12 Aug ‘25
Makeup Brushes Brush Cleaning Skincare Hygiene Acne Prevention
Makeup Brushes Brush Cleaning Skincare Hygiene Acne Prevention

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Our makeup brushes are the pillars of our makeup vanity. They swipe on foundation, blend in blush, buff eyeshadow, and somehow always end up at the bottom of our makeup bags, gathering dust (and worse). So if you’re wondering how to clean makeup brushes properly, you’re not alone. It’s one of those beauty chores we tend to put off until we’re dealing with stubborn breakouts or patchy makeup.

But here’s the thing: learning how to wash makeup brushes isn’t just about keeping them looking pretty. It’s about hygiene, skin health, and getting the most out of your makeup. Dirty brushes can harbour bacteria, cause irritation, and affect how your makeup sits on your skin. So, let’s break down the easiest, most effective way to clean and care for your brushes—using things you likely already have at home.

Why It’s Essential to Clean Your Makeup Brushes Regularly

Why It’s Essential to Clean Your Makeup Brushes Regularly

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why it’s so essential to clean your brushes in the first place.

  • Bacteria Buildup: Brushes that aren’t cleaned regularly can become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can then transfer to your face—hello, unexpected breakouts.
  • Clogged Bristles: Old makeup and oils can clog your brush bristles, making application uneven and streaky.
  • Shorter Brush Life: Dirty brushes wear out faster. Bristles become brittle, shed more, and lose their shape.
  • Poor Performance: If your eyeshadow isn’t blending right or your base looks cakey, your brush could be the problem not the product.

How to Clean and Wash Makeup Brushes: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Clean and Wash Makeup Brushes: Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you use professional brush cleansers or prefer a DIY approach, cleaning your brushes doesn’t have to be a drag. Here's a method that’s quick, gentle, and effective.

What You’ll Need:

  • A bowl of lukewarm water
  • Baby shampoo or a gentle soap
  • A clean towel or paper towel
  • A silicone brush cleaning mat or the palm of your hand
  • Optional: Simple Micellar Water for stubborn residue


Steps:

1. Wet the Bristles

Wet the Bristles

Run your brush bristles under lukewarm water. Avoid wetting the metal ferrule (the bit that connects the handle to the bristles), as water can loosen the glue.

2. Lather Up

Lather Up

Mix a few drops of baby shampoo or gentle soap into the water. Swirl your brush in the mixture, then massage it gently against your palm or a silicone mat to loosen makeup and dirt.

3. Micellar Boost

Micellar Boost

For extra-stubborn foundation or creamy formulas, pre-soak the bristles with Simple Micellar Water. It’s brilliant for breaking down product buildup without drying out your brushes.

4. Rinse and Repeat

Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the brush under clean water until the water runs clear. You may need to repeat the lathering step for heavier products.

5. Dry Properly

Dry Properly

Gently squeeze out excess water using a towel. Reshape the bristles and lay the brush flat to dry over the edge of a counter—never upright, as water can drip into the base and damage the brush.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Brushes?

How Often Should You Clean Your Brushes?

It really depends on how you use them:

Brush Type

Cleaning Frequency

Foundation & Concealer Brushes

Every 3–4 days

Eyeshadow Brushes

Once a week

Blush, Powder & Bronzer Brushes

Once a week

Lip Brushes

After each use, if possible

If that feels like a lot, aim for a full brush cleanse every weekend. It’s the perfect Sunday self-care task and keeps your skin (and brushes) happier in the long run.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Makeup Brushes

What Not to Do When Cleaning Makeup Brushes

Even if you’ve got the best intentions, there are a few things that can ruin your brushes:

  • Don’t Soak the Entire Brush: It weakens the glue inside the handle and causes shedding.
  • Avoid Harsh Cleansers: Alcohol or antibacterial hand soap may strip natural bristles and irritate your skin.
  • Never Dry Brushes Upright: It causes water to pool inside the handle, which leads to mold and breakage.
  • Don’t Use Hot Water: It can warp the bristles or loosen the glue.

Quick Cleaning Tip for Busy Mornings

If you don’t have time for a full wash, you can simply use micellar water on a cotton pad for a quick clean between applications. It lifts product and oil without damaging the brush or drying it out. Just swipe, swirl, and let the brush air dry. The Simple Micellar Cleansing Water is a good option for this.

How to Store Brushes for Longer Life

How to Store Brushes for Longer Life

  • Use a Brush Holder: Store them upright in a clean cup or brush stand to maintain shape.
  • Keep Them Covered: Use brush guards or pouches while travelling to prevent bristle splay.
  • Avoid Bathroom Storage: Steam from showers can introduce bacteria and break down glue over time.

Bonus Tips to Extend Brush Lifespan

Bonus Tips to Extend Brush Lifespan

  • Invest in a few backup brushes to rotate between washes.
  • Use a quick-dry spray cleanser for daily maintenance.
  • Keep a designated microfibre cloth to wipe off excess product post-use.


Cleaning your brushes might feel like a chore, but trust us—your skin (and your makeup) will thank you. Once you get into the habit, it becomes second nature, and the difference it makes is undeniable. With tools like Simple Micellar Water and a bit of consistency, clean brushes become the secret weapon behind every flawless makeup look

FAQs

Q. How long does it take for brushes to dry?

Typically 6–12 hours. It's best to wash them in the evening and let them dry overnight.

Q. Can I use conditioner on my brushes?

Yes—just like your hair, bristles (especially natural ones) benefit from a light conditioning treatment after washing.

Q. Is micellar water safe for brush cleaning?

Absolutely. A gentle formula like Simple Micellar Water is perfect for dissolving makeup and residue without damaging the brush fibres.

Q. How do I know when it’s time to replace a brush?

If the bristles are fraying, shedding excessively, or the shape is completely off, it’s time to say goodbye.

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Brush Cleaning Tips Skincare Hygiene Acne & Bacteria DIY Beauty
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Shivani Pathak

Shivani Pathak

Shivani Pathak is a Mumbai-based lifestyle writer. She has written across a diverse range of formats, including digital features, interviews, trend stories, personal essays, and listicles. Her work has appeared in publications such as Tweak India, Luxebook, DNA, Mongabay, and Indiaspend. When she’s not writing and obsessing over sentence structures, you can find her buried in a book with a cup of coffee by her side.