Say Goodbye to Germs: The Ultimate DIY Makeup Brush Disinfection Hack
What To Know
- Apply a small amount of mild soap or baby shampoo to the bristles of your brushes and gently massage it in.
- For an extra level of disinfection, you can apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the bristles of your brushes and gently massage it in.
- They can be cleaned in the same way as other makeup brushes, but it’s important to avoid using too much water, as this can damage the glue that holds the bristles in place.
Maintaining clean makeup brushes is crucial for both your skin’s health and the longevity of your brushes. Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria and cause skin irritation, breakouts, and infections. Disinfecting your brushes at home is an essential part of your beauty routine, and it’s surprisingly easy to do.
Why Disinfecting Makeup Brushes Is Important
Dirty makeup brushes can carry a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria can cause skin infections, such as acne, folliculitis, and impetigo. They can also irritate the skin, leading to redness, itching, and swelling.
In addition to bacteria, dirty brushes can also harbor mold and mildew. These fungi can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
How Often to Disinfect Makeup Brushes
The frequency with which you should disinfect your makeup brushes depends on how often you use them. If you use your brushes daily, you should disinfect them once a week. If you use them less frequently, you can disinfect them every two weeks or monthly.
Materials You’ll Need
To disinfect your makeup brushes at home, you’ll need the following materials:
- Mild soap or baby shampoo
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- Clean towels or paper towels
- Optional: Brush cleaner
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Wet your brushes: Run your brushes under warm water to remove any loose makeup or debris.
2. Apply soap or shampoo: Apply a small amount of mild soap or baby shampoo to the bristles of your brushes and gently massage it in.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the brushes thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of soap or shampoo.
4. Soak in vinegar (optional): To further disinfect your brushes, you can soak them in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for 15-30 minutes.
5. Rinse again: After soaking, rinse the brushes thoroughly with warm water to remove any vinegar residue.
6. Apply rubbing alcohol (optional): For an extra level of disinfection, you can apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the bristles of your brushes and gently massage it in.
7. Lay flat to dry: Lay your brushes flat on a clean towel or paper towel to air dry. Do not stand them upright, as this can cause water to drip into the ferrule and damage the brush.
Tips for Drying Makeup Brushes
- Use a clean towel or paper towel to absorb excess water from the brushes.
- Lay the brushes flat on a clean surface in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not use a hair dryer to dry your brushes, as this can damage the bristles.
- Allow the brushes to dry completely before using them again.
How to Disinfect Different Types of Makeup Brushes
Natural Hair Brushes: Natural hair brushes, such as those made from goat hair or squirrel hair, require more gentle care than synthetic brushes. Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaking them for too long in water.
Synthetic Brushes: Synthetic brushes are more durable and can withstand harsher cleaning methods. However, it’s still important to avoid using abrasive cleaners or soaking them for extended periods.
Kabuki Brushes: Kabuki brushes are typically used for applying powder products. They can be cleaned in the same way as other makeup brushes, but it’s important to avoid using too much water, as this can damage the glue that holds the bristles in place.
Beauty Blenders: Beauty blenders are made of a porous material that can easily absorb bacteria. It’s important to clean them regularly using a gentle soap or brush cleaner.
Summary: The Importance of Clean Makeup Brushes
Disinfecting your makeup brushes at home is an essential part of your beauty routine. Clean brushes not only improve your skin’s health but also extend the life of your brushes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your brushes clean and your skin healthy.
What You Need to Know
Q: How often should I clean my makeup brushes?
A: If you use your brushes daily, you should disinfect them once a week. If you use them less frequently, you can disinfect them every two weeks or monthly.
Q: What type of soap should I use to clean my makeup brushes?
A: Use a mild soap or baby shampoo. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, as these can damage the brushes.
Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol to disinfect my makeup brushes?
A: Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol to disinfect your brushes. However, be sure to rinse the brushes thoroughly with water after using rubbing alcohol to remove any residue.
Q: How do I clean a beauty blender?
A: To clean a beauty blender, use a gentle soap or brush cleaner. Wet the beauty blender and apply a small amount of soap or cleaner to it. Massage the soap or cleaner into the beauty blender until it is clean. Rinse the beauty blender thoroughly with water and allow it to air dry.
Q: Can I use a dishwasher to clean my makeup brushes?
A: No, you should not use a dishwasher to clean your makeup brushes. The heat and detergents used in dishwashers can damage the brushes.