DIY Cleaning Methods for Makeup brushes

How to Clean Makeup Brushes with Olive Oil and Antibacterial Soap

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need olive oil, a mild antibacterial soap (like a gentle hand soap), a small bowl, a clean towel, and your dirty makeup brushes.

 

• Mix your cleaning solution: In a small bowl, combine a small amount of olive oil with a squirt of antibacterial soap. The olive oil helps break down stubborn makeup, especially oil-based products, while the soap helps wash away residue and surface grime.

 

• Swirl and work it in: Dip just the tip of your brush into the mixture. Gently swirl the brush in the palm of your hand or on a silicone cleaning mat, working the solution through the bristles. This helps loosen up foundation, powders, and other buildup.

 

• Rinse thoroughly: Hold the brush under lukewarm running water, bristles pointing downward. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and you don’t see any more makeup or soap coming out. Avoid getting water above the metal part (the ferrule), as this can loosen the glue holding the bristles.

 

• Gently reshape and dry: Squeeze out excess water with a clean towel, then gently reshape the bristles. Lay the brushes flat on a towel with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. This helps them dry evenly and keeps water from seeping into the handle.

 

• Let them dry completely: Give your brushes plenty of time to air dry before using them again. Depending on the size and density, this can take several hours or overnight.

• Pro tip: If you notice any lingering residue or the bristles feel greasy, repeat the soap-only step to make sure everything is rinsed out.

 

• Why olive oil? Olive oil acts as a gentle makeup remover, especially for long-wear or waterproof products. It helps break down the gunk that regular soap might leave behind.

 

• Why antibacterial soap? It helps wash away surface grime and buildup from daily use. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly so no soap is left behind in the bristles.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes with White Vinegar and Warm Water

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need white vinegar, warm water, a small bowl, and a clean towel. Make sure the vinegar is plain white vinegar—skip the apple cider or anything fancy, as those can leave residue or odors.

 

• Mix your solution: Combine one part white vinegar with two parts warm water in your bowl. The water should be warm to the touch, not hot—think comfortable bath temperature. Hot water can loosen the glue that holds brush bristles in place, which nobody wants.

 

• Swirl, don’t soak: Dip just the bristles of your makeup brush into the solution. Gently swirl the brush around for about 30 seconds. Avoid submerging the metal part (the ferrule) or the handle, as this can cause damage over time.

 

• Rinse thoroughly: After swirling, rinse the brush under lukewarm running water. Keep the brush bristles pointing down to prevent water from seeping into the handle. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and you don’t smell vinegar anymore.

 

• Gently reshape and dry: Squeeze out excess water with a clean towel, then gently reshape the bristles with your fingers. Lay the brush flat on a towel with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. This helps air circulate and keeps the brush from getting musty.

 

• Let it dry completely: Give your brushes plenty of time to dry before using them again. Depending on the size and density, this could take several hours or overnight. Patience pays off—using a damp brush can mess with your makeup and shorten the brush’s lifespan.