Ways to Disinfect Your Makeup Brushes

Ways to Disinfect Your Makeup Brushes – No matter how careful you are with your makeup brushes, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll need to disinfect them at some point – be it because you bought them used, or because you simply want to keep them clean and sanitary.

Disinfect makeup brushes won’t just improve their appearance and lengthen their lifespan, but they will also help prevent the spread of skin infections and other harmful bacterial conditions. Here are several different ways to do so.

Alcohol (Diluted rubbing alcohol)

Pour some rubbing alcohol into a cup and add a few drops of dish soap. Swish your brush around in the mixture for a few seconds, then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this process once a week. If you use powdered makeup products, you should also disinfect your powder puffs.

Fill a pot with enough water to cover the puff and soak it for 15 minutes before rinsing it clean. You can also pop your brushes into boiling water or pour boiling water over them while they are on the counter, then let them dry completely before storing them away.

It’s important to note that make-up sponges are porous and will absorb bacteria from other surfaces so be sure to replace sponges often.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a natural disinfectant and can kill bacteria and fungi. Plus, it’s gentle on brushes and won’t damage the bristles. To disinfect makeup brushes with coconut oil, simply soak them in a bowl of warm water mixed with 1/2 cup of coconut oil for 30 minutes.

Then, rinse the brushes with warm water and soap, and allow them to air dry. You can also use olive oil as an alternative, but coconut oil is more effective.

The dishwasher

Your dishwasher can be used to clean your makeup brushes! Just make sure to use the top rack and the gentle cycle. This method is great for getting rid of bacteria, but it won’t necessarily remove all the makeup build-up on your brushes. For this reason, you’ll need to follow up with a good soap and water wash afterward.

If you’re washing brushes that have been in contact with mineral-based products like eyeshadow or blush, then always rinse them well with soapy water before putting them in the dishwasher.

You may also want to consider adding a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar as well. Be aware that not all dishwashers are created equal – some are too harsh and will destroy bristles while others may not be hot enough to kill off germs.

Leave them in hot water overnight

The first way you can disinfect your makeup brushes is by leaving them in hot water overnight. All you need to do is fill a cup or bowl with hot water and submerge your brushes in it.

This will kill any bacteria or germs that are on the bristles. In the morning, rinse your brushes off with cold water and let them air dry. You should also clean the area where the brush hair meets metal/plastic and clear out any leftover product from the inside of the brush head.

Baking soda + vinegar.

The mixture of baking soda and vinegar is a good disinfectant for your brushes, especially if you don’t have access to store-bought disinfectants.

Mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar together in a small bowl, then drop your brushes into it, one at a time. Let them soak for 10 minutes before removing them from the solution, rinse well under warm water, reshape your brushes, then lay them flat on a clean surface overnight or until they’re completely dry.

Olive oil and soap

Use olive oil and dish soap to clean your brushes. Place a few drops of olive oil on each makeup brush, then add a little dish soap and gently rub both sides of each brush together with your hands until you have a lather on both sides.

Rinse your brushes under warm water, getting out all of that greasy olive oil. Squeeze the bristles between your fingers and let them air dry for about twenty minutes.

Hydrogen peroxide

A 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect makeup brushes, but it must be allowed to set for a few minutes before rinsing away.

Any peroxide left in contact with brushes will cause them to deteriorate faster, so once clean you should allow your tools at least 24 hours of dry time before using them again or drying them on a clean paper towel or a lint-free cloth. It’s important to note that the smell of either product may remain after they’ve been washed and dried.

Lemon juice + Olive oil

Lemon juice is acidic and olive oil is alkaline, so together they can effectively clean your brushes. Just mix equal parts lemon juice and olive oil in a bowl, dip your brush in, and swirl it around. Let the brush sit for about 30 seconds before wiping it off on a paper towel. Then rinse out with water and pat dry with another paper towel.

You can also add some baby shampoo to this mixture if you need something a little stronger, but don’t use this concoction near your eyes or mouth!

It’s also important to avoid dipping your makeup brushes into things like lotion or any other liquids that could react with the mixture- oils from those products could coat the bristles of your brush which will make them less effective when you’re trying to clean them.

A DIY brush cleaner solution

You can also make your homemade brush cleaner by combining 12 teaspoons of mild liquid dish soap with two cups of lukewarm water. Pour into a spritz bottle and shake well before use. Spray onto your brushes, working from root to tip, then rinse under lukewarm water until thoroughly clean (usually about five minutes).

Ways to Disinfect Your Makeup Brushes – Conclusion

Properly disinfecting your makeup brushes regularly can help you avoid skin irritations and infections. Washing brushes regularly is important, but there’s also a right way and a wrong way to do it.

And with so many beauty products that involve bacteria-filled brushes—from foundation sponges to eyebrow groomers—it’s more important than ever to practice safe, sanitary habits when cleaning your favorite tools of self-expression.