How To Deep Clean Your Makeup Brushes Using Household Items Only

Makeup brushes accumulate oil, bacteria, and old product over time. Without regular cleaning, they can cause breakouts, uneven application, and even infections. While commercial brush cleaners are widely available, you don’t need them to achieve a thorough cleanse. With common household items already in your kitchen or bathroom, you can deep clean your brushes effectively, safely, and affordably. This guide walks you through science-backed methods using ingredients like dish soap, vinegar, and olive oil—proving that high-quality hygiene doesn’t require specialty products.

Why Deep Cleaning Matters

Brushes come into direct contact with your skin daily, picking up sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Foundation, concealer, and cream products build up in the bristles and ferrule—the metal part connecting the handle to the bristles—creating an ideal environment for microbial growth. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that nearly 70% of used makeup tools harbor harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.

Regular cleaning prevents contamination, preserves bristle integrity, and ensures smooth makeup application. But wiping brushes on a towel isn’t enough. A true deep clean removes embedded residue and sanitizes the entire tool. The good news? You already have what you need at home.

Tip: Clean flat foundation and concealer brushes twice a week; fluffy powder and eyeshadow brushes once every 7–10 days.

The Essential Household Toolkit

You don’t need a trip to the beauty store. These five everyday items form the backbone of an effective, natural cleaning system:

• Dish soap – Cuts through oils and breaks down makeup residue.
• White vinegar – Natural disinfectant with antimicrobial properties.
• Olive oil or coconut oil – Loosens dried pigments and conditions natural bristles.
• Coarse salt or sugar – Gentle abrasive for scrubbing buildup from the ferrule.
• Old towel or washcloth – For drying and reshaping bristles.

Each ingredient serves a purpose. Dish soap emulsifies grease, vinegar kills germs, and oil prevents natural-hair brushes from becoming brittle. Combined strategically, they replicate—and often outperform—commercial cleansers.

Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Process

This timeline-based method takes 20–30 minutes and delivers professional-level results. Follow these steps for a complete refresh:

1. Prep the brushes: Remove loose debris by gently tapping the brush against your palm or a soft surface. Do not skip this step—loose pigment can clog drains or redeposit during washing.
2. Create a cleansing solution: In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of dish soap with one cup of lukewarm water. Add one teaspoon of white vinegar for added sanitation.
3. Swirl and lather: Swirl the brush tip in the solution, using circular motions against the bottom of the bowl. Avoid submerging the ferrule—water exposure can loosen glue and damage the handle.
4. Clean the ferrule: Dab a cotton swab soaked in olive oil onto the base of the bristles. Gently work it around the ferrule to dissolve dried foundation or concealer. For stubborn buildup, sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt on the swab for light abrasion.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Hold the brush under lukewarm running water, keeping the bristles angled downward. Continue until water runs clear—this may take 30 seconds per brush.
6. Condition (optional): For natural-hair brushes, dip the tips in a few drops of olive oil, then rinse briefly. This restores moisture lost during cleaning.
7. Dry properly: Reshape the bristles with your fingers. Lay the brush flat on a clean towel with the bristles hanging slightly off the edge to prevent water pooling in the ferrule. Never stand brushes upright while wet—gravity pulls water into the handle, weakening the adhesive.

Drying time varies from 4 to 12 hours depending on bristle density. Do not use brushes until completely dry to avoid bacterial regrowth.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brush Maintenance

Do’s	Don’ts
Use lukewarm water—hot water damages bristles.	Soak brushes overnight—prolonged water exposure warps handles.
Clean after every heavy-use session (e.g., full face).	Use bleach or ammonia—these degrade bristle fibers.
Store brushes upright in a breathable container.	Dry brushes in direct sunlight—UV rays fade colors and weaken glue.
Reshape bristles before drying to maintain performance.	Mix synthetic and natural brushes in the same cleaning oil—synthetics don’t need conditioning.

Tip: Label two small bowls—one for oily-residue brushes (foundation), another for dry-pigment brushes (eyeshadow). Adjust cleaning strength accordingly.

Real Example: A Makeup Artist’s Weekly Routine

Sophia Reyes, a freelance MUA based in Portland, transitioned to household-only brush cleaning during a cross-country move when she forgot her brush shampoo. “I was doing a bridal trial and realized I had no cleaner,” she recalls. “I used Dawn dish soap and apple cider vinegar—same ratio as my usual product. My client had sensitive skin and zero irritation. Now I never buy commercial cleaners.”

Sophia follows a strict weekly schedule: Sunday nights are dedicated to cleaning. She groups brushes by use—face, eyes, lips—and uses olive oil only on her $120 natural-hair set. “The oil keeps them soft. The vinegar makes me confident they’re sanitized. And I save about $60 a year.” Her routine proves that effectiveness doesn’t depend on branding—it depends on consistency and proper technique.

“Brush maintenance is non-negotiable in professional makeup. What matters isn’t the product you use, but whether you remove all residue and sanitize properly. Dish soap and vinegar do that just fine.” — Sophia Reyes, Professional Makeup Artist

Alternative Methods for Specific Needs

Not all brushes are the same. Tailor your approach based on brush type and usage:

For Stubborn Buildup in Dense Bristles

Foundation stippling brushes often trap thick formulas. Make a paste of equal parts dish soap and coarse salt. Gently massage the bristles in your palm using the paste, then rinse. The salt acts as a micro-scrub, dislodging compacted product without damaging fibers.

For Eyeshadow Brushes with Pigment Staining

Vibrant shadows, especially metallics, leave behind dyes. Soak bristles in a mix of warm water and one tablespoon of baking soda for 5 minutes before washing. Baking soda lifts color stains naturally. Follow with a vinegar rinse to neutralize pH and brighten bristles.

For Natural-Hair Brushes (Sable, Goat, etc.)

These absorb more moisture and are prone to brittleness. Always condition with a drop of olive oil post-wash. Skip vinegar if the brush feels overly dry—use soap and water only, followed by oil.

Emergency Spot-Cleaning Between Uses

When traveling or doing multiple clients, mix one teaspoon of dish soap with two teaspoons of water in a spray bottle. Mist the bristles and wipe on a microfiber cloth. Not a substitute for deep cleaning, but effective for mid-day refresh.

Tip: Use a fork to gently comb out bristles after washing. It separates fibers and speeds drying.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Can I use hand soap instead of dish soap?

Hand soap is less effective because it’s formulated to be gentle and lacks the degreasing power of dish soap. Most hand soaps also contain moisturizers and fragrances that can leave residue on bristles. Stick with dish soap for optimal cleaning.

Is vinegar safe for all brush types?

Yes, diluted white vinegar (one part vinegar to three parts water) is safe for both synthetic and natural bristles. Its acidity kills bacteria without damaging fibers. However, if your natural brushes feel stiff after use, reduce vinegar concentration or omit it occasionally.

How do I know when a brush needs replacing?

Replace brushes when bristles shed excessively, become misshapen despite proper drying, or develop a sour smell even after cleaning. Typically, well-maintained brushes last 1–3 years. Poor care can shorten lifespan to under six months.

Checklist: Your Weekly Deep-Cleaning Routine

Stay consistent with this actionable checklist:

• ☐ Gather all brushes due for cleaning
• ☐ Prepare cleaning solution (dish soap + water + optional vinegar)
• ☐ Pre-clean ferrules with oil and cotton swab
• ☐ Wash each brush using circular motion in solution
• ☐ Rinse under running water until clear
• ☐ Condition natural-hair brushes (if needed)
• ☐ Reshape bristles and lay flat to dry
• ☐ Sanitize storage container with vinegar wipe
• ☐ Reassess brush condition weekly

Conclusion: Clean Brushes, Healthier Skin

Maintaining clean makeup brushes isn’t a luxury—it’s a hygiene necessity. Using simple household items, you can eliminate bacteria, preserve tool performance, and protect your skin—all without spending extra. The methods outlined here are proven, accessible, and sustainable. Whether you’re a daily wearer or occasional user, integrating deep cleaning into your routine pays dividends in clarity, comfort, and confidence.

💬 Ready to refresh your routine? Pick one evening this week to deep clean your brushes using only what’s in your pantry. Share your experience or favorite tip in the comments below—your insight could help someone else achieve cleaner, healthier makeup habits.