Best way to clean makeup brushes (2025 Expert Guide)

In addition to shortening the life of your instruments, dirty makeup brushes can result in breakouts and spoil your makeup appearance. However, how should makeup brushes be cleaned, and which cleaners are effective?

This U.S.-focused guide includes the following topics:

✅ The best soap for cleaning makeup brushes (drugstore and luxury options)
✅ A step-by-step cleaning process that is quick and efficient
✅How to properly dry brushes to prevent damage
✅ How frequently to clean them (for beautiful makeup & clear skin)

Together, we can restore your brushes’ original appearance and functionality.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Oils, bacteria, and residue from outdated products cause:

Skin irritation and acne Patchy,
smeared makeup application
Quicker wear and tear on brushes

Dermatologists advise cleaning brushes every 7–14 days, or once a week if you have skin that is prone to oiliness or acne.

The Best Method (Step-by-Step) for Cleaning Makeup Brushes

What You will Need:

✔ Gentle soap or brush cleaner (additional possibilities are provided below!)

✔Clean towels or microfiber cloths

✔ Lukewarm water

✔ A brush or cleaning mat (optional but useful)

Step 1, moisten the bristles.

Avoid boiling water since it can dislodge adhesive, and instead run lukewarm water over the bristles.
The ferrule (metal portion) should never be submerged since water can seep in and harm the brush.

Step 2: Use a Cleaner

Use a dime-sized quantity of a mild cleanser, such as Castile soap, baby shampoo, or a special brush cleaner.
Try using antibacterial soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, for thorough cleaning.

Step 3: Rinse and Scrub Gently

To lift debris, swirl bristles on your palm or a cleaning mat.
Rinse until all of the water is clear.

Step 4: Dry and Reshape Properly

Using a cloth, gently squeeze out any extra water. Brushes should never be stood upright because water might distort the handle; instead,( reshape the bristles and put them flat to dry.)

💡 Pro tips: Use a brush spray cleaner (such as Cinema Secrets) for fast cleanings in between thorough

The Best Soap for Cleaning Makeup Brushes (Quick Guide )

Below, we have ranked the best options by price, effectiveness, and where to buy them in the United States. Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is the best option for sparkling-clean brushes because of its natural, antibacterial formula that deep-cleans without damaging bristles. Budget shoppers love Johnson’s Baby Shampoo ($3) for gentle daily washes, while Dawn Dish Soap tackles stubborn foundation buildup. Luxury seekers prefer Beauty blender’s Cleanser because it does not require a rinse, and eco-conscious users swear by Zote Soap Bar for zero-waste cleaning.