Rinse the brush with lukewarm water. Dip the brush in a cup of water and baby shampoo. Stir in the shampoo solution, then rinse the bristles with lukewarm water. Pat the bristles dry and return to their shape, then allow them to dry. Once the bristles are dry, puff them out with your fingers.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Less Dirty Brushes
Step 1. Observe the brush
Do you use that brush for powder or cream makeup? If you previously used a brush for cream makeup, you'll need to clean it more thoroughly than a brush for powder makeup. Read the section on cleaning very dirty brushes below.
Step 2. Rinse the brush with lukewarm water
Do not allow water to get into the metal crevices on the brush handle, as this can damage the bristle adhesive. Run the water until the brush is clean of most of the old makeup residue. Be sure to point the brush down so that water doesn't get caught in the gaps in the handle and damage the adhesive.
Do not use hot water as it can damage the bristles
Step 3. Fill a small bowl or cup with water
You will need about 60 ml of lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can damage the bristles.
Step 4. Pour some baby shampoo into the water
Put 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo in a cup and stir gently until smooth.
If you don't have baby shampoo, use liquid castile soap instead
Step 5. Dip and swirl the brush in the shampoo solution
Just dip half of the brush in the solution to prevent water from getting into the handle.
Step 6. Remove the brush from the shampoo solution
Remove any remaining makeup and dust by massaging the shampoo solution into the bristles of the brush.
Step 7. Rinse the brush bristles with lukewarm water
Continue to massage the bristles during rinsing until the water passing through is clear. Try not to get the brush handle wet.
Step 8. Pat the bristles dry
Use a towel to slightly dampen the brush's moisture. Wrap a towel around the wet brush bristles and press gently with your fingers.
Step 9. Restore the brush shape
If the bristles are bent, you will need to put them back the way they were. Use your fingers to straighten, flatten, and return the brush to its original shape.
Step 10. Allow the brush to dry
Don't place the brush on a towel, as this can make it moldy. Instead, place the brush on a table with the bristles hanging by the edges.
Step 11. Puff up the bristles of the brush
Once the brush is completely dry, blow the bristles back in. Your brush is now ready to use.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Very Dirty Brushes
Step 1. Observe the brush
If the brush was previously used for cream makeup, soap and water alone will not be enough to clean it. You'll need a little oil to remove any makeup residue, especially if it's been on the brush for a long time.
Step 2. Pour some oil on a paper towel
Fold a paper towel and pour some oil over it. You can use almond oil or olive oil. Dip and swirl the bristles in the oil. Do not let the brush soak in the oil. Gently rub the brush back and forth over the tissue until the dirt is removed.
Step 3. Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water
Make sure to point the brush down so that the brush handle doesn't come into contact with the water. Water can cause the metal handle of the brush to rust, or loosen the adhesive. Continue to rinse the brush under running water until most of the old makeup is removed.
Do not use hot water as it can damage the bristles
Step 4. Pour a small amount of baby shampoo into the palm of your hand
If you don't have baby shampoo, you can use liquid castile soap instead.
Step 5. Rotate the brush in the palm of the hand
Dip the brush in the pool of shampoo in the palm of your hand. Gently rotate the brush. The bristles of the brush should be in constant contact with the skin of the palm of your hand. Over time, the shampoo in the palm of your hand will start to look cloudy due to the dirt coming off the bristles.
Step 6. Rinse the brush with a stream of lukewarm water
Massage the bristles of the brush with your fingers while rinsing with water. Again, try not to get the brush handle wet. Rinse the brush until the water that passes through it looks clear.
Step 7. Pat the brush dry and reshape if necessary
Once the rinse water is clear, remove the brush from the running water and gently wrap a towel around it. Squeeze the water out of the brush using your finger. Remove the brush from the towel and reshape it if necessary. You can restore the shape of the brush by gently pressing, spreading the bristles, or pulling the bristles in a certain direction. Try to return the brush to its original shape as much as possible.
Step 8. Lay the brush flat to dry
Don't place the brush on a towel, as this can make it moldy. Instead, place the brush handle on the table and let the bristles hang over the edge of the table.
Step 9. Puff up the bristles of the brush
If your brush was previously puffy, some of the bristles might stick together after washing and drying. If this happens, simply lift the brush and flick it for a while.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for and Keeping Makeup Brushes Clean
Step 1. Know how often you should clean your brushes
Dirty makeup brushes will not only grow bacteria, but also affect the color of makeup. Some makeup can also damage the bristles if left there too long. Here are some tips for cleaning brushes based on the type of bristles:
- Clean natural bristle brushes weekly. These brushes include powdered makeup brushes such as eyeshadow and bronzer.
- Clean synthetic bristle brushes every other day. These brushes include brushes for cream and liquid makeup such as lipstick, cream blush, and liquid or gel eyeliner.
Step 2. Do not place the brush vertically while drying it
Water will run into the brush handle and cause it to rust or rot. It can also loosen the adhesive of the bristles of the brush.
The brush can be placed vertically after it dries
Step 3. Do not use a hair dryer or straightener to dry the brushes
The heat from a hair dryer or straightener will damage the fibers of the brush, even natural fibers, such as weasel or camel hair. The bristles on a makeup brush are much more brittle than the hair on your head.
Step 4. Dry the brush in a well-ventilated area
If the brush is dried in an enclosed place, such as a bathroom, the bristles won't get enough airflow and will eventually grow mold. This will give your brush a musty smell. Ew!
Step 5. Store brushes properly
Once dry, store the brush vertically in the cup or horizontally. Do not place the bristles on the bottom or they will bend.
Step 6. Consider disinfecting the brushes
Before drying brushes, or between cleanings, try disinfecting them with a vinegar solution. Don't worry, the strong and pungent smell of vinegar will go away once the bristles are dry. Fill a small bowl or cup with two parts water and one part vinegar. Rotate the brush in the solution, but don't let the handle get wet. Rinse the brush with clean water and allow it to dry.
Tips
- Baby wipes or regular wet wipes can also be used to wipe down makeup brushes and containers.
- Makeup remover wipes are suitable for cleaning brushes.
- Avoid using cleaning agents that have a strong scent or other ingredients that can damage your brushes (such as dish soap, almond oil, olive oil, vinegar, or exfoliating cleaners).
- If possible, hang the brush to dry. You can dry your brushes by hanging them on paper clips or hangers.
Warning
- Allow the brush to dry completely before using, especially on powder makeup. Even a brush that is still slightly damp can damage powdery makeup.
- Do not dry the brush with a heater. Let the brush dry by itself.
- Do not immerse the brush in water as this may damage the adhesive on the handle.
