Makeup Brush Care 101: How to Clean and Maintain Your Brushes

Quick Answer

To keep your makeup brushes in top shape, clean them weekly with a gentle brush cleanser, reshape the bristles, and let them dry flat. Avoid soaking the ferrule, using hot water, or drying upright, as these habits can loosen the glue and ruin the brush over time.

Your makeup brushes work hard every day, picking up product, blending, and touching your skin. Over time, they also collect oils, dead skin cells, and old makeup, which can affect how your products apply and even lead to breakouts. A regular cleaning routine is the best way to keep your brush set performing like new.

Whether you own a few everyday brushes or a full set like the Kumano Brush Set, knowing how to clean and maintain them properly will save you money and extend their lifespan. This guide walks you through a simple, step-by-step process that works for natural and synthetic bristles alike.

Why Cleaning Your Brushes Matters

Dirty brushes don't just look stained—they can harbor bacteria that transfer to your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Old product buildup also changes the texture of your eyeshadow or foundation, making blending harder and colors less true. Regular cleaning keeps your brushes hygienic and your makeup looking fresh.

Beyond hygiene, proper care preserves the shape and softness of your brushes. Natural hair brushes, like those handcrafted in Kumano, Japan, rely on their natural oils to stay supple. Overwashing or using harsh cleansers can strip these oils and cause bristles to become brittle or splay. The goal is to clean effectively without damaging the brush.

• Aim to deep-clean your brushes every 1–2 weeks, or more often if you use them with liquid or cream products.
• Spot-clean brushes between uses if you switch colors or use them on clients.

What You'll Need

You don't need a cabinet full of specialty tools. A gentle brush cleanser or a mild baby shampoo works well. You'll also need a clean towel, a small bowl or your palm for swirling, and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can damage the glue that holds the bristles in place.

If you're cleaning a large brush set, consider using a silicone cleaning pad or even a textured glove to help work the cleanser through the bristles. These tools make the job faster and more effective, but a quick swirl in your palm is fine for everyday cleaning.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Start by wetting the bristles with lukewarm water, keeping the water away from the ferrule (the metal part). Apply a small amount of cleanser to your palm or cleaning pad, then swirl the brush in the product. Work up a lather, paying attention to the base of the bristles where product tends to build up.

Rinse the brush under running water, bristles pointed downward, until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel, then reshape the bristles to their original form. Lay the brushes flat on a towel to dry, with the bristles hanging slightly off the edge so air can circulate. Never dry them upright, as water can seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue.

• Don't soak your brushes in water—this can damage the handle and the glue.
• Reshape the bristles immediately after cleaning to maintain their intended shape.

How Often Should You Clean?

The frequency depends on how often you use your brushes and what you use them for. Brushes that touch liquid or cream products, like foundation or concealer, should be cleaned at least once a week. Powder brushes, such as those used for blush or eyeshadow, can go a little longer—every two weeks is a good benchmark.

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, consider cleaning your brushes more often. The same goes if you share your brushes with others or use them on clients. A quick daily spot-clean with a spray cleanser can keep your brushes fresh between deep cleans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is using hot water, which can warp the bristles and weaken the glue. Another is soaking the entire brush in water, which can cause the handle to crack and the ferrule to rust. Also, avoid using harsh dish soap or alcohol-based cleansers, as they can dry out natural bristles.

Drying brushes upright is another no-no. When you stand brushes in a cup, water can run down into the ferrule and loosen the adhesive over time. Instead, lay them flat on a towel. Finally, don't skip the reshaping step—taking a few seconds to restore the brush's shape will help it maintain its performance.

Your Weekly Brush Care Routine

1. Prepare your cleaning station: Gather your brushes, a gentle cleanser, a towel, and lukewarm water. Make sure you have enough space to lay brushes flat to dry. Checkpoint: Have everything within reach before you start to make the process smooth.
2. Wet and cleanse each brush: Wet only the bristles, apply a small amount of cleanser, and swirl on your palm or cleaning pad. Work up a lather, focusing on the base of the bristles. Avoid getting water into the ferrule—this is the most common cause of brush damage.
3. Rinse and reshape: Rinse under running water with bristles pointed down until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel and reshape the bristles to their original form. Reshaping now helps the brush maintain its intended shape and performance.
4. Dry flat, never upright: Lay brushes flat on a towel with the bristles hanging slightly off the edge. Allow them to air dry completely before using again. Checkpoint: Never dry brushes upright—water can loosen the glue and ruin the brush.

Brushes That Benefit from Good Care

• 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 natural-hair bristles, these brushes need gentle cleaning to preserve their softness and shape. Proper care ensures they last for years.
• the precision eye set: 5 tiny brushes that will unlock your creative freedom and achieve incredible eye looks. Handcrafted by master artisans in Japan using natural uncut goat hair, each brush in this set are small, dense and unexpectedly soft - perfect for detail work near sensitive areas around the eye. This brush set includes 5 brushes: brush 13 - the smallest crease brush in our lineup. Designed for precision application and blending. The dense, soft bristles are ideal for detailed work, but they can hold onto product and oils, so regular cleaning is essential to maintain precision and hygiene.

Cleaning your makeup brushes doesn't have to be a chore. With a simple weekly routine, you can keep your brush set soft, hygienic, and performing beautifully for years. Remember to be gentle, avoid common mistakes, and always let your brushes dry properly. Your skin and your makeup will thank you.