Let’s be honest: most of us know we should be cleaning our makeup brushes regularly. But between our personal lives, work, and literally just trying to make it by, it’s easy to let the task slide. The problem? Dirty brushes don’t just mess with your makeup—they can mess with your skin too. Consider this your reminder to go ahead and clean them, now. 

Product buildup, oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells all collect in brush bristles over time. So when you keep using them without cleaning, you’re basically painting all that grime back onto your face. Not only can that lead to breakouts and irritation, but it also makes your makeup harder to blend and less true to color.

The good news? Cleaning your brushes doesn't have to be a long, annoying process. Once you know what you're doing, and how often you actually need to do it. it becomes just another part of your routine (like washing your pillowcases or realizing you need to replace your mascara again).

Here’s exactly how to clean your makeup brushes the right way, how often to do it, and a few extra tips to keep them in shape for the long haul.

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

It depends on the type of brush and what you’re using it for. Here's a quick cheat sheet:

  • Foundation & concealer brushes: 1–2 times a week. Cream products cling to bristles and can get funky fast.
     
  • Eye brushes (especially for creams or dark shadows): Once a week.
     
  • Powder brushes (blush, bronzer, setting powder): Every 1–2 weeks.
     
  • Lip brushes: After every use, if possible.
     
  • Sponges (like beauty blenders): Every use, or at least every other day. They absorb more product, i.e. more bacteria, than brushes.
     

If you’re dealing with acne, sensitivity, or other skin conditions, you might want to clean even more often. Cleaner tools = less chance of triggering a breakout.

 

What You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy brush-cleaning machine or a ten-step system. Here’s what works:

  • A gentle cleanser: You can use a brush-specific cleanser,  a gentle liquid soap, or even unscented baby shampoo. Avoid anything with harsh sulfates or heavy fragrance.
     
  • Lukewarm water
     
  • A textured cleaning mat or glove (optional): These help loosen product faster but aren’t essential.
     
  • A clean towel
     
  • A flat surface for drying

 

EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo

 

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Brushes

1. Rinse the Bristles 

Hold the brush bristles down under lukewarm running water. Avoid getting the metal part (the ferrule) or handle wet—that can loosen the glue over time and cause shedding.

2. Add Cleanser and Swirl

Put a small amount of cleanser in your palm (or on a cleaning mat), then gently swirl the brush tip in circles to lather. You'll see makeup start to lift out immediately.

3. Rinse and Repeat

Rinse under lukewarm water and repeat until the water runs clear. For denser brushes like foundation or kabuki brushes, this might take two or three rounds.

4. Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water

Use your fingers to gently squeeze out any remaining water. You can also press the bristles lightly against a clean towel.

5. Reshape and Dry

Lay brushes flat on a clean towel with the bristles hanging slightly over the edge of a counter (so air can circulate). Don’t dry them upright. Water can drip into the base and cause damage. Let them dry fully overnight before using again. 

 

What About Brush Cleaning Sprays?

Quick-dry brush sprays are great for spot-cleaning between full washes—especially for eye brushes or switching shades. But they don’t replace a deep clean.

If you’re using cream or liquid products, or if your brush is starting to feel stiff or smell weird, don’t rely on a spray. Wash it properly.

 

How to Keep Brushes Cleaner, Longer

  • Wash your face before applying makeup. Less oil and bacteria transfer to your brushes.
     
  • Store brushes upright and uncovered. Let them breathe—closed containers can trap moisture and bacteria.
     
  • Don’t share brushes. That’s how bacteria (and worse) gets passed around.
     
  • Replace when needed. If your brush starts shedding, smells strange even after cleaning, or just looks sad, it might be time to replace it.

 

Some of the products featured here may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on personal use, stylist feedback, or product performance.