A reusable, microbial-resistant makeup sponge is a more environmentally friendly option than regular sponges. However, as with reusable makeup tools, these sponges also need to be cleaned regularly. Wash your makeup sponge with liquid or solid soap daily or weekly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Washing Makeup Sponge with Liquid Soap
Step 1. Wet the sponge with clean water
In order to be cleaned with soap, the sponge must first be moistened. Turn on the tap and wet the sponge with warm running water. Squeeze the sponge to remove any remaining water.
The sponge should be damp, but not too wet
Step 2. Clean the sponge with liquid soap
Pour a small amount of mild liquid soap (such as baby shampoo or dish soap) onto the sponge. Massage the soap onto the surface of the sponge with your fingers. Once the soap is completely absorbed, rinse the sponge with warm water and squeeze out the excess water. Repeat this process until the water that comes out of the sponge is clear.
- You can also pour soap into your palms and rub the sponge between your palms instead of massaging the soap into the sponge's surface.
- Reusable sponges absorb liquid very easily. So, to remove all the makeup residue, you may have to pour in some soap and rinse it over and over again.
- Some types of sponges, also called makeup blenders, are sold with special cleaning fluids. However, cleaning these sponges with baby shampoo or mild dish soap will not damage them.
Step 3. Dry the sponge
Once the sponge is clean, turn off the tap and squeeze out the remaining water. Use a towel to wrap the sponge and squeeze out any remaining water. Repeat this step several times until most of the sponge is dry. Leave the sponge overnight to dry completely if necessary. As it dries, the sponge will shrink to its original size.
Method 2 of 3: Washing Makeup Sponge with Solid Soap
Step 1. Wet a sponge and bar soap
To moisten a makeup sponge, place it under warm running water. Set the sponge aside and take a mild, fragrance-free bar of soap. Place the soap under running tap water until it gets wet. Rub the bar of soap between your palms until it lathers.
Some types of sponges, also called makeup blenders, are sold with special cleaning fluids. However, cleaning this sponge with a mild, fragrance-free soap will not damage it
Step 2. Massage the soap foam onto the surface of the sponge, rinse, and repeat
Take a makeup sponge and rub the soap suds over the surface. Once all the soap suds have been absorbed, rinse the sponge with warm water and squeeze out the excess water. Repeat this washing, rinsing, and squeezing process until the water that comes out through the sponge is clear.
- You can also rub the sponge directly into the bar of soap.
- Be sure to rinse the soap completely off the sponge.
Step 3. Let the sponge dry by itself
Once the sponge is clean of makeup and soap, turn off the faucet and squeeze out the remaining water. Spread a clean towel on the table and place a sponge on it. When the size shrinks back to its original size, it means the sponge is dry.
Method 3 of 3: Storing, Washing, and Disposing of Makeup Sponges
Step 1. Store makeup sponges separately
Proper storage will extend the life of the sponge and also prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria in it.
- Store makeup sponges in a cool, airy, bright place. Do not store sponges in tightly closed drawers, medicine boxes, or cosmetic bags.
- Place the sponge on the bathroom counter above the clean soap dish. Storage like this will provide fresh air and bacteria-killing light for the sponge.
- While traveling, keep the sponge in a mesh bag, separate from other makeup. Don't put the sponge in a bag full of makeup, germs, and sharp objects.
Step 2. Prevent acne by cleaning and changing the sponge
The reusable makeup sponge is made of microbial-resistant foam. Even though they are designed to be reusable, sponges like these can still grow bacteria and spoil if not cared for properly and replaced frequently.
- Wash your makeup sponge at least once a week. If you are prone to breakouts, wash the sponge after each use.
- Replace this eco-friendly makeup sponge every 3-4 months.
Step 3. Throw away your regular makeup sponge after one use
Makeup sponges made from regular foam are not designed for repeated use. These disposable sponges can harbor infection-causing bacteria and/or acne. So throw away this sponge after every use. Don't try to clean it.
If you want to use the sponge repeatedly, buy a sponge or blender made of microbial-resistant foam
Tips
- Try using a fan to speed up the drying of the sponge.
- Wash the sponge as many times as needed until it's completely clean.
