Keeping your makeup brushes clean is essential for flawless makeup application and healthy skin.
Over time, brushes collect oils, dirt, and bacteria that can cause breakouts and dull your look. But don’t worry—cleaning your brushes doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
In this article, you’ll discover simple, effective ways to clean makeup brushes using everyday items like Dawn dish soap, natural cleansers, and gentle techniques.
Whether you’re a beginner or a beauty pro, these foolproof methods will keep your brushes fresh, soft, and ready to use, helping you achieve a radiant, flawless finish every time.
Without further ado, let’s dig in.
Table of Contents
How To Clean Makeup Brushes with Dawn
To clean makeup brushes with Dawn, wet the bristles with lukewarm water, swirl them in a small amount of Dawn soap (optionally mixed with olive oil), gently rub on a textured surface, then rinse until clear. Squeeze out excess water, reshape the brush, and lay flat or hang upside down to dry.
Now, let’s dive into the detailed and step-by-step cleaning procedure.
What You’ll Need
- Dawn dish soap (a small amount)
- Lukewarm water
- A small bowl or dish
- A textured cleaning surface (like a silicone brush mat or your palm)
- A clean towel for drying
- Optional: a drop of olive oil (especially for natural bristle brushes)
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
I start by wetting the brush head under lukewarm water, making sure not to soak the handle or the metal ferrule, as that can loosen the glue holding the bristles. Then, I pour a small amount of Dawn into a dish. For my natural brushes, I add a drop of olive oil to the soap — this keeps the bristles soft and prevents them from becoming brittle.
Step 2: Gently Clean the Brushes
Next, I swirl the wet brush head into the Dawn solution and gently rub it against my silicone cleaning mat or the palm of my hand. This creates a light lather that loosens makeup, oils, and dirt trapped deep in the bristles. I’m careful to apply gentle pressure, especially with natural bristles, to avoid damaging them.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Once I’m confident the brush is clean, I rinse it under lukewarm running water, pointing the bristles downward so the water doesn’t seep into the handle. I keep rinsing until the water runs clear and no soap residue remains.
Step 4: Squeeze and Reshape
I gently squeeze out excess water from the brush, taking care not to twist or pull on the bristles. Then, I reshape the brush head to its original form, which helps maintain its performance and longevity.
Step 5: Dry Properly
Finally, I lay my brushes flat on a clean towel or hang them upside down with the bristles pointing downward. This allows them to dry completely without water settling in the ferrule, which can loosen the glue. I never dry my brushes with heat or upright to avoid damage.
Optional Step: Disinfect for Extra Cleanliness
If I want to be extra thorough, especially after heavy use, I lightly spray the dried brushes with 70% isopropyl alcohol. This helps disinfect and keeps the brushes safe and hygienic for my skin.
Pro Tips I Always Follow
- Never submerge the brush handle or ferrule in water.
- Be gentle with natural hair brushes to avoid bristle damage.
- Clean brushes regularly, especially after using cream or liquid makeup products.
- Always dry flat or upside down to protect the glue and bristle shape.
FAQs
Is it safe to use Dawn to clean makeup brushes?
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe and effective for cleaning makeup brushes. It cuts through oils and makeup residue well. Just be sure to use it sparingly and rinse thoroughly to avoid drying out natural bristles. Adding a bit of olive oil can help keep brushes soft.
What is the best thing to clean makeup brushes with?
The best cleaner depends on your brush type and usage. Natural, gentle cleansers like Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap or baby shampoo work well for regular cleaning. For deep cleaning, a combination of dish soap and olive oil is great. Always rinse thoroughly and dry properly.
What do professional makeup artists use to clean their brushes?
Professional makeup artists often use specialized brush cleansers and 70% isopropyl alcohol sprays for quick sanitizing between clients. They also perform deep cleans regularly with gentle soaps like Castile soap to maintain brush quality and hygiene.
Can I clean my makeup sponges with Dawn dish soap?
Yes, Dawn can be used to clean makeup sponges as it removes oils and makeup buildup effectively. Use a small amount, work it into the sponge gently, rinse thoroughly, and avoid harsh scrubbing to preserve the sponge’s integrity.
Why does Dawn dish soap make my sponge smell?
If your sponge smells after using Dawn, it could be due to residual soap not being fully rinsed out or the breakdown of trapped oils and bacteria releasing odors. Make sure to rinse your sponge thoroughly and dry it completely to prevent smells.
How to disinfect makeup sponges and brushes?
To disinfect, clean your brushes or sponges first with soap and water, then spray or soak them briefly in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow them to air dry completely. This helps kill bacteria and maintain hygiene between uses. Regular cleaning and disinfecting prevent skin irritation and breakouts.
Conclusion
Keeping your makeup brushes clean is essential for flawless makeup application and healthy skin. Over time, brushes collect oils, dirt, and bacteria that can cause breakouts and dull your look.
But don’t worry—cleaning your brushes doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In this article, you’ll discover simple, effective ways to clean makeup brushes using everyday items like Dawn dish soap, natural cleansers, and gentle techniques.
Whether you’re a beginner or a beauty pro, these foolproof methods will keep your brushes fresh, soft, and ready to use, helping you achieve a radiant, flawless finish every time.
Read Also:
Emma Vanderlyn is a home enthusiast with a passion for all things natural and eco-friendly. With years of experience experimenting with DIY solutions, she’s dedicated to creating safe, effective, and budget-friendly cleaning recipes that are kind to both your home and the planet. Emma believes that a clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of harsh chemicals, and her easy-to-follow guides make natural cleaning accessible to everyone.
When she’s not whipping up a new cleaner in her kitchen, Emma can be found researching the latest in green living or transforming her space with mindful, stylish decor ideas. She’s here to share her love of natural living and help you create a home that shines—naturally.
