How to Sanitize Your Makeup Brushes Between Deep Cleans

Quick Answer

To sanitize makeup brushes between deep cleans, use a daily spray or a gentle brush cleaner that evaporates quickly, and always let brushes dry lying flat. This routine removes surface bacteria and product buildup without stripping natural oils from bristles.

Your makeup brushes touch your skin every day, picking up oils, dead skin, and bacteria. While a deep clean is essential once a week, daily sanitizing between uses is just as important for maintaining healthy skin and extending the life of your brushes.

This quick routine uses products you may already have—like a spray for makeup brushes or a gentle brush cleaner—and takes less than a minute. Here’s how to do it without damaging your brushes.

Why Daily Sanitizing Matters

Even if you only wear makeup occasionally, bacteria can build up on brush bristles and transfer to your skin, leading to breakouts or irritation. Daily sanitizing removes this surface bacteria and product residue, keeping your brushes hygienic between deep washes.

Using a daily brush cleaner is gentler than a full wash, so it’s safe for frequent use. It also helps maintain the shape and softness of your brushes, especially those made with natural hair, which can dry out if over-washed.

• Daily sanitizing is not a substitute for a weekly deep clean—it’s a complement that keeps brushes fresher between washes.

Choosing the Right Sanitizing Product

Look for a brush cleaner spray that is alcohol-based but contains conditioning agents. Alcohol effectively kills bacteria, while conditioning ingredients prevent bristles from becoming brittle. Avoid products with harsh chemicals that can strip natural oils.

If you don’t have a dedicated spray, you can use a small amount of gentle brush shampoo diluted with water. However, a spray is more convenient for daily use because it dries faster and doesn’t require rinsing.

• Always check the label to ensure the product is safe for the type of bristles you have—natural, synthetic, or a blend.

The Daily Sanitizing Routine: Step by Step

Start by removing excess product from your brushes. You can do this by wiping them on a clean, dry microfiber cloth or a paper towel. This step prevents the sanitizer from being absorbed by old makeup, making it less effective.

Next, hold the brush with bristles facing downward and spray the sanitizer evenly onto the bristles. Avoid saturating the ferrule (the metal part) to prevent glue breakdown. Gently swirl the brush on a clean cloth to distribute the product and lift away residue.

Finally, reshape the bristles with your fingers and lay the brush flat on a clean towel to dry. Never dry brushes upright, as water can seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue. Once dry, your brush is ready for its next use.

• For a deeper clean, you can use a brush cleaning pad or a textured surface to work the sanitizer through the bristles.

Quick Sanitizing Steps

1. Remove Excess Product: Wipe the brush on a clean, dry cloth to remove leftover makeup. This step ensures the sanitizer can reach the bristles effectively. Checkpoint: The cloth should show minimal makeup transfer before you move to the next step.
2. Spray and Swirl: Hold the brush bristles down and spray with a brush sanitizer. Gently swirl the brush on a clean cloth to work the product through the bristles and lift away residue. Common mistake: Saturating the ferrule can loosen glue. Keep the spray focused on the bristle tips.
3. Dry Flat: Reshape the bristles with your fingers and lay the brush flat on a towel to dry. Avoid standing brushes upright, as water can seep into the ferrule and damage the glue. Checkpoint: Brushes should be completely dry before your next use to prevent bacteria growth.

Brushes That Benefit from Daily Sanitizing

• Kumano Brush Set: A luxurious brush set handcrafted in Kumano, Japan by master artisans. Available in 3 configurations to suit a variety of makeup styles. This set (classic) features tried-and-true shapes that works across all styles of makeup. Frequently found in pro artist brush kits. Includes 5 Brushes: 01, 02, 03, 15 & 05 With multiple brushes in your kit, a quick daily spray keeps each one ready for use without interrupting your routine.
• rēphr x Andreea Ali: 2609 Powder Brush: The 2609 is designed to be an intuitive brush that let's anyone achieve pro-level application right at home... no matter their skill level. Shodō style construction gives the brush an airy structure that naturally tempers the makeup application, gently depositing the product and softly diffusing it with precision. It's feather-like bristles also ensures that you won't be disrupting the base when applying blush,... The airy, feather-like bristles need gentle care; daily sanitizing with a spray helps maintain their softness and precision.

A daily sanitizing routine takes less than a minute and keeps your brushes hygienic and performing at their best. Pair this quick step with a weekly deep clean, and your brushes will stay soft, precise, and long-lasting.