This article was co-authored by Tymia Yvette. Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
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Reusable, microbial-resistant makeup sponges or beauty blenders are an eco-friendly alternative to basic foam sponges. Like all other reusable makeup tools, however, these sponges need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Grime, germs, oils, and other gunk can build up in a dirty sponge and damage your skin. Wash your makeup blenders with liquid or solid soap on a daily or weekly basis.
Steps
Washing Reusable Makeup Sponges with Liquid Soap
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1Dampen the sponge with fresh water. In order for the soap to work into a cleansing lather, your dirty sponge must be wet. Turn on your faucet and run your reusable sponge under warm water. Squeeze the sponge to remove the excess water.
- Your sponge should be damp, not soaking wet.[1]
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2Clean the reusable sponge with liquid soap. Squirt a dime-sized drop of mild liquid baby shampoo or dish soap into your hand and roll the sponge between your palms. When the sponge has absorbed all of the soap, rinse it under warm water and squeeze out the excess water. Repeat this process until the water coming from the sponge is clear.
- Reusable sponges are very absorbent. To remove all of the makeup, you may need to apply soap and rinse the sponge several times.
- Some reusable sponges, also called makeup blenders, are sold with specially formulated liquid cleansers. Cleaning these sponges with gentle baby shampoo or dish soap will not result in damage.[2]
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3Dry your reusable sponge. Once your sponge is clean, turn off the water and squeeze out all of the excess water. Grab a clean towel and wrap your sponge in it and squeeze the rest of the excess water out. Repeat this step a couple times until you feel the sponge is mostly dry. Lay sponge out overnight to completely dry. As your reusable sponge dries, it will shrink down to its original size.[3]
- The sponge should be completely dry before you use it again.
Washing Reusable Makeup Sponges with Solid Soap
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1Dampen your reusable sponge and the bar of soap. To moisten your makeup sponge, run the tool under warm water. Set the damp sponge aside and pick up a bar of gentle, unscented soap. Place the bar soap under the facet to get it wet. Rub the bar of soap between your hands until your fingers and palms are coated with a bubbly lather.
- Some reusable makeup sponges, often called makeup blenders, are sold with solid soap cleansers. You will not damage these products by cleaning them with gentle, scent-free soap.[4]
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2Massage the lather into your sponge, rinse, and repeat. Pick up the reusable sponge and rub the soapy lather into the beauty tool. When the sponge has absorbed all of the lather, thoroughly rinse it under warm water and squeeze the excess water from the sponge. Repeat this process of cleansing, rinsing, and squeezing the sponge until the water coming from the makeup applicator is clear.
- You may also rub the sponge over the bar of soap.
- Make sure to rinse all of the soap out of the sponge.[5]
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3Let your sponge air dry. When the sponge is makeup and soap free, turn off the faucet and squeeze out the excess water with your hands or a clean towel. Lay a fresh towel on your counter and place your sponge flat on its absorbent surface. When your sponge has shrunk down to its original size, you will know it is dry.[6]
Storing, Cleaning, and Disposing of Makeup Sponges
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1Soak reusable makeup sponges to get rid of stubborn dirt or stains. If regular cleaning doesn’t remove makeup or dirt on your sponge, soak the sponge in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes. Rinse it out afterward with clean water and squeeze out any excess water. Let it dry completely before using it again.[7]
- You can also put the sponge inside of a mesh bag and throw it in your washing machine on a rinse cycle.
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2Store your sponge separately. Properly storing your makeup sponge will prolong the beauty tool's life. It will also prevent breakout-causing bacteria from growing inside your sponge.
- Store your sponge in a cool, well-ventilated, and well-lit space. Do not keep your sponge inside a drawer, medicine cabinet, or sealed cosmetic bag.
- Keep your sponge on your bathroom counter in a clean soap dish. This storage method will expose your sponge to fresh air and bacteria-killing light.
- When you travel, keep your sponge in a separate mesh makeup bag. Do not throw your absorbent and soft beauty tool into a bag full of makeup, germs, and sharp corners.
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3Prevent breakouts by cleaning and replacing your reusable sponge. Reusable makeup sponges are made out of a microbial-resistant foam. While these high-quality tools are designed to be reused, they can collect bacteria and deteriorate if not cared for properly and replaced frequently.
- Wash your reusable sponge at least once a week. If you are prone to breakouts, wash your sponge after every use. In addition, during a pandemic like COVID-19, you should clean and sanitize your sponges and other tools after every makeup application.[8]
- Replace your eco-friendly sponge every 3 to 4 months.[9]
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4Throw away regular makeup sponges after one use. Basic foam makeup sponges are not intended for multiple uses. These products harbor bacteria that could cause infections and/or breakouts. After using a foam sponge, throw the product away. Do not attempt to clean these sponges.
- If you are looking for a reusable sponge, purchase a microbial-resistant foam sponge or blender.[10]
Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo you have to wet a beauty blender?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYou will get the most even coverage and smoothest application if you dampen the beauty blender before you use it.
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QuestionCan you use dish soap to clean a beauty blender?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYou can, but I would recommend something milder if you have it, like a sulfate-free shampoo.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionCan you clean a beauty blender?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYes, you just need to use a mild cleanser or baby shampoo. Rinse the blender in cool water, massage it with a little cleanser, and rinse it again, repeating until the water runs clear.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
Warnings
- If you are allergic to dish soap, do not use it! Look for a mild, hypoallergenic hand soap, shampoo, or facial cleanser instead.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ http://www.makeup.com/how-to-clean-makeup-tools, http://cleanmyspace.com/how-to-clean-a-beautyblender/
- ↑ https://www.makeupgeek.com/blogs/makeup-tutorial/how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes-like-a-pro
- ↑ https://www.makeupgeek.com/blogs/makeup-tutorial/how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes-like-a-pro
- ↑ http://www.beautylish.com/a/vxycs/how-to-clean-makeup-sponges, https://www.makeupgeek.com/blogs/makeup-tutorial/how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes-like-a-pro
- ↑ https://www.makeupgeek.com/blogs/makeup-tutorial/how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes-like-a-pro
- ↑ https://www.makeupgeek.com/blogs/makeup-tutorial/how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes-like-a-pro
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-clean-beauty-blender-makeup-sponge
- ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.qcmakeupacademy.com/2015/11/10-makeup-hygiene-no-nos-that-will-make-you-cringe/, http://beautyce.com/7-essential-facts-you-need-to-know-about-makeup-sponges/, http://cleanmyspace.com/how-to-clean-a-beautyblender/
About This Article
To clean a makeup sponge, start by wetting the sponge with warm water. Then, apply a dime-sized amount of liquid dish soap to the sponge and massage it in with your fingers. Once the sponge has absorbed all of the soap, rinse it under warm water. Continue rinsing and squeezing the sponge until the water coming off of it is free of suds. Finally, wrap the sponge in a towel and squeeze it until all of the excess water is out of it. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to store makeup sponges, keep reading!
