How-To · Makeup

How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes? A Simple Routine

Makeup brushes and sponges collect bacteria, oil and old product. Here's what research has found, how often to clean them, and a step-by-step method that protects your brushes.

By Elise Marlowe

Published October 12, 20263 min read

Image: Karola G / Pexels

The quick answer

A good rule of thumb is to wash brushes used with liquid or cream products weekly, powder brushes every week or two, and damp sponges after every use or two. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, keep water away from the base of the bristles, reshape, and dry them flat or bristles-down. Don't share brushes.

Key takeaways

Research has found bacteria including Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species on makeup brushes.
Damp sponges tend to harbor more microbes than brushes — clean them most often.
Keep water away from the ferrule (the metal part) so glue doesn't loosen.
The FDA advises against sharing makeup and recommends clean tools.

Makeup brushes and sponges touch your face every day, collect oil, dead skin and product, and often live in a warm, humid bathroom. A quick, regular cleaning routine keeps them working well and more hygienic.

What research has found

A 2025 study of cosmetic brushes found bacteria including Staphylococcus and Micrococcus species, as well as Pseudomonas, and reported that many participants rarely cleaned their brushes. The study didn't find a direct link between cleaning frequency and skin problems — but clean tools are a simple, low-cost habit, and the FDA's cosmetic safety tips recommend keeping tools clean and not sharing makeup.

How often to clean

Cleaning schedule
Tool	How often	Why
Foundation, concealer and cream brushes	Weekly	Liquids and creams build up quickly
Powder, blush and bronzer brushes	Every one to two weeks	Less product residue
Eye brushes	Weekly	Extra care around the eyes
Damp sponges	After every use or two	Moisture encourages microbes

How to clean makeup brushes

Brush-washing routine

Wet the bristles with lukewarm water, pointing them downward.
Massage a drop of gentle shampoo or brush cleanser into the bristles.
Rinse until the water runs clear.
Keep water away from the metal ferrule and handle so the glue doesn't loosen.
Squeeze out excess water with a clean towel and reshape the bristles.
Dry flat or bristles-down — never upright in a cup while wet.

Store them well

Once dry, store brushes upright in a clean holder or a covered case, away from the sink. Our vanity organization guide has ideas for keeping tools tidy.

Clean brushes also blend better — especially with sheer bases like skin tints and stains like jelly blush.

Eye hygiene matters beyond brushes, too: if you have lash lifts or extensions, see our Korean lash lift guide for aftercare questions to ask.

Common brush-cleaning mistakes

Soaking brushes in a cup of water. Water seeps into the ferrule and loosens the glue, so bristles start to shed.
Drying them upright. Water runs down into the handle. Lay them flat or hang them bristles-down.
Using harsh soaps or hot water. These can dry out natural bristles and warp synthetic ones.
Putting damp brushes away. Closed cases trap moisture; make sure brushes are completely dry first.
Forgetting sponges and puffs. Damp sponges need the most frequent cleaning of all your tools.

The bottom line

Wash brushes weekly (or every two weeks for powder), clean sponges after every use or two, keep water away from the handle and dry bristles-down. And don't share your brushes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use dish soap or shampoo to clean makeup brushes?

Many people use a gentle shampoo or a dedicated brush cleanser. Harsh soaps can dry out natural bristles. Rinse thoroughly either way.

How long do makeup brushes take to dry?

Usually several hours to overnight, depending on thickness. Dry them flat or bristles-down so water doesn't run into the handle.

When should I replace a makeup sponge?

Replace sponges when they tear, stay stained after washing, or develop an odor. Many people replace them every few months.

Do I need a special makeup brush cleaner?

No. A gentle shampoo works for most brushes. Dedicated cleansers and spot-cleaning sprays are convenient between deep cleans, but they do not replace a proper wash with water.

How this guide was researched

This guide is based on independent research of the sources listed below. We did not conduct hands-on testing of products for this article. Content is general information, not medical advice; talk to a dermatologist or other qualified clinician about specific skin concerns. Read our editorial policy.

Sources

Factual claims in this guide are based on the following references. Links open the original source.

Assessing the Levels and Types of Bacterial Contamination in Cosmetic Brushes — PubMed Central (2025)Supports: Bacteria found on cosmetic brushes; many users rarely clean brushes.
Using Cosmetics Safely — U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSupports: Don't share makeup; keep tools clean; extra care with eye products.

Written by

Elise Marlowe

Editor, The Gilded Skin

Elise Marlowe is the editor of The Gilded Skin. She researches beauty tools, skincare routines and vanity organization, reads the dermatology and regulatory sources behind each guide, and writes about what is worth buying and who should skip it. She is not a dermatologist, and her guides say clearly when they are based on research rather than hands-on testing.

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