Makeup brushes collect more than just makeup — they trap oils, dirt, and bacteria that can harm your skin and wear down bristles. Learning how to clean makeup brushes with vinegar naturally is an easy, affordable, and effective way to keep them fresh.
The natural acidity of white distilled vinegar breaks down buildup, removes residue, and helps sanitize without harsh chemicals. With just vinegar, warm water, and a few minutes, you can restore your brushes to a soft, clean, and makeup-ready state.
This method works for most brush types, requires minimal tools, and is simple to do at home. Here’s my step-by-step guide to cleaning makeup brushes with vinegar naturally so they last longer and perform their best.
Table of Contents
- How To Clean Makeup Brushes With Vinegar?
- Tips I follow every time
- What To Consider When Cleaning Makeup Brushes with Vinegar?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
How To Clean Makeup Brushes With Vinegar?
To clean makeup brushes with vinegar, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a bowl. Soak only the bristles for 10–15 minutes, then rinse under warm water until clear. Gently squeeze out excess water, reshape bristles, and lay flat to dry.
Here is the detailed breakdown:
What I use
- 1 part white distilled vinegar
- 1 part warm (not hot) water
- A small bowl or cup
- A drop of gentle dish soap (optional — I use it for very oily or heavy-makeup brushes)
- A clean towel for drying
- A soft brush-cleaning pad or my palm for gentle lathering (optional)
Step-by-step guide:
1. Gather and prep.
I set up everything before I touch a brush: bowl, towel, and a spot on the counter. This keeps the process quick and neat.
2. Make the solution (1:1).
Pour equal parts warm water and white distilled vinegar into the bowl (for example, ¼ cup water + ¼ cup vinegar). If a brush is extra grimy or oily, I add a single drop of gentle dish soap and swirl it in — that helps break down oils.
3. Quick safety check / test.
If the brush is vintage or very expensive, I test a tiny amount of the solution on one less-visible brush first. I never use hot water (it can loosen the glue) and I avoid soaking brushes with delicate wooden handles.
4. Soak only the bristles.
I hold the brush by the handle and dip just the bristles (ferrule area not submerged) into the solution. Soak 10–15 minutes — that’s enough to loosen makeup and let the vinegar do its job. I set a timer so I don’t forget.
5. Loosen stuck-on makeup.
After soaking, I swirl the brush gently in my palm or on a soft cleaning pad to dislodge remaining product. If I added dish soap, I’ll work a small lather through the bristles now.
6. Rinse thoroughly.
I rinse under warm running water, pointing bristles downward so water doesn’t flow into the handle. I keep rinsing until the water runs clear and any vinegar smell is mostly gone.
7. Remove lingering smell / condition if needed.
If the vinegar scent lingers or the bristles feel a little rough, I give the brush a quick, gentle wash with mild shampoo or a tiny dab of hair conditioner — then rinse again. This step is optional but nice for softness.
8. Squeeze & reshape.
I gently squeeze excess water out with my fingers (don’t twist), then press the bristles into a clean towel to absorb even more moisture. I reshape the head carefully so it dries back into its original form.
9. Dry flat & let air do the work.
I lay brushes flat on a towel with bristles hanging off the edge of the counter so air can circulate. Never stand them upright to dry — water can seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue. Depending on size, they’re usually dry by the next day.
Tips I follow every time
- Don’t soak handles or the ferrule. That’s how glue loosens and handles split.
- Avoid hot water — it weakens glue and may deform bristles.
- Frequency: I deep-clean foundation and concealer brushes weekly; eye brushes I usually do every 2–3 weeks or sooner if I used cream/gel products.
- Natural vs synthetic: Synthetic brushes dry faster; for very delicate natural-hair brushes I do a gentler, shorter soak or test first.
- If bristles shed a lot: the brush may be old or poorly made — vinegar won’t fix structural issues.
- Stubborn stains: repeat the gentle lather-and-swish step; a little extra time in the solution (not more than 15–20 minutes) can help, but I avoid prolonged soaks.
What To Consider When Cleaning Makeup Brushes with Vinegar?
When I clean my brushes with vinegar, I keep a few important things in mind to protect both the bristles and the handle:
- Avoid soaking handles: I never submerge the handle or ferrule — vinegar and water can loosen the glue, causing bristles to shed.
- Choose the right vinegar: I stick to white distilled vinegar because it’s effective, clear, and won’t stain.
- Consider brush type: For synthetic brushes, I sometimes add a drop of gentle dish soap to cut through oils and silicones.
- Deep cleaning matters: While vinegar helps sanitize, makeup pros often pair it with alcohol-based sanitizers for quick surface cleanups and follow with a thorough wash using gentle cleansers.
- Drying safely: I always air dry flat — no hairdryers or heat, since that can warp or damage bristles.
FAQs
Should you clean makeup brushes with vinegar?
Yes. White distilled vinegar can effectively remove buildup and help sanitize makeup brushes naturally, but it should be followed by a thorough rinse to remove odor.
What is the best way to clean up makeup brushes?
Mix warm water with a gentle cleanser, swirl only the bristles, rinse until clear, reshape, and lay flat to dry.
How to clean and disinfect makeup brushes?
Wash bristles with gentle soap or vinegar solution, rinse well, then spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol for quick disinfection.
What do professional makeup artists use to clean their brushes?
Pros often use specialized brush cleansers or 70% isopropyl alcohol for quick sanitizing between clients, followed by deep cleaning with gentle soap and water.
What not to do when cleaning makeup brushes?
Avoid soaking handles, using hot water, or drying with heat, as these can loosen glue, damage bristles, and cause shedding.
What is the best natural makeup brush cleaner?
A mix of equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water works as a natural, chemical-free brush cleaner.
Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean my makeup brushes?
Yes. A drop of Dawn helps remove oils and stubborn makeup residue, especially from synthetic brushes.
Can I use micellar water to clean brushes?
Yes, micellar water can remove makeup residue from brushes, but it’s best for light cleaning rather than deep sanitizing.
Conclusion
Keeping your makeup brushes clean isn’t just about maintaining their performance — it’s also about protecting your skin from breakouts and irritation.
Learning how to clean makeup brushes with vinegar naturally gives you an easy, affordable, and eco-friendly solution you can do right at home.
With just a few simple steps, you can remove buildup, reduce bacteria, and extend the life of your brushes without harsh chemicals. Whether you’re a casual makeup user or a beauty enthusiast, making brush cleaning a regular habit will keep your tools in top condition and your makeup application flawless.
A little vinegar, warm water, and care go a long way toward healthier skin and longer-lasting brushes.
Relevant:
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.
