Health & Beauty / Guide
How to Clean and Store Makeup Brushes
Build a practical brush-cleaning routine around gentle washing, drying time and clean storage.
A brush holder helps only if the brushes go into it clean and dry. Start by checking the brush maker’s care instructions. Set aside enough time for drying before you need the brushes again, especially for dense heads that can hold moisture.
Wash the bristles gently
The American Academy of Dermatology’s brush-cleaning guidance recommends washing makeup brushes every seven to ten days. It suggests rinsing the tips with lukewarm water, using a gentle shampoo and keeping the base of the brush head out of the water. Rinse until the water clears.
Dry them where air can circulate
Press out excess water with a clean towel. Lay brushes flat with the bristles over the edge of a counter, following the AAD guidance. Give them time to dry before putting them in a bag. Don’t share brushes with other people.
Buy storage for the brushes you reach for
Choose a holder that lets you remove one brush without brushing its head against the others. For travel, use a cover with enough room to avoid bending the bristles. Keep a clean spare only for the brush you often need before its replacement is dry.