Key Steps
Follow our key steps to help your makeup sponges, beauty blenders, and brushes last longer:
Clean them after every use.
Wet the product before applying a cleaning solution.
Pay close attention to heavily stained areas.
Rinse them until water runs clean.
Dry fully before using or storing.
Putting your face on with reusable makeup sponges is not only better for your wallet, it’s better for the environment too. Of course, anything reusable needs to be kept in good condition with regular cleaning and maintenance. So, here’s how to clean makeup sponges and beauty blenders to make sure they last.
If you want to know how to clean a beauty blender, the surprising method of microwaving it in a cup of soapy water for one minute can work wonders!
How to clean a beauty blender: 3 homemade solutions
You can buy specialist cleaners to clean your makeup sponges and beauty blenders, but these homemade options can work just as well.
1. How to wash a beauty blender with liquid soap
Simple dishwashing soap can do a great job cleaning makeup sponges:
Start by filling a bowl with warm water.
Place your beauty blender in the bowl and add a dab of dishwashing soap directly onto the sponge.
Massage in gently so it reaches all areas.
Leave it in the bowl for around half an hour to soak and let the soap do its worth.
Once soaked, give the sponge a good rinse under warm running water.
Gently squeeze the sponge until the soap is completely out of the sponge and the water runs clear.
Dry fully before using or storing.
2. How to wash a makeup sponge with hard soap
You can also use a bar of soap:
Soak your sponge fully.
Rub it onto the soap and apply pressure – give extra attention to heavily stained areas.
Give it a squeeze to see old makeup run out.
Rinse until there’s no more colour in the water.
Dry fully before using or storing.
3. How to clean your beauty blender in the microwave
It may sound odd, but this beauty hack really works:
Get a small cup, add a little water and a dash of dishwashing soap
Place the sponge into the water and press down to fully submerge it in the cup.
Microwave the cup (with the sponge still inside) for around 1 minute.
Leave for 30 seconds to cool before removing your makeup sponge. This cycle will have zapped the bacteria and cleaned your beauty blender nicely.
How often should I wash my beauty blender?
The best way to clean makeup sponges and beauty blenders is after every use. That way you’ll stop them from clogging up and prevent any build-up of nasty bacteria. Replace them roughly every 3 months (depending on use).
What about makeup brushes?
It’s not just beauty blenders and makeup sponges that need a good clean. If you are not sure what to use to wash makeup brushes, try the detergent method for beauty blenders or a white vinegar solution.
Make a solution of two parts white vinegar to one part water.
Swirl your brush around until you can see it’s clean.
Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Keeping your makeup accessories clean will not only help them last longer, but it’ll also help prevent skin breakouts too. Follow our advice to find the best way to wash makeup brushes, sponges and beauty blenders.