How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes With Items You Already Have At Home

Making up your face is a daily ritual for many, but few pause to consider the condition of the tools they use. Makeup brushes accumulate oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup over time. When left uncleaned, they can cause breakouts, dull application, and even infections. While store-bought brush cleaners are available, you don’t need them. Most homes already contain everything required to deep-clean brushes effectively—gentle dish soap, olive oil, vinegar, and more. With the right technique, you can restore your brushes to near-new condition using only what’s in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet.

Why Cleaning Your Brushes Matters

Brushes are not just cosmetic tools—they’re extensions of your skincare routine. A dirty brush acts like a petri dish, transferring bacteria from one use to the next. Over time, this leads to clogged pores, irritation, and uneven makeup distribution. Foundation brushes, especially dense ones, trap liquid and cream products that harden and alter brush shape if not cleaned regularly.

Experts agree: cleaning your brushes every 7–10 days for frequently used ones (like foundation or concealer) and monthly for less-used ones (such as eyeshadow blenders) is essential. But frequency means little without proper method. The goal isn’t just surface-level freshness—it’s deep sanitation and fiber restoration.

“Most people underestimate how much bacteria builds up in their brushes. A simple weekly wash with mild soap can prevent acne flare-ups and extend brush life by years.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Dermatologist & Cosmetic Tool Hygiene Specialist

Essential Household Items That Work as Brush Cleaners

You likely already own multiple effective brush-cleaning agents. These ingredients are gentle on bristles yet powerful against grime:

• Dish soap – Cuts through oils and pigments without stripping natural fibers.
• Olive oil or coconut oil – Breaks down stubborn makeup residue, especially waterproof formulas.
• White vinegar – Natural disinfectant that kills bacteria and removes mineral deposits from tap water.
• Hair conditioner – Softens bristles and restores flexibility, preventing shedding.
• Isopropyl alcohol (70%) – Sanitizes synthetic bristles quickly; ideal for spot-cleaning between full washes.

These items are cost-effective, non-toxic, and widely accessible. Unlike commercial cleaners loaded with preservatives and fragrances, they offer transparency and control over what touches your skin.

Tip: Always test any cleaner on a single bristle first if you're using natural-hair brushes. Some oils may soften glue over time if used excessively.

Step-by-Step Guide: Deep-Cleaning Your Brushes at Home

A thorough cleaning takes less than 15 minutes and should be done during low-makeup-use periods—like Sunday evenings or after finishing a product. Follow this sequence for optimal results:

1. Gather supplies: Mild dish soap, olive oil (optional), white vinegar, clean towel, small bowl, and lukewarm water.
2. Rinse under lukewarm water: Hold brushes at an angle so water doesn’t soak into the ferrule (the metal part). Wet only the bristles.
3. Create a cleaning solution: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 1 teaspoon olive oil (for heavy buildup), and ½ cup warm water. For extra sanitization, add 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
4. Swirl gently: Swirl each brush in the mixture using circular motions against the bottom of the bowl or your palm. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent splaying bristles.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse under running water until no suds or color residue appears. Squeeze out excess water gently with fingers.
6. Condition (optional): Dip tips into a drop of hair conditioner for 3–5 minutes to rehydrate natural bristles. Rinse lightly afterward.
7. Reshape and dry: Gently reshape bristles with your fingers. Lay flat on a clean towel with handles hanging off the edge to allow airflow. Never stand brushes upright while wet—water seeps into the handle and loosens the glue.

Allow 6–12 hours to fully dry. Do not use a hairdryer; heat damages both natural and synthetic fibers.

Spot-Cleaning Between Washes

If a full wash isn’t practical midweek, quick spot-cleaning keeps brushes functional and hygienic. This is especially useful when switching between colors or after using heavy concealers.

Mix equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol in a small container. Dip brush tip and swirl on a microfiber cloth or paper towel until residue lifts. Let air-dry for 5 minutes before reuse. This method disinfects and evaporates quickly, minimizing downtime.

Household Ingredients vs. Their Cleaning Benefits

Ingredient	Cleansing Action	Best For	Caution
Dish soap	Breaks down oils and pigments	All brush types, especially foundation	Avoid excessive use on natural hair
Olive oil	Dissolves waterproof makeup	Eyeliner, brow, and smudge brushes	Use sparingly—can weaken glue if overused
White vinegar	Disinfects and removes buildup	Deep cleans every 2–3 washes	Always dilute; strong odor
Hair conditioner	Softens and protects bristles	Natural-hair brushes needing rejuvenation	Rinse well—leftover residue attracts dirt
Isopropyl alcohol	Kills bacteria fast	Synthetic brushes, emergency cleanup	Drying to skin; ventilate area

Common Mistakes That Damage Brushes

Even with good intentions, improper techniques shorten brush lifespan. Avoid these frequent errors:

• Soaking brushes vertically in water: Water enters the ferrule, swelling the wooden handle and dissolving adhesive. Bristles fall out within weeks.
• Using hot water: Heat weakens glue and warps delicate fibers, especially in natural goat or squirrel hair.
• Skipping the reshape step: Bristles dry misshapen, affecting precision and performance.
• Drying in direct sunlight or near heaters: Causes brittleness and fading of colored handles.
• Overusing oils: While olive oil lifts makeup, repeated exposure degrades the epoxy holding bristles in place.

Tip: After washing, place brushes in a slight downward angle across the counter—this promotes drainage while maintaining shape.

Real-Life Example: How One Artist Transformed Her Routine

Jamila Reyes, a freelance makeup artist in Chicago, used to replace her core set of seven brushes every four months due to stiffness and shedding. She assumed it was normal wear. Then, after a client developed a minor eye infection post-application, she investigated hygiene practices.

She began cleaning her brushes weekly using only Dawn dish soap and a silicone mixing mat with textured grooves. Within two weeks, she noticed smoother blending, truer color payoff, and zero shedding. Two years later, her original brushes remain in excellent condition. “I save over $200 a year now,” she says. “And my clients comment all the time on how smooth their skin looks after I work on them.”

Her method? Every Sunday night, she dedicates 10 minutes to swirling each brush in soapy water, rinsing, and laying them flat to dry. No special products, no fuss—just consistency.

How Often Should You Clean Different Types of Brushes?

Not all brushes require the same attention. Frequency depends on usage, product type, and bristle material.

Foundation & Concealer Brushes

Clean every 5–7 uses. Liquid and cream formulas build up quickly and harbor bacteria.

Powder & Blush Brushes

Clean every 2–3 weeks. Powders are less hospitable to microbes but still collect dust and oils.

Eyeshadow Brushes

Clean every 10 uses unless switching between dark and light shades. Spot-clean with alcohol between colors.

Brow & Liner Brushes

Clean weekly. These come into contact with sensitive eye areas and often use waxy, long-wear products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hand soap instead of dish soap?

Hand soap is less effective because it’s formulated to moisturize, not cut grease. It may leave a filmy residue on bristles that affects makeup application. Dish soap is superior for degreasing without additives.

My brushes smell after washing. What’s wrong?

A lingering odor usually means water has seeped into the handle. Once trapped, moisture breeds mildew. To fix this, let brushes dry completely in a well-ventilated area. If the smell persists, discard the brush—internal mold cannot be fully removed.

Is vinegar safe for all brushes?

Yes, when diluted. Use one part vinegar to three parts water. Full-strength vinegar may degrade adhesives over time. Limit vinegar soaks to once per month for deep sanitation.

Final Checklist: At-Home Brush Cleaning Routine

• ✅ Gather dish soap, olive oil, vinegar, and a clean towel
• ✅ Rinse bristles under lukewarm, angled water
• ✅ Swirl in soapy solution (add oil for stubborn residue)
• ✅ Rinse until water runs clear
• ✅ Condition natural bristles occasionally
• ✅ Reshape and lay flat to dry overnight
• ✅ Spot-clean with alcohol solution between washes
• ✅ Store brushes upright only when completely dry

Conclusion: Simple Habits, Lasting Results

Cleaning your makeup brushes doesn’t require expensive kits or rare ingredients. What matters is consistency and correct technique. Using everyday household items, you can maintain hygiene, improve makeup performance, and dramatically extend the life of your tools. Whether you're a daily wearer or occasional user, dedicating a few minutes each week pays off in clearer skin and better-looking results.

💬 Start tonight: Pick one brush, wash it using the method above, and feel the difference tomorrow. Share your favorite home hack in the comments—your tip might help someone avoid skin issues or save money on replacements.