How to Clean Makeup Sponges

Co-authored by Tymia Yvette

Last Updated: November 4, 2024 Approved

VIDEO

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing Reusable Makeup Sponges with Liquid Soap

Download Article

1
Dampen 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]
  X
  Research source}
2
Clean 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]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Dry 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]
X
Research source}
- The sponge should be completely dry before you use it again.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Washing Reusable Makeup Sponges with Solid Soap

Download Article

1
Dampen 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]
  X
  Research source}
2
Massage 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]
  X
  Research source}
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]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Storing, Cleaning, and Disposing of Makeup Sponges

Download Article

1
Soak 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]
X
Research source}
- You can also put the sponge inside of a mesh bag and throw it in your washing machine on a rinse cycle.
2
Store 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.
3
Prevent 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]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tymia Yvette
  Makeup & Lash Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
- Replace your eco-friendly sponge every 3 to 4 months.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
4
Throw 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]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Do you have to wet a beauty blender?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You will get the most even coverage and smoothest application if you dampen the beauty blender before you use it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 16
Question

Can you use dish soap to clean a beauty blender?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can, but I would recommend something milder if you have it, like a sulfate-free shampoo.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
Question

Can you clean a beauty blender?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, 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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Read Video Transcript

Reader Videos

Submit a Video Tip!

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

Submit a Video

Tips

Try using a fan for faster drying.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
You can wash makeup sponges using the same kind of cleanser you would use to clean a makeup brush. Your favorite shampoo, mild soap, or facial cleanser will do the trick.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Wash your sponge as many times as needed until it is completely clean.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

You can also use Dial hand soap bars to clean them. Nicki Minaj’s makeup artist swears by it.
Mixing coconut oil with soap is also great for cleaning sponges and brushes.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

If you are allergic to dish soap, do not use it! Look for a mild, hypoallergenic hand soap, shampoo, or facial cleanser instead.

Thanks
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0