How to Clean Makeup Brushes Naturally (and Why It Matters)

If you're investing in high-quality, all-natural makeup, your tools deserve the same care. Clean brushes not only help your products perform beautifully, but they also protect your skin from unwanted buildup and bacteria. The good news? Keeping them clean is simple, quick, and completely non-toxic.

Why Clean Brushes Matter

Every time you use a makeup brush, oils, dead skin cells, dirt, and leftover product collect on the bristles. Over time, that buildup turns your brush into a breeding ground for bacteria, which can clog pores, cause breakouts, and even lead to skin irritation or infections.

Beyond skin health, dirty brushes also affect your makeup application. Product residue accumulates on the brush head, dulling your finish and preventing that seamless blend you're looking for. A well-maintained brush simply performs better, and regular cleaning can extend the life of an essential tool you rely on daily.

A quick weekly cleaning keeps your brushes fresh, soft, and ready to deliver that smooth, flawless A'del finish you love.

How Often to Clean

We recommend washing your brushes once a week (we aren't perfect over here and that doesn't always happen, but we try!), but some tools need more attention than others.

Brushes used with liquid foundation, concealer, or cream blush benefit from cleaning every two to three uses. The moisture in these formulas creates a stickier environment where bacteria thrive.

Powder brushes like your blush brush can typically go about a week between washes since powder products don't retain moisture the same way.

Eye brushes and brow brushes fall somewhere in between. Dark eyeshadows, gel liners, and brow pomade build up quickly, so cleaning every two to four uses keeps them performing well.

Makeup sponges are the highest maintenance. Because they absorb so much liquid product and retain moisture, it's best to clean your sponge after every use and replace it every one to three months.

When was the last time you gave your brushes a deep cleaning? If you can't remember, today's the day. A simple routine goes a long way toward keeping everything hygienic and performing at its best.

What You'll Need

• A gentle, non-toxic soap or brush cleanser (baby shampoo, castile soap, or diluted dish soap; look for simple, natural ingredients and avoid harsh detergents or fragrances)

• Lukewarm water

• A clean towel or paper towel

• Optional: a silicone brush cleaning mat or your palm

Step-by-Step Cleaning

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

1. Wet the bristles — Rinse only the tips of your brush under lukewarm water. Avoid soaking the metal ferrule (the piece connecting bristles to the handle) or wooden handle to prevent loosening the glue over time.

2. Apply soap — Add a small drop of your chosen soap to your palm or a cleaning mat. A brush cleaning mat with textured silicone helps release stubborn makeup residue, but your hand works perfectly fine.

3. Lather gently — Swirl the brush in circular motions to work up a lather, loosening makeup and oils trapped in the bristles.

4. Rinse thoroughly — Hold the brush under warm water and rinse until the water runs completely clear. Keep the brush angled downward so water doesn't seep into the ferrule.

5. Reshape and dry — Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel, reshape the bristles to their original form, and lay your brushes flat on the counter with the tips hanging slightly over the edge. Let them air dry overnight. By morning, your clean brushes will feel almost like new.

How to Clean Your Makeup Sponge

A makeup sponge or beauty blender requires a slightly different approach because these tools absorb so much product.

1. Wet the sponge — Wet the sponge thoroughly with warm water until it expands fully.

2. Apply soap — Add a small amount of gentle liquid soap and squeeze repeatedly. You'll see makeup residue lifting out with each squeeze.

3. Rinse and repeat — Continue rinsing and squeezing until the water runs clear.

4. Soak if needed — For heavily stained sponges, soak in warm soapy water for fifteen minutes before squeezing to release stubborn buildup.

5. Dry completely — Press out excess water with a dry paper towel and leave the sponge in an open, ventilated area to dry completely.

Never store a damp sponge in a closed container. Trapped moisture encourages bacterial growth and can shorten the life of your sponge significantly.

A Simple Reminder

Pure products shine their brightest when paired with clean tools. Keeping your brushes fresh is simply an extension of the intentional choices you already make for your skin. It’s a small step that keeps your routine simple, clean, and truly lovely.

At A'del Natural Cosmetics, our handcrafted brushes are made with natural fibers and built to last. With proper care, they stay soft and dependable for years. If you're looking for brushes that align with your clean beauty routine, explore our collection and see the difference quality tools can make.