How to Wash Cosmetic Brushes? | Keep Them Like New

Dirty brushes collect oil, dead skin, and old makeup, which can dull your application and even trigger breakouts. A proper wash keeps the bristles soft and the glue intact so your brushes last for years. The whole process takes about five minutes and needs nothing more than a gentle shampoo or mild soap you already own.

Most people damage brushes without realizing it — by soaking the entire head or standing them upright to dry. Both habits loosen the adhesive that holds bristles to the handle. Below is the exact method dermatologists recommend, followed by the mistakes to avoid.

The Right Way to Wash Brushes

You only ever wet the bristle tips, never the metal ferrule or the handle. Lukewarm or warm water is the safe temperature; hot water can damage both natural and synthetic hairs, and the glue that holds them.

1. Hold the brush under lukewarm running water with the bristles pointing down, wetting only the tips.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of gentle shampoo or clarifying shampoo to a small bowl of lukewarm water.
3. Swirl the brush tip in the bowl, then massage the soap through the bristles with your fingers or the palm of your hand using gentle circular motions.
4. Rinse the tip under running water, continuing until the water runs completely clear.
5. Squeeze the excess moisture out with a clean, dry paper towel.
6. Reshape the bristles with your fingers while damp.
7. Lay the brush flat on a clean towel with the bristle tips hanging off the edge of the counter so they dry overnight.

You will know the brush is clean when the water flowing off it is clear and suds-free, and the bristles look noticeably lighter than they did before washing.

The Cleaners That Work Best

Almost any gentle cleanser you already have in your bathroom will do the job.

• Baby shampoo is ph-balanced and gentle on natural bristles.
• Gentle or clarifying shampoo cuts through oils and stubborn makeup residue.
• Mild dish soap breaks down oil fast, but rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.
• Facial cleanser works well on brushes used for cream or liquid products.

The cleaners listed above are available at any drugstore. If you want to see a tested set of high-quality brushes before your next wash, our roundup of the best cosmetic brush kit options breaks down the picks worth buying.

Mistakes That Ruin Brushes

Three habits cause most brush damage, and each one targets the glue holding the head to the handle. Avoiding them is the difference between brushes that last a decade and ones that shed within a year.

Never submerge the entire brush head in water. The AAD and Cleveland Clinic both warn that soaking can dissolve the adhesive connecting the head to the handle. Water that seeps into the ferrule — the metal band — also takes far longer to dry, which invites mold and bacteria growth deep inside the brush.

Never dry brushes upright in a cup or jar. The AAD specifically warns that water runs down the handle and loosens the glue at the base. If you store brushes upright, make sure they are completely dry first.

Never use hot water or aggressive scrubbing. Hot water can warp synthetic bristles and damage natural hair, while twisting or yanking on the bristles pulls hairs loose from the ferrule. Gentle massage and swirling motions clean just as well without the damage.

How Often Should You Wash Brushes?

Foundation and concealer brushes that touch liquid or cream products deserve a wash every 7 to 10 days. Eye shadow and powder brushes pick up less oil and bacteria, so a wash every two to four weeks keeps them in good shape.

Once a year, do a deep clean of the handles themselves with a damp cloth — but never run the handle under water. That keeps the finish looking fresh without risking the glue joint. If you notice bristles shedding after a wash, check your drying position first; upright drying is the most common culprit.

Brushes cleaned with this method feel soft again, apply makeup more evenly, and stop transferring yesterday’s residue onto your skin.