How to Clean Makeup Brushes: Step‑by‑Step Brush Cleaning Routine

Step 1. Sort Your Brushes by Use

Before you start cleansing, separate your brushes by what they’re used for. Brushes that touch creams and liquids cling to more pigment and oils, meaning they need deeper and more frequent cleaning.

Not sure which brush does what? Explore the Sephora Collection Brush Finder, your go‑to guide for decoding every shape in your set. Brush education is a huge TikTok trend, with creators breaking down tool types and encouraging cleaner, smarter routines.

Step 2. Wet Only the Bristles

Hold each brush bristles‑down under lukewarm water (around 30–37°C).

A must‑know brush‑care rule: keep water away from the metal sleeve. Too much moisture can loosen the glue, lead to shedding or cause internal mould over time. Beauty creators often call this out when showing their cleaning hacks, proper technique is what keeps your brushes soft, fluffy and in perfect shape.

Step 3. Cleanse With a Brush Shampoo or Gentle Soap

Apply a few drops of a makeup brush cleanser, mild shampoo or a gentle, sulphate‑free formula. And because TikTok has made brush care trendier than ever, no‑rinse sprays and colour‑switchers are trending for quick shade swaps.

Sephora Favourites for every routine:

Sephora Collection No‑Rinse Brush Cleaner Spray - perfect for fast, mess‑free touch‑ups.

StylPro Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer - ideal for speedy deep cleans (and always viral for a reason).

Clomana Beauty Strawberry Chocolate Brush & Sponge Cleanser – brilliant for brushes and beauty sponges.

Step 4. Work the Product in Using a Cleaning Mat

Swirl each brush onto a textured silicone mat or into the palm of your hand to build a rich lather. The ridges help lift product build‑up from deep inside the bristles - the exact behind‑the‑scenes step creators share in those satisfying before‑and‑after videos.

Step 5. Rinse and Check for Residue

Rinse until the water runs completely clear.

If pigment remains, cleanse again. Fully clean brushes should look soft, fluffy and free from residue - just like the transformation you see all over your For You Page.

Step 6. Squeeze Out Excess Water and Reshape

Step 7. Lay Flat to Dry

Lay your brushes flat on a clean towel with the bristles slightly hanging over the edge for full airflow. Avoid drying them upright - water can run into the ferrule and weaken the structure over time. This is one of the most repeated “don’t do this” brush mistakes on TikTok, and the experts fully agree.

Why Having Multiple Brushes Makes Everything Easier

Lay your brushes flat on a clean towel with the bristles slightly hanging over the edge for full airflow. Avoid drying them upright - water can run into the ferrule and weaken the structure over time. This is one of the most repeated “don’t do this” brush mistakes on TikTok, and the experts fully agree.

Owning more than one brush sets ensures cleaner, fresher makeup days. Rotating brushes means each one gets the 24 hours it needs to fully air‑dry, reducing product transfer and helping you maintain better brush hygiene overall. With TikTok’s brush tests trending, more beauty lovers are investing in smart, multi‑brush routines that feel both practical and luxe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Using Hot Water

This can damage bristles and weaken the adhesive.

Drying Brushes Upright

Water may seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue.

Using Harsh Detergents

Skip anything overly fragranced or harsh - gentle formulas protect your tools and your skin.

By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 11 March 2026