JACKS beauty line Brush Soap und Make-up Pinsel

Reading time approx. 3-4 min.

Cleaning Make-up Brushes: Instructions and Tips

Clean your make-up brushes once a week with lukewarm water and a mild brush soap, then leave them to dry flat. Regular cleaning removes bacteria and flakes of dead skin from the brush hair and helps prevent blemishes. A brush soap is particularly suitable for this because its coconut oil base is gentle on the bristles while cleaning them thoroughly. The instructions below show you how to proceed in six steps.

by Julia Döll – last updated on 24. August 2026

Why Make-up Brush Cleaning Is Important

Unclean Make-up brushes collect bacteria and dead skin cells that can lead to spots and skin blemishes. When applying foundation or powder, product residue and fine skin flakes get caught in the brush hair. Without regular cleaning, you spread these bacteria back onto your skin the next time you apply makeup, which can promote inflammation.

How often should you clean Make-up brushes?

Clean your Make-up brushes once a week. Set a regular time in your calendar, such as every Sunday, or keep the Brush Soap within easy reach so you remember automatically.

What do I need for a gentle Make-up brushes cleaning?

To clean your brushes, you need a mild cleanser, lukewarm water, a clean towel, and optionally a silicone pad. You should have the following ready:

Mild cleanser: Gentle brush cleaners or a mild shampoo are suitable for Brushes. A solid brush soap with gentle ingredients is especially practical. It thoroughly removes Make-up residue, conditions the bristles, and lasts a particularly long time.
Lukewarm water: Hot water can loosen the adhesive holding the Brushes together and permanently damage the bristles.
Clean towel or paper towels: For gently patting the Brushes dry after cleaning.
Optional: silicone brush-cleaning mat: It makes thorough cleaning easier by gently loosening dirt from the bristles.

With these tools, you can clean your Brushes gently and thoroughly without putting unnecessary strain on the bristles.

JACKS beauty line Make-up Pinsel wird mit der Brush Soap im Waschbecken gereinigt

Feste Brush Soap mit Reinigungspad für Make-up Pinsel

JACKS beauty line Pinsel wird mit der Brush Soap und dem Silikonpad gereinigt

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Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars

628

Brush Soap

thorough brush cleaning
includes silicone pad as a cleaning aid
perfect for on the go and travel
based on nourishing coconut oil

Regular price: 12,90€

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Step-by-step guide: How to properly clean Make-up brushes

How to clean your Make-up brush in six steps, from first wetting it to letting it dry completely.

Prefer watching rather than reading? Watch our video now.

Step 1: Moisten brushes

Hold your Make-up brush with the bristles pointing downward under lukewarm water, not hot water, as the glue could otherwise loosen. Make sure that only the bristles get wet while keeping the brush handle as dry as possible so that the adhesive bond does not come loose.

Step 2: Moisten brushes with soap

Gently move the damp brush head in circular motions over the solid brush soap until a soft lather forms.

Step 3: Deep cleaning with the silicone pad

Move the soaped-up Brush in circular motions over the textured surface of the removable silicone pad in the lid. This helps loosen Make-up residue and dirt deep from the Brush bristles.

Step 4: Check the foam and repeat if necessary

Check whether any Make-up residue is still visible in the foam, and repeat the process if necessary until the foam remains clear.

Step 5: Rinse and let dry

Rinse the Brush under running water until no soap residue remains. Gently squeeze excess water from the bristles and lightly reshape them before laying the Brush flat on a towel to air-dry.

Do not dry your Brush on a radiator or with a hairdryer, as this can damage the bristles. Also, make sure not to store your Brushes damp in closed bags, as this can lead to mold.

Step 6: Clean the soap and silicone pad

Rinse the Brush Soap and the removable silicone pad under running water and leave both open to dry. This keeps your Brush Soap hygienically clean and ready to use.

Important: Leave your Brush lying flat for several hours until the brush hair is completely dry.

Done! Your Brushes are now ready for their next use.

Beauty experts’ tip: Squeeze your Brush at the front. If you can still see soap, continue rinsing it under running water until no soap is visible.

Video: Clean Make-up Brushes Step by Step

Watch the cleansing process step by step in the video. This way, you can see exactly how much foam and pressure are right when lathering and rinsing.

Conclusion: With this routine, your Make-up brushes stay hygienic and ready to use.

How long your Make-up brushes stay soft and hygienic depends primarily on how often you clean them and the method you use. If you use several brushes every day, it helps to schedule a regular weekly cleaning appointment in your calendar. If you are prone to sensitive or blemished skin, deep cleaning with the silicone pad is an added benefit because it removes residue and bacteria from the brush hair more thoroughly. And if you prefer watching instead of reading, you’ll find the complete routine explained step by step in the video above.

The most important points at a glance:

Clean Brushes once a week, preferably at a fixed time in your calendar
Use only lukewarm water; hot water loosens the adhesive
Soap the brush hair while keeping the handle as dry as possible
Use the silicone pad for deep cleaning until the foam remains clear
After rinsing, gently squeeze out the water and leave the Brushes to dry flat
Do not dry the Brushes on a radiator or with a hairdryer
Do not store damp Brushes in closed bags, as this encourages mould
Rinse off the soap and silicone pad after each use and leave them to dry in the open air

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Make-up Brush

How often should I clean my Make-up brushes?

Clean your Make-up brushes once a week, ideally by scheduling a recurring appointment in your calendar. This way, care quickly becomes a relaxing routine rather than a tedious chore.

What do I need to properly clean my Make-up brushes?

Use a gentle cleanser such as solid brush soap, lukewarm water, and a clean towel. A silicone pad is optional and provides additional help with deep cleaning.

Why shouldn’t I wash my Make-up brushes with hot water?

Wash your Brushes only with lukewarm water, as hot water can loosen the adhesive joints in the handle. This helps your Brushes stay stable and ready to use for longer.

How can I tell whether my Brush is really clean?

Gently squeeze the Brushes head and check whether any soap still comes out. If the foam remains clear while washing, your Brushes are ready for the next use.

What’s the gentlest way to dry my Make-up brushes?

Lay your Brushes flat on a towel and let them air-dry. Avoid using a heater or hair dryer, as they can damage the brush hair over time.

How long does it take for a cleaned Brush to be ready for use again?

Give your Brushes a few hours to dry completely. Only then will they be ready for your next look.

What’s the best way to store my clean Make-up brushes?

Let your Brushes dry completely before putting them away, and avoid closed bags while they are damp. This helps prevent mold and keeps your Brushes looking beautiful for longer.

Why is regularly cleaning my Brushes beneficial for my skin?

Clean your Brushes regularly to remove bacteria and flakes of skin that accumulate in the brush hair during application. This helps prevent blemishes and benefits your skin.

We hope this post has helped you and supports you in your daily beauty routine.

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