Here’s a simple guide on how to clean your makeup sponges and keep them looking fresh.
Let’s be honest, when was the last time you cleaned yours? If you’re like many of us, it’s probably been a while or maybe never. Cleaning your makeup tools is essential, though it often gets overlooked.
The good news is that reviving your makeup sponge doesn’t have to be a complicated or time-consuming task. In this guide, we’ll show you four easy and equally effective methods to clean your makeup sponge quickly. Choose the method that suits you best and make it a regular part of your routine.
How Often to Clean Your Makeup Sponge
Clean your makeup sponge after every use. There are two reasons for this: hygiene and performance. A dirty sponge can harbor germs and bacteria, transferring them to your skin with each use. Plus, a caked-up sponge won’t apply products properly, affecting their color and effectiveness.
Considerations Before Cleaning
Before you start, know how to clean your sponge without damaging it. Avoid harsh cleansers and handle your makeup sponge with care. Opt for a gentle makeup brush cleaner, such as MAC Cosmetic Brush Cleanser, which works well on sponges and blenders. Avoid excessive rubbing or scrubbing, and be gentle when squeezing out excess water.
What You’ll Need
Surface Method
- Textured surface (like a cleaning mat)
Soap Method (choose one)
- The Blendercleanser Solid ($16; sephora.com)
- Liquid Blendercleanser ($18; sephora.com)
- Johnson’s Baby Shampoo ($7; amazon.com)
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap ($23; amazon.com)
Microwave Method
- Microwave
- Liquid soap
Oil Method
- Cleansing oil (like coconut oil)
- Liquid soap
Follow these steps to ensure your makeup sponge stays in top-notch condition, ready to give you that flawless finish every time.
How to Quickly Clean Your Beauty Blender Using Different Methods
When you’re short on time (and let’s face it, when aren’t we?), the fastest way to clean your Beauty Blender is the Surface Method. New York City makeup artist Neil Scibelli recommends rubbing it against a textured surface, like the Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Mat ($35; amazon.com). Another option is the convenient Beautyblender Keep it Clean kit ($20; nigelbeauty.com), which includes a textured pad that slips over your hand, along with the brand’s liquid and solid cleansers.
Cleaning with Soap
Regular water won’t cut it when it comes to getting your makeup sponge truly clean. Enter soap. Scibelli suggests using Beauty blender’s dedicated cleansers, The Blender cleanser Solid and Liquid Blender cleanser.
- Rub Beauty Blender With Soap: Wet your makeup sponge thoroughly, then rub The Blendercleanser Solid onto it, creating a lather. If you prefer the liquid option, wet the sponge and squirt Liquid Blendercleanser directly onto it, working it into a lather.
- Rinse: Once you see the lather changing color (indicating makeup removal), rinse thoroughly. If your Beauty Blender still looks a bit stained, repeat the process, as these cleansers are gentle enough for daily use without causing damage.
- Optional Soapy Water Soak: For heavily soiled sponges, give them a bubble bath. Fill a cup with water and a few drops of liquid soap, let the sponge soak for a minute or two, and gently massage more cleanser with your hand.
- Rinse Again and Dry: Thoroughly rinse the sponge. When drying, ensure it’s in a well-ventilated area. Ideally, prop it up to allow free air circulation, preventing any damp spots. Following these steps will keep your Beauty Blender in top-notch condition, ready for flawless makeup application.
How to Easily Clean Your Beauty Blender Using the Microwave
Similar to running dishes through a dishwasher or tossing clothes in a washing machine, microwaving your makeup sponge is a quick and effortless method for a thorough cleaning. The microwave’s heat serves as an excellent sanitizer, eliminating germs and bacteria. Follow these steps to ensure a clean Beauty Blender without accidentally melting it.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Mix Soap and Water in a Microwave-Safe Cup
Add a few drops of gentle liquid soap to a microwave-safe cup filled with water. Ensure there’s enough mixture to fully cover the sponge.
Step 2: Wet Sponge, Place in Cup, and Microwave
Wet the sponge under running water, then place it into the cup. Microwave for 60 seconds and allow it to cool before removal. The soapy water will show various colors, indicating effective cleaning, and your Beauty Blender should appear revitalized.
Step 3: Remove, Rinse, and Dry
Once the water cools, take out the sponge, rinse it under running water again, and let it dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
How to Clean Your Beauty Blender With Oil
Adopting the double cleansing concept popular in skincare, this method is effective for heavily makeup-laden sponges, as oil breaks down oil.
Step 1: Massage Oil Into Sponge
Begin with a dry sponge and massage a few drops of oil (coconut oil is a good choice) into the sponge until makeup starts to dissolve.
Step 2: Soak in Soapy Water
Follow with a soak in a cup of soapy water (as described earlier) to remove remaining makeup traces and rinse off oily residue.
Step 3: Remove, Rinse, and Dry
After soaking, remove the sponge, rinse it under running water, and dry it thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. Prop it up to allow free air circulation, ensuring a complete dry without any damp spots. This double-cleansing technique is ideal for keeping your Beauty Blender in top-notch condition.
When to Change Your Beauty Blender
It’s important to remember that, even with regular cleaning to prolong its life, your beauty blender isn’t meant to last indefinitely. The brand recommends replacing it after three months of use. However, armed with the knowledge of how to clean a Beauty Blender effectively, you can ensure it stays in optimal condition during those three months.”
