How To Deep Clean A Makeup Brush With Items You Already Own

Makeup brushes accumulate oils, bacteria, and product residue over time. If left uncleaned, they can cause breakouts, dull application, and premature bristle damage. While store-bought brush cleansers are effective, they aren’t always necessary. Most homes already contain everything needed for a thorough, deep clean. Using simple, accessible ingredients like dish soap, vinegar, and olive oil, you can restore your brushes to near-new condition—without spending extra or introducing harsh chemicals.

The key is consistency and technique. A proper deep clean doesn’t just remove surface grime; it sanitizes the ferrule (the metal part), prevents shedding, and maintains the shape of the bristles. Whether you use synthetic or natural hair brushes, the right method makes all the difference.

Why Deep Cleaning Matters

Every time a brush touches your skin or makeup, it picks up more than pigment. Sebum, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants cling to the bristles. Over days and weeks, this buildup creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Dermatologists frequently link unwashed brushes to acne, irritation, and even fungal infections like folliculitis.

Additionally, dried foundation or concealer in the base of the bristles can harden, causing brushes to lose their flexibility and eventually shed. This not only shortens their lifespan but also compromises blending precision. Regular cleaning preserves both hygiene and performance.

“Many people don’t realize that their morning breakouts could be caused by last week’s foundation still sitting in their brush.” — Dr. Lena Reyes, Board-Certified Dermatologist

What You Already Have at Home That Works

You likely have all the essentials under your sink or in your pantry. These everyday items are gentle yet effective:

• Dish soap – Cuts through oils and emulsifies makeup without drying out bristles.
• White vinegar – Natural disinfectant that kills bacteria and helps dissolve stubborn residue.
• Olive oil or coconut oil – Conditions natural bristles and loosens dried product.
• Honey – Mild antibacterial agent that soothes delicate fibers.
• Hand soap or baby shampoo – Gentle surfactants ideal for sensitive bristles.

No need for expensive specialty cleaners. These staples work just as well when used correctly—and often with fewer synthetic additives.

Tip: Always test any cleaning solution on one brush first if you're unsure about bristle sensitivity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Brushes

A successful deep clean follows a sequence designed to loosen, lift, rinse, and condition. Follow these steps for every brush type—foundation, powder, eyeshadow, or blending.

1. Prep your workspace. Lay down a towel, gather supplies, and place a small bowl or cup near the sink.
2. Rinse the bristles. Hold the brush under lukewarm water, pointing downward. Never submerge the entire brush—water entering the ferrule can loosen the glue and cause shedding.
3. Create a cleaning solution. In a shallow dish, mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. For cream-based products, add a few drops of olive oil.
4. Swirl and massage. Gently swirl the bristles in the solution or onto the palm of your hand. Focus on the base where most buildup hides. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent misshaping.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. Any lingering suds mean residual soap remains, which can stiffen bristles once dry.
6. Condition (optional). For natural hair brushes, dip the tips into a drop of olive oil or honey diluted in warm water. Swirl briefly, then rinse lightly.
7. Reshape and dry. Gently squeeze excess water with a clean towel. Reshape the bristles with your fingers and lay the brush flat on a counter with the bristles hanging slightly over the edge. This allows air circulation while preventing water from seeping into the handle.

Drying takes 6–12 hours depending on humidity and brush density. Never use a hairdryer—it can melt synthetic bristles or warp natural ones.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brush Cleaning

Do’s	Don’ts
Point bristles downward during washing	Submerge the entire brush in water
Use lukewarm, not hot, water	Use boiling water—it damages adhesives
Let brushes air-dry flat or on a rack	Stand them upright while wet—water pools in the ferrule
Clean foundation and concealer brushes weekly	Wait more than two weeks between deep cleans
Use gentle circular motions on palms	Scrub aggressively against rough surfaces

Tip: Place a rubber band around the handle and drape the bristles over a mug to keep them suspended during drying.

Real Example: How Sarah Fixed Her Shedding Blending Brush

Sarah, a freelance makeup artist in Portland, noticed her favorite eyeshadow blender was shedding excessively after just six months. She had been wiping it on a cloth after each use but hadn’t done a full wash in nearly three months. One evening, she tried a DIY deep clean using only Dawn dish soap and olive oil from her kitchen.

After swirling the brush in the soapy mixture and massaging the base, she was shocked at the grayish paste that came out—old eyeshadow, skin oils, and dried primer. She conditioned it with a drop of olive oil, reshaped it, and let it dry overnight. The next day, the shedding stopped, and the brush blended like new. “I didn’t realize how much gunk was trapped inside,” she said. “Now I clean all my brushes every two weeks.”

This case illustrates how neglect builds up invisibly—and how quickly results appear with proper care.

Frequency Based on Brush Type

Not all brushes need the same cleaning schedule. Frequency depends on usage, product type, and bristle material.

• Liquid/cream brushes (foundation, concealer): Weekly deep clean. These pick up oils and emollients that spoil faster.
• Powder brushes (blush, bronzer, setting): Every 2–3 weeks. Less contact with oils means slower contamination.
• Eyeshadow brushes: Biweekly for general use; weekly if used with cream shadows or glitter.
• Beauty sponges: Clean after every use—they harbor bacteria more than brushes.

Spot cleaning between deep sessions helps extend intervals. Wipe brushes on a microfiber cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol (if available) or a vinegar-water mix to kill surface germs.

When to Replace vs. Repair

Even well-maintained brushes wear out. Knowing when to retire a brush saves time and protects your skin.

Replace a brush if:

• Bristles fall out in clumps, even after proper cleaning.
• The ferrule is loose or rusting.
• The handle is cracked or mold has formed inside.
• It no longer holds its shape despite conditioning.

However, many issues are reversible. Misshapen bristles can often be restored by steaming: hold the tip near steam from a kettle (not touching), then reshape and dry. Discoloration from pigments usually fades after multiple washes with dish soap.

“Most brushes last 1–3 years with regular care. The biggest mistake is assuming they’re disposable.” — Marcus Lin, Professional Makeup Artist & Educator

Checklist: Your At-Home Deep Cleaning Routine

Your 7-Step Brush Deep Clean Checklist:

• ✅ Gather dish soap, vinegar, olive oil, and a towel
• ✅ Rinse bristles under lukewarm water (tip down)
• ✅ Mix 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tsp vinegar in a bowl
• ✅ Swirl brush in solution or palm to release debris
• ✅ Rinse until water runs clear
• ✅ Condition with a drop of oil (for natural bristles)
• ✅ Reshape and lay flat to dry overnight

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baking soda to clean makeup brushes?

Yes, but sparingly. Baking soda is abrasive and can fray delicate bristles over time. It’s best reserved for heavily stained synthetic brushes. Mix a small amount with liquid soap for a scrub, then rinse extremely well.

Is it safe to use vinegar on all brush types?

Generally, yes. Vinegar is mild when diluted and effective at disinfecting. However, avoid prolonged soaking. Use it as part of a cleaning solution, not as a standalone soak, especially for natural hair brushes.

How do I know if my brush is truly clean?

After rinsing, press the bristles gently on a white tissue. If no color transfers, it’s clean. Also, there should be no slippery residue—this indicates leftover oil or soap.

Final Thoughts: Make It a Habit, Not a Chore

Deep cleaning your makeup brushes doesn’t require special tools or trips to the store. With items already in your home, you can maintain hygiene, improve makeup application, and extend the life of your tools. The process takes less than ten minutes per brush and pays off in clearer skin and better results.

Start with one or two brushes this week. Once you see the gunk that comes out, you’ll be motivated to make it routine. Think of it as skincare maintenance—not just for your face, but for the tools that touch it daily.

💬 Have a favorite homemade brush cleaner? Share your go-to method in the comments and help others keep their routine simple and effective!