A foundation brush that still feels coated after washing can make this small job feel harder than it should. Start with the brushes you use most, and leave yourself somewhere to dry them before you turn on the tap.
Quick Answer: To clean makeup brushes, wash the bristles gently with lukewarm water and a suitable cleanser, rinse thoroughly, reshape and dry flat. Gentle shampoo is an option for many brushes when their care instructions allow it. Wash beauty sponges separately with a cleanser suited to their foam, squeeze gently and leave them to air-dry fully. You can do the washing by hand.
What you need
Gather your tools before starting:
Lukewarm running water.
For brushes: their recommended cleanser, or a gentle shampoo where permitted.
For sponges: the cleanser specified for that sponge.
A clean, soft towel and a clear place for drying.
A cleaning mat is optional. The American Academy of Dermatology's brush-cleaning guidance includes washing in your palm and using gentle shampoo. It also cautions that plain soap can dry out bristles.
There is manufacturer support for that shampoo option too: ZOEVA permits mild shampoo for its synthetic brushes. That does not establish compatibility with every natural-hair brush or cosmetic sponge. Check the care instructions for the tools you own before choosing a substitute.
Clear a small space on the vanity rather than starting a whole room clean. If the rest of the room needs attention later, use our separate guide to cleaning a bathroom in order, or browse the bathroom cleaning guides.
How to clean makeup brushes by hand
1. Wet the bristles, keeping the handle above the water
Point the brush head down and rinse the tips. Keep the handle and the ferrule, the metal collar around the bristles, out of the water.
M·A·C's current synthetic-brush care instructions use this downward position to keep water out of the barrel. Follow those instructions for M·A·C brushes, including its recommended cleanser.
2. Work the cleanser through gently
For the mild-shampoo option, put a drop in your palm and gently work it through the wet bristles. Cleveland Clinic's dermatologist-led guide describes this small-amount, palm-washing method, including baby shampoo as a mild cleanser.
Use your fingers gently rather than pulling at the hairs. Give a brush with remaining foundation another wash-and-rinse cycle instead of immediately reaching for a stronger product.
3. Rinse and check for remaining residue
Rinse the bristles with lukewarm water until the cleanser has washed out. If makeup is still coming away, repeat the gentle lather and rinse. ZOEVA's care sequence calls for thorough lathering and complete rinsing.
The rinse is part of the wash, not a quick finishing splash. Turn the brush gently as you rinse so you can work through the head without soaking the handle.
4. Reshape and leave flat
Gently squeeze out excess water, blot on the clean towel and arrange the bristles into their usual shape. Lay the brush horizontally with its head beyond the edge of the bench so air can circulate.
Do not put a wet brush back upright in its cup. The AAD explains that water running into the base can loosen the glue. Keep the drying space clear until the brush is completely dry.
How to wash a beauty sponge
A cosmetic sponge is a separate task from a brush. The household shampoo option above is not a recommendation for every foam applicator.
For a Beautyblender, the brand's official cleaning guide specifies its Blendercleanser range:
Wet the sponge.
Apply the cleanser according to its directions.
Work it into a lather with gentle squeezing.
Rinse with clean water, squeeze out excess water and leave it to dry fully in a clean, ventilated place.
Be gentle with the foam. Beautyblender's material-care advice warns against aggressive scrubbing and household substitutions such as harsh dish detergent. A brush cleanser is only suitable for a sponge if its directions cover that use.
Care note: Beautyblender specifically advises against microwaving its sponge or using vinegar. Follow its washing directions instead. — Beautyblender official guide
Leave the sponge in the open drying space rather than packing it straight into a zipped makeup bag.
How often should you wash them?
Use the instructions for your own tool. These examples show why one schedule does not fit everything:
Tool | Published care guidance |
|---|---|
Makeup brushes, general guidance | The AAD advises washing every 7–10 days. |
M·A·C 129 synthetic brush | Its product instructions specify a weekly wash. |
Beautyblender sponge | Its official guide recommends cleaning after every use. |
Real Techniques Ultimate Sponge Trio | Rinse after each use, deep-clean weekly and air-dry thoroughly. |
The brush and Beautyblender sources are linked above. The last row comes from Real Techniques' care instructions for the named trio; do not assume it applies to every sponge sold under that brand.
Choose a regular point in the week for brush washing. If another long checklist is the last thing you need, our guide to keeping a home clean with a busy schedule offers ways to split household tasks into smaller sessions.
When washing is not enough
Stop trying to wash a worn-out tool back into shape. Cleveland Clinic advises replacing brushes that are frayed, worn or have lost their shape.
Sponge replacement is also product-specific. Real Techniques specifies 30 days for its Ultimate Sponge Trio. Beautyblender's replacement guide says around three months for its sponge, potentially sooner depending on use and condition. Tears, a changed texture or persistent odour are reasons to replace it earlier.
These are care intervals, not a promise that a sponge stays usable until a particular date.
Time, drying space and extra equipment
You do not need to buy an electric brush washer to follow the hand-washing method. If you already have a compatible cleanser and a clean towel, those are the supplies to start with.
Allow for drying separately from washing. Cleveland Clinic recommends leaving brushes overnight; check they are fully dry before using them, rather than assuming a fixed number of hours will be enough. Avoid washing every brush immediately before you need to apply makeup.
Put the wash into your evening cleaning routine when that timing suits you. Leave the drying area clear and return the tools to storage once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I clean makeup brushes with shampoo?
Gentle shampoo is supported by the AAD. Follow your brush's care directions first. This advice does not automatically extend to cosmetic sponges.
Q: Why does my foundation brush still feel coated?
Try another gentle lather and thorough rinse. If residue remains, ask the brush maker which cleanser suits it rather than improvising a stronger mixture. ZOEVA notes that some pigments can leave staining, so colour alone is not a complete check.
Q: Can I speed up drying with a hairdryer?
For Beautyblender, the brand explicitly advises against this because heat can damage its foam. Its replacement and care guide also advises against storing the sponge while damp. For brushes, follow their maker's drying instructions and allow time for natural drying.
Thoughtful care for the spaces that matter most.
