How To Clean Makeup Brushes With Stuff You Already Have At Home

Cleaning your makeup brushes doesn’t require expensive specialty solutions or a trip to the beauty store. Most of what you need is already in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet. Over time, makeup residue, oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells build up on brush bristles. If left uncleaned, these can lead to breakouts, uneven product application, and premature wear of the brushes themselves. The good news? You can deep-clean your brushes effectively using common household staples like dish soap, vinegar, olive oil, and even hand soap. This guide walks you through safe, proven methods that preserve your tools while keeping them hygienic and performing at their best.

Why Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes Matters

Makeup brushes come into direct contact with your skin daily, picking up foundation, concealer, powder, and pigments. Each use layers more buildup, especially at the base of the bristles where cleaning often falls short. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrive in this damp, nutrient-rich environment. Dermatologists consistently warn that dirty brushes are a leading cause of clogged pores and acne flare-ups.

“Neglecting brush hygiene is like reapplying yesterday’s bacteria every morning. A simple weekly cleanse can prevent irritation and extend tool life by years.” — Dr. Lena Reyes, Cosmetic Dermatologist

Beyond health, unclean brushes degrade performance. Stiff bristles don’t blend well. Residue alters color accuracy. And over time, the accumulated gunk can loosen the glue holding the bristles, leading to shedding and irreversible damage. Regular cleaning isn’t just cosmetic—it’s essential maintenance.

What You Already Have That Works

You don’t need a dedicated brush cleanser to get results. Common household items offer powerful cleaning properties without harsh chemicals:

• Dish soap – Cuts through oils and makeup residue (especially silicone-based foundations).
• White vinegar – Natural disinfectant that kills bacteria and mildew.
• Olive oil or coconut oil – Breaks down stubborn dried makeup and conditions natural bristles.
• Hand soap or baby shampoo – Gentle surfactants ideal for delicate synthetic fibers.
• Isopropyl alcohol (70%) – Fast-drying disinfectant for spot sanitizing between deep cleans.

Tip: Always rinse brushes thoroughly after cleaning—leftover soap can irritate skin and dry out bristles.

Step-by-Step Guide: Deep Clean With Dish Soap & Vinegar

This method combines grease-cutting power with microbial control. It’s effective for both natural-hair and synthetic brushes and takes about 15 minutes, including drying prep.

1. Gather supplies: Mild dish soap (like Dawn), white vinegar, two small bowls, a clean towel, and optionally, a silicone brush-cleaning mat or textured palm.
2. Mix the cleaning solution: In one bowl, combine one part white vinegar with two parts warm water. In the second bowl, add a dime-sized drop of dish soap and enough warm water to submerge the bristles.
3. Pre-soak in vinegar: Swirl the brush in the vinegar solution for 30–60 seconds. This loosens bacteria and begins breaking down residue.
4. Clean with soap: Transfer the brush to the soapy water. Gently swirl it against the bottom of the bowl or use circular motions on your palm or a silicone mat. Focus on the base of the bristles where most buildup hides.
5. Rinse under lukewarm water: Hold the brush at an angle, letting water run from the ferrule (metal part) downward. Never submerge the entire brush—water can weaken the glue and warp the handle.
6. Repeat if necessary: If water runs cloudy, repeat steps 4 and 5 until runoff is clear.
7. Condition (optional): For natural-hair brushes (like sable or goat), dip tips in a few drops of olive oil, then rinse lightly with soapy water to remove excess.
8. Reshape and dry: Gently squeeze out water with a towel. Reshape bristles to their original form. Lay brushes flat on a clean towel with the tips hanging slightly off the edge to prevent water pooling in the ferrule.

Drying can take 6–12 hours depending on brush size and humidity. Avoid upright drying—this encourages water seepage into the handle, which leads to mold and shedding.

Alternative Methods for Different Needs

Not every brush needs the same treatment. Here’s how to adapt based on your tools and concerns.

For Quick Midweek Refresh: Hand Soap + Olive Oil

If you use brushes daily but can’t deep-clean weekly, this 5-minute method keeps them functional and sanitary.

• Add a pump of hand soap to a shallow dish.
• Place a single drop of olive oil on your fingertip.
• Swirl the brush in the soap, then gently massage the oil into the bristles using circular motions on your palm.
• Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry.

The oil dissolves dried foundation or concealer; the soap lifts away grime. Ideal for dense stippling or foundation brushes.

For Synthetic Brushes Only: Isopropyl Alcohol Spray

Sanitize without water. Mix equal parts 70% isopropyl alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Mist bristles and swirl on a clean tissue until residue lifts. Let air-dry completely before reuse. Best for spot-cleaning during multi-client work or switching between colors.

Tip: Never use alcohol on natural-hair brushes—repeated exposure dries out proteins and causes brittleness.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brush Cleaning

Do	Don’t
Clean foundation and concealer brushes weekly	Soak brushes overnight—this weakens glue and warps handles
Use lukewarm, not hot, water to avoid damaging bristles	Dry brushes upright—water seeps into the ferrule and causes shedding
Rinse from ferrule downward to protect the handle	Use strong detergents like laundry soap—they’re too harsh and strip natural oils
Lay brushes flat with tips overhanging a counter or towel	Rub aggressively on rough surfaces—this frays bristles
Condition natural-hair brushes monthly with a drop of oil	Mix vinegar and baking soda directly on brushes—fizzing can push debris deeper

Real Example: How Sarah Fixed Her Shedding Brushes

Sarah, a freelance makeup artist in Portland, started noticing her high-end blending brushes shedding heavily after just six months. She assumed she’d bought low-quality tools. Then a client mentioned her own routine using dish soap and vinegar. Skeptical but desperate, Sarah tried the method once a week for three weeks.

The first wash pulled out a shocking amount of grayish gunk—old eyeshadow mixed with facial oils. By week two, shedding dropped noticeably. After three weeks, her brushes felt softer, applied more smoothly, and held their shape. “I wasted money on replacements before realizing it was a cleaning issue,” she said. “Now I clean them every Sunday night. They look and work like new.”

Her turnaround wasn’t magic—it was consistent, proper cleaning with what she already had.

Checklist: Weekly Brush Care Routine

Follow this simple checklist to keep your brushes in top condition without hassle:

• ✅ Set a recurring reminder (e.g., every Sunday) to clean frequently used brushes.
• ✅ Separate brushes by use: foundation/concealer (clean weekly), blush/bronzer (every 2 weeks), eyeshadow (every 3 weeks).
• ✅ Use dish soap and warm water for weekly deep cleans.
• ✅ Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
• ✅ Reshape bristles and lay flat to dry overnight.
• ✅ Store in a breathable container—avoid sealed jars that trap moisture.
• ✅ Every month, do a vinegar soak for extra sanitation.

Tip: Keep a travel-sized bottle of hand soap in your makeup bag. Use it to spot-clean a brush mid-day if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my makeup brushes?

Foundation and concealer brushes should be cleaned weekly due to heavy product load and contact with oils. Powder brushes (like blush or bronzer) can be cleaned every two to three weeks. Eyeshadow brushes, especially those used with dry pigments, can go up to three weeks between cleans—unless you notice color transfer or stiffness.

Can I use baking soda to clean makeup brushes?

Baking soda is abrasive and can damage delicate bristles over time. While it has mild cleaning properties, it’s not recommended for regular use. If you want to deodorize brushes, mix a teaspoon with your soap solution—but never scrub dry bristles with it. Better alternatives include vinegar for disinfecting and olive oil for degreasing.

Is it safe to use baby shampoo?

Yes, baby shampoo is one of the safest options, especially for natural-hair brushes. It’s formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin and eyes, making it ideal for soft bristles. Just ensure you rinse thoroughly, as residue can leave a slight film.

Final Thoughts: Make Cleaning Effortless

Clean makeup brushes aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity for healthy skin and flawless application. The barrier to doing it regularly isn’t cost or complexity; it’s habit. Once you realize that a clean sink, some dish soap, and a few spare minutes are all you need, maintenance becomes effortless. These tools are an investment in your self-care routine. Treat them well, and they’ll deliver better results for years.

Start tonight. Pick one method. Clean one brush. Notice the difference in texture and performance. Then make it routine. Your skin—and your makeup—will thank you.

💬 Have a favorite homemade cleaning hack? Share your tip in the comments and help others keep their brushes fresh and functional!