Last Updated on October 9, 2023 by Ellen Christian
Have you tried cleaning makeup brushes with vinegar? Learn how to clean makeup brushes and beauty blenders naturally.
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Table of Contents
Cleaning Makeup Brushes with Vinegar
Vinegar and baking soda are natural alternatives to many expensive cleaning products. They both do a great job of cleaning makeup sponges and makeup brushes.
Don’t waste your money on an expensive brush cleaning agent. You can clean your makeup brush bristles for just a few pennies.
Check out these cleaning tips that work better than expensive makeup brush cleaner. This automatic brush spinner is a huge help in getting the bristles clean.
What type of makeup brush can I wash?
This method works on any type of makeup brush or beauty blender.
- Foundation brush
- Eyeshadow brushes
- General makeup brushes
- Bronzer brush
Can I clean beauty blenders and sponges?
Yes! You can clean your beauty blender sponge with vinegar. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly afterward so that no vinegar residue is left behind.
Can you clean makeup brushes with vinegar and baking soda?
Yes, you can clean brushes with vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will clean the bristles of your brushes. Baking soda will help to loosen any caked-on makeup and dirt.
How do I clean my makeup brushes with vinegar and baking soda?
To clean your makeup brushes with vinegar and baking soda, you will need:
1/2 cup of warm water
1/4 cup of white vinegar
two teaspoons of baking soda
Mix the ingredients in a bowl. Soak your makeup brush bristles in the mixture for 30 minutes. Rinse the brushes with warm water and let them air dry.
Don’t get the handles wet, or it will ruin the glue.
How often should I clean my makeup brushes?
You should clean your makeup brushes at least once a week. If you wear makeup daily, you may need to clean them more often.
Cleaning your makeup brushes on a regular basis will help prevent breakouts and keep your skin healthy. It’s easy to remove dead skin cells and oil from your brushes.
Does vinegar kill bacteria?
Yes, vinegar is a natural disinfectant. It can kill bacteria and fungi. Vinegar effectively cleans makeup brushes because it breaks down the dirt and oil that can build up on the bristles.
What is the best home remedy for cleaning makeup brushes?
The best home remedy for cleaning makeup brushes is vinegar and baking soda. It’s a cheap, natural way to keep your brushes clean.
How do you clean makeup brushes with vinegar and soap?
I only use this method if the brushes are very dirty. To clean your makeup brush with vinegar and soap, you will need:
1/2 cup of lukewarm water
1/4 cup of white vinegar
1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
Mix the ingredients in a bowl. Soak your makeup brushes in the mixture for 30 minutes. Rinse the brushes with warm water and let them air dry.
Don’t lay them flat on a towel. That will ruin the shape of the tips. Stand your clean brush up in a glass after rinsing.
Can I use dish soap as makeup brush cleaner?
You can use dishwashing soap to clean brushes, but it’s not the best option. Dish soap is harsh and can damage the bristles of your brushes. It’s also difficult to rinse all of the dish soap out of the brushes.
Can I use baby shampoo as a brush cleanser?
You can use baby shampoo as a brush cleanser, but it’s not the best option. Baby shampoo is gentle, but it doesn’t do a good job of removing all of the makeup from the bristles.
Instead of shampoo, you can get your brush clean with cool water and vinegar.
What do you need?
Wash one brush at a time. This automatic brush spinner is a huge help in getting the bristles clean.
- Small plastic bowl
- White vinegar
- Small clean towel or soft cloth
- Warm running water
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar. White vinegar does a better job, but you can use either one.
Both options will kill bacteria and deep clean your makeup brushes.
How to clean makeup brushes with vinegar
1. Pour some white vinegar into a small bowl.
2. Dip the bristles of the brush into the vinegar.
3. Swirl the brush around in the bowl.
4. Rinse the brush under running water until water runs clear.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until the brush is clean. Press out excess water gently. Never squeeze.
6. Allow the brush to dry. Let brush dry overnight if it’s large. Store brushes upright to dry.
This automatic brush spinner is a huge help in getting the bristles clean.
Can I use this to clean makeup containers?
Yes, you can use this method to clean makeup containers. Just make sure you rinse the container well before using it again.
You don’t want to contaminate your makeup with bacteria.
Remember, it’s important to replace your makeup brushes when they start to show wear. Here’s a great selection.
Related Reading
Now that I’ve shared these makeup brush cleaning tips, you may want to read these.
- How to clean makeup brushes with Dawn
- Baking soda beauty hacks
- How to clean your hairbrush
- Best earrings for short hair and round face
- DIY Dollar Tree makeup organizer
- Home remedies for split ends
- How to sanitize makeup
Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.
I was actually wondering about this lately, mine could use a good cleaning. I knew there had to be a way to do it without cleaners.
Definitely. A gentle shampoo works just fine!
I really need to clean my makeup brushes. It’s been a while since I did it, I don’t even want to think about what could be growing on them! ICK!
Uh oh! Time to give them a wash!
I do not think I have ever cleaned my makeup brushes 🙁 thanks for the insights!
Glad to share, Roechelle. Hope it helps!
I haven’t ever cleaned mine, but I do replace them regularly.
That works too, Crystal! I generally wash mine so I don’t need to buy new ones.
Ive cleaned my makeup brushes before, but its been a while. Thanks for the reminder.
Glad to help with a reminder, Amber!
Never knew you could use shampoo to do it. I usually just buy the cheap ones at Dollar Tree and then toss them after a certain amount of time. 🙂
Shampoo works really well & then you can invest in some brushes that will last a while!
Shampoo is a good cleaner for clothes too. I use it also to clean my toilet in a hurry
That’s good to know! I had no idea!
I dont think I have ever cleaned mine. Need to add that to my to do list!
Definitely, Diane! Just takes a few minutes.
Thank you very much for these helpful hints. Seems pretty fool-proof!
It definitely is, Karen!
I always find it a drag to clean my brushes, sometimes I just replace them, I think sometimes I over clean then, cuz they start looks blah in looks too soon.
I do replace them eventually but cleaning does make them last longer.
I always wondered what I could use to clean them safely without having to buy those expensive brush cleaners. Thanks!
You’re welcome! Definitely more affordable!
great article…I need to get more routine in cleaning my brushes
It’s a great thing to do, Peggy!
I am sad to say that I have ruined a few brushes before my not knowing how to clean them. This is how I clean mine now…thank goodness! I stand mine up in a short glass to dry. It really helps speed up the drying time.
That’s a great idea, Robin!
If you want a different option, I learned about this product from a MUA in Los Angeles. He said to clean my brushes with a laundry bar soap called Zote. My brushes came out super clean. But I will try your method too. I have really good brushes from BK Beauty and the viral foundation brush by Angie from Hot & Flashy on YouTube. No, I am not a rep for them, I’m just a picky consumer. Thanks, Ellen.
thanks for the recommendation!