Can You Clean Makeup Brushes with Common Household Products?

Want to learn more about cleaning makeup brushes with household items? While there are many commercial cleaners, everyday products like dish soap, vinegar, alcohol, shampoo, and baby soap can easily meet cleaning needs, help you develop good brush care habits, and save you money. With just a few simple ingredients, you can maintain hygiene, extend brush life, and reduce expenses. In this article, we’ll explore how to clean makeup brushes using these household products.

Can You Clean Makeup Brushes with Dawn?

Yes, you can clean your makeup brushes with Dawn dish soap, but this method is best suited for synthetic fiber brushes. Dawn is a powerful degreaser that works well for breaking down oil-based makeup, making it a good choice for synthetic bristles, which are more durable and less prone to damage. Simply add a drop of Dawn to warm water, swirl the brush in the mixture, and rinse thoroughly.

Pro Tip: While Dawn works well for synthetic fibers, avoid using it on natural hair brushes, as it may dry them out.

Applicable Brush Type: Synthetic fiber brushes

Can You Clean Makeup Brushes with Dish Soap?

Yes, you can clean your brushes with dish soap, but this method is also better for synthetic fiber brushes. Dish soap is designed to break down oils and residues effectively, and synthetic bristles are more resilient, so this product is a great fit for them. However, dish soap may be too harsh for natural bristles, which are more delicate.

Pro Tip: Combine dish soap with a bit of olive oil for conditioning, especially when cleaning synthetic brushes with stubborn makeup residue.

Applicable Brush Type: Synthetic fiber brushes

Can You Clean Makeup Brushes with Vinegar?

Yes, you can clean your brushes with vinegar, but this method should be used for synthetic fiber brushes only. Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, which can help remove bacteria and buildup, but the acidity may be too harsh for natural bristles. Dilute vinegar with water before use, and always rinse your brushes thoroughly.

Pro Tip: Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water, then soak the brush tips for 5 minutes. This solution will sanitize and disinfect the bristles effectively.

Applicable Brush Type: Synthetic fiber brushes

Can You Clean Makeup Brushes with Alcohol?

Yes, rubbing alcohol can clean makeup brushes, but it is recommended for synthetic fiber brushes only. Alcohol is great for disinfecting and drying quickly, which is ideal for synthetic brushes used with powder products. However, alcohol can be drying for natural bristles, so it should be used sparingly.

Pro Tip: Use alcohol to sanitize your brushes between uses, but avoid using it for deep cleaning, especially with natural bristle brushes.

Applicable Brush Type: Synthetic fiber brushes

Can You Use Shampoo to Clean Makeup Brushes?

Yes, shampoo is an ideal cleaning solution for natural hair brushes. Shampoo is formulated to clean hair gently, which makes it an excellent choice for cleaning delicate natural bristles. It cleans effectively without stripping the bristles of their natural oils and maintains the softness and elasticity of the fibers.

Pro Tip: Choose a sulfate-free, mild shampoo to ensure your natural hair brushes stay soft and maintain their shape.

Applicable Brush Type: Synthetic fiber brushes & Natural hair brushe

Can You Clean Makeup Brushes with Baby Soap?

Yes, baby soap is another great option for cleaning natural hair brushes. It’s gentle and free from harsh chemicals, making it a safe choice for cleaning delicate bristles without causing damage. Baby soap will help cleanse the brushes thoroughly while maintaining their softness.

Pro Tip: Baby soap works especially well for brushes with natural bristles, as it’s gentle enough to preserve the brush's structure.

Applicable Brush Type: Synthetic fiber brushes & Natural hair brushe

The Best Way to Clean Brushes without Damaging Them

When cleaning your brushes with household products like dish soap, vinegar, or alcohol, it’s important to follow these basic steps to avoid damage:

• Use a gentle touch when cleaning to preserve the integrity of the bristles and avoid any damage.
• Avoid using hot water, as it can soften the glue that holds the bristles. Warm water is the most suitable.
• Avoid soaking the entire brush, especially the ferrule (metal part), as this can loosen the glue that holds the bristles. Ensure the brush is angled downward when cleaning.
• Always lay brushes flat or with bristles facing down to dry, rather than standing them upright. This helps maintain their shape and prevents water from entering the ferrule.
• For natural hair brushes, it’s best to use a brush net to protect the shape of the bristles.
• Dry naturally in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Air drying is the best option.

If you want to learn more about how to efficiently dry your makeup brushes, check out 👉 The Ultimate Guide to Drying Makeup Brushes Efficiently

Conclusion

For synthetic fiber brushes, most common cleaning agents such as Dawn, dish soap, vinegar, and alcohol are safe to use. These brushes have a more stable structure and are less likely to be damaged by these harsher products. However, for natural hair brushes, which are more delicate and similar to human hair, it is crucial to choose gentler cleaning solutions like shampoo or baby soap. These products help preserve the integrity of the bristles and maintain their softness.

For more detailed steps on cleaning makeup brushes and how to keep them in top condition, check out our complete guide: 👉 How to Clean Makeup Brushes Effectively