A Foolproof Step-By-Step Guide To Washing Your Makeup Brushes Without Ruining Them

By Wei Yin on 23 Feb 2022

Digital Editor

An INFP who enjoys watching sappy Korean dramas in her free time. Good food and cute dogs are all she needs.

Washing your makeup brushes is extremely important to prevent bacteria build-up but it also feels like a chore, especially if you aren't sure of how to do it correctly.

Well, here's a foolproof step-by-step guide to washing your makeup brushes without ruining them. Once you know how easy it is, you will be more motivated to keep them clean.

Read on to find out more!

#1 Use a gentle cleanser

Photo from cottonbro via Pexels

Using a gentle cleanser is the first step to maintaining your brushes' bristles while washing but you don't have to purchase a cleanser specifically for brushes! Your facial wash is good enough because if it's gentle enough for your skin, it's gentle enough for your brushes too. Check out our list of best facial cleansers in Singapore for recommendations.

#2 Wash them in lukewarm water

Photo from Ray Piedra via Pexels

Hot water will ruin the bristles but warm water will help to break up the makeup particles and kill bacteria at the same time. Soak your brushes in lukewarm water together with the cleanser to wash.

#3 Massage the bristles

Photo from Marcelo Moreira via Pexels

Massage the bristles with your fingers to loosen any remaining makeup and remember to do it gently. Don't rub the bristles back and forth, but rather, in one direction to prevent the bristles from fraying.

#4 Use a brush cleaning tool

Photo from Shopee

If you find that massaging the bristles doesn't remove all the makeup from your brushes, use a brush cleaning tool.

Inexpensive silicone brush cleaning tools like the one in the image above are great at cleaning brushes thoroughly. It's like a washboard, except that you use it for makeup brushes and not laundry. But, remember to be gentle too!

#5 Rinse with lukewarm water

Photo from Kinkate via Pexels

Once your brushes are all soaped up, rinse them in lukewarm water while massaging the bristles at the same time. Make sure the water that runs down from your bristles is clear, indicating that your brushes are clean and free of any makeup residue.

#6 Dry them & reshape

Photo from Dids via Pexels

Then, squeeze off any excess water using a towel or paper towel. It's also normal for your brushes to look slightly out of shape after washing. All you have to do is reshape the bristles using your fingers while they are still wet.

#7 Leave them to air dry

Photo from cottonbro via Pexels

Lay your brushes flat on a towel with the bristles hanging over the counter to air dry before placing them back into the pouch or container. This allows the brushes to dry completely and quickly.

Don't use any tools such as a hair dryer to dry them as the heat will ruin the bristles!

And there you have it, just seven simple steps to get clean brushes! It's recommended to wash your makeup brushes once every week so make sure you do that as well.