How to Clean Makeup Brushes Properly Using Soap?

So, your makeup brushes look like they have been dipped in a blend of foundation and concealer. It simply means that your brush kit needs a refreshing bath. But that really doesn’t mean that you have to break your bank by investing in pricey cleansers. Here’s a tip: you can easily clean your brushes with easy DIY procedures. Now, if you don’t know how to clean your grimy brushes, I’m here to help. We have rounded soap picks to clean makeup brushes properly. Let’s talk about a spa day for your glam squad.

Gentle and Effective Baby Shampoo


The best product for cleansing makeup brushes is baby shampoo, which is also quite kind to those priceless bristles.

Since most baby shampoos are free of sulfates, they won’t remove the natural oils from natural hair brushes, leaving them clean and smooth without turning them dry.

How to Apply It?

  • Dip your brush head into a bowl of slightly warm water.
  • Add just a little bit of baby shampoo and twirl the brush.
  • Rinsing under running water until the water is clear results in clean, silky brushes.

Speaking of makeup brushes, why not take a look at the best and must-have brushes for your repertoire?

Liquid Dish Soap

The Heavy-Duty Option

Got brushes that appear to have recently been rescued from a cosmetic explosion? A surprisingly good way to clean makeup brushes is using liquid dish soap, especially the one made for delicate skin.

It works wonders on severely used foundation and concealer brushes because it removes oils and product residue. To avoid stripping your brushes, apply it sparingly and choose a mild solution.

How to Use It?

  • Spin the brush in a bowl of warm water after squirting a drop of liquid dish soap into it.
  • After thoroughly cleaning, look for any remaining makeup residue.
  • You might need to give them another rinse to get them completely clean.

Pro Tip: If your makeup brushes feel dry after being cleaned with dish soap, add a few drops of coconut or olive oil to condition them and avoid stiffness.

Lemon Juice

A Natural, Fresh Cleaner

Lemon juice is an excellent natural antibacterial solution for the occasional deep clean.

Its acidity, which breaks down oils and kills bacteria, makes it perfect for brushes you don’t wash as frequently (look at you, eyeshadow brushes).

Lemon can be dried if used often, but it works well for sometimes cleaning makeup brushes.

How to Use It?

    • Dip your makeup brush into a solution made of one part lemon juice and two parts water, then swirl the brush around.
    • Thoroughly rinse under running water. The bonus? It leaves your brushes smelling like citrus.

White Vinegar

An Affordable Cleaner

A popular choice among DIY, white vinegar is a strong disinfectant. For those who want to thoroughly clean their brushes without breaking the bank, it’s ideal.

Although it can smell a little overpowering, the vinegar’s acidity eliminates microorganisms and sticky makeup brush-cleaning residue.

For a good finish, you might wish to rinse with baby shampoo afterward.

How to Use It?

  • Combine two parts of water and one part of vinegar in a bowl.
  • Rinse your brush well under warm water after swirling it in the solution.
  • Clean with baby shampoo afterward to leave them with a milder scent if you’re sensitive to the smell of vinegar.

Make Your Own Brush Cleaner

Mix and Match!

Combine a few drops of baby shampoo, a little vinegar, and a little lemon juice to make a strong, natural cleaner for the ultimate DIY experience.

This blend combines the antibacterial qualities of vinegar, the fresh aroma of lemon, and the mild cleansing ability of baby shampoo.

DIY Recipe

  • In a bowl of warm water, combine two parts of baby shampoo, one part of vinegar, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Rinse thoroughly after swirling each brush in the liquid, then place the brushes flat to dry.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make your own makeup brush cleaner.

In Summary

So, it all comes to that: no matter if you’re using baby shampoo for gentle cleaning, liquid dish soap for tough stains, or a splash of lemon or vinegar for an occasional deep clean, you’ve got everything you need to keep your brushes fresh and bacteria-free. So go ahead and give them some TLC—they work hard to make you look fabulous, and now they’ll be ready to keep doing just that.