Domakihub How to Clean Makeup Brushes and Keep Them Like New
A simple routine that removes product buildup, kills bacteria, and extends the life of every brush in your kit.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
Dirty makeup brushes harbour oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria that cause breakouts and uneven application — a problem in any home, but especially in holiday rentals and hotel rooms where brushes pass between guests or cleaners overlook them. The video above walks through the full wash-and-dry process visually; the steps below break it down so you can fit a brush-cleaning session into any weekly cleaning routine. Whether you manage one apartment in Athens or a portfolio of villas on the islands, keeping brushes sanitary is a small step with an outsized hygiene payoff.
Why Brush Hygiene Matters More Than You Think
Makeup brushes accumulate layers of pigment, skin oils, and moisture with every use. Within days, this residue becomes a breeding ground for bacteria including Staphylococcus and E. coli — pathogens that cause skin infections and eye irritations. In a professional hospitality or rental context, supplying guests with uncleaned tools carries real liability.
Regular cleaning also protects the brushes themselves. Product buildup stiffens bristles, causes shedding, and distorts the brush shape. A properly maintained brush set lasts years longer than one that is only rinsed occasionally.
How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes
Beauty professionals recommend a full deep wash once a week for brushes used daily. For brushes used less frequently — in a guest apartment or villa that turns over every fortnight — a thorough clean between each booking is sufficient, followed by a quick spot-clean before any use.
Spot cleaning with a fast-drying spray can remove surface pigment in seconds between uses, but it does not disinfect. Reserve spot cleaning for speed; rely on the wet-wash method described in the steps below for true sanitation.
How to Deep-Clean Makeup Brushes: 5 Steps
- 1
Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water
Hold each brush pointing downward and run lukewarm water over the bristles only — never submerge the ferrule (the metal ring). Water that seeps into the ferrule dissolves the adhesive holding the bristles and causes shedding. Rinse until the water running off the brush runs mostly clear.
- 2
Work a gentle cleanser into the bristles
Place a small amount of mild baby shampoo, unscented dish soap, or a dedicated brush cleanser on your palm or a textured silicone mat. Swirl the wet brush in gentle circular motions, working the cleanser through the bristles from base to tip. You will see pigment and oil lift immediately. Repeat with fresh cleanser if the water still looks dark.
- 3
Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water
Rinse again under lukewarm water, pointing the brush downward, until the water runs completely clear and no soap remains. Leftover cleanser stiffens bristles when dry. Gently squeeze from the ferrule toward the tip with your fingers to remove as much water as possible without wringing, which distorts the bristle shape.
- 4
Reshape the bristles and hang or lay flat to dry
While the bristles are still damp, use your fingers to reform the original shape — fan brushes should fan out, fluffy blenders should stay rounded. Lay brushes flat on a clean towel or, better, hang them bristles-down off the edge of a countertop so air circulates all around. Never dry brushes upright: residual water runs into the ferrule. Allow at least four hours; thick kabuki brushes may need overnight.
- 5
Store clean brushes in an open cup or roll
Once fully dry, store brushes upright in an open-topped holder or in a brush roll for travel kits. Avoid sealed bags or boxes while even slightly damp — trapped moisture grows mould. If you are preparing a rental property, place cleaned brushes in a sealed zip bag only after they are completely dry, so the next guest receives them in verified sanitary condition.
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FAQ
- Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean makeup brushes?
- Alcohol disinfects quickly but strips the natural or synthetic oils from bristles, making them brittle and rough over time. It is fine as an occasional spot-disinfectant between guests in a hospitality setting, but for regular weekly cleaning, a mild soap-and-water wash is gentler and just as effective at removing bacteria when done correctly.
- How long do makeup brushes take to dry completely?
- Most brushes dry in three to four hours when laid flat with good airflow. Dense powder or kabuki brushes can take eight hours or overnight. In Greece's warm climate, a fan or open balcony door speeds the process significantly. Never use a hairdryer on high heat — the heat melts synthetic bristles and warps natural ones.
- What is the cheapest effective cleanser for makeup brushes?
- Unscented baby shampoo is the most cost-effective option: it is mild enough not to damage bristles, rinses clean with no residue, and is available in every Greek pharmacy and supermarket. A single small bottle cleans a full brush collection dozens of times over.