DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner

Keep your brushes clean and your skin happy with this easy DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner! It takes just a few minutes and makes a big difference in the performance and longevity of your makeup tools.

Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from breakouts, bacteria, and product buildup. But commercial brush cleansers can be pricey—and packed with ingredients you might not want on your skin. This homemade Makeup Brush Cleaner is made with just a few simple ingredients: castile soap, a nourishing carrier oil, water, and an optional touch of essential oil for a fresh scent.

It’s quick to make, gentle on your brushes, and tough on dirt and makeup residue. Plus, it’s a one-use recipe—perfect for fresh, clean brushes every time without worrying about shelf life or preservatives.

Why Make Your Own Brush Cleaner?

Whether you wear a full face of makeup daily or just swipe on a bit of blush and mascara, your brushes are collecting oils, bacteria, and old product. Over time, this not only affects how your makeup looks but can also irritate your skin or cause breakouts.

This homemade cleaner is gentle and nourishing—ideal for keeping your bristles soft while giving them a deep clean. It uses castile soap (a natural soap that cuts through oils), a carrier oil to condition the bristles, and just a bit of water. If you like, you can add essential oils like lavender or tea tree for a lovely scent and even mild antimicrobial benefits.

DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner

For this DIY, you will need castile soap, carrier oil (like jojoba oil or sweet almond), water, and essential oils.

Mix the Castile Soap and Water: In a small bowl or jar, stir together 1 tablespoon of castile soap with 4 tablespoons of water until well combined.

Add the Carrier Oil: Stir in ½ tablespoon of your chosen carrier oil. This helps break down oily makeup and conditions the bristles.

Add Essential Oils: Add 1–2 drops of essential oil if desired. Stir gently to combine.

Dip & Swirl Your Brushes: Dip the dirty brush into the solution and swirl it gently. You’ll start to see makeup releasing from the bristles right away.

Soak: If your brushes are extra dirty, let them soak for 2–3 minutes.

Massage & Rinse: Use your fingers to gently work the cleaner through the bristles and break up any stubborn buildup. Then rinse under warm running water until the water runs clear.

Dry: Gently squeeze out excess water, reshape the bristles, and lay the brushes flat or hang them upside down to dry completely.

Substitutions & Variations

Here’s how you can customize this recipe based on what you have on hand:

• Castile Soap: This is the base of the cleaner, but if you don’t have it, use baby shampoo or a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser.
• Carrier Oil: Use jojoba, sweet almond, or fractionated coconut oil. Avoid heavy oils like castor or avocado oil, which may leave a residue.
• Essential Oils: Optional, but lavender, tea tree, or lemon are great choices. Tea tree is naturally antibacterial, while lavender adds a calming scent.
• Water: Distilled water is best if you’re storing it for even a day or two, but tap water is fine for immediate use.

This recipe is made to be used once, but you can double or triple it if you’re deep cleaning a large set of brushes.

FAQ

How often should I clean my makeup brushes?

Ideally, once a week for brushes used with cream or liquid products (like foundation or concealer), and at least every two weeks for dry powders. If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, weekly cleaning is a must.

Can I store this cleaner for later use?

This particular mix is best used fresh since it doesn’t contain any preservatives. If you’d like to store a larger batch, use distilled water and store it in a sealed bottle in a cool place for up to a week.

Will this work for beauty sponges, too?

Yes! You can soak your sponge in the mixture, squeeze it a few times to draw in the cleanser, and then rinse it out until the water runs clear.

Can I skip the oil?

You can, especially if you’re using synthetic brushes. However, the oil helps condition natural bristles and break down makeup more effectively.

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