How to Clean a Mascara Brush

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Co-authored by Tymia Yvette and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: February 3, 2022 Approved

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A mascara brush, sometimes called a spoolie, is a vital tool in any makeup kit. Unfortunately, they can get gross pretty fast. Whether you’re just cleaning off excess clumps or trying to get rid of bacterial buildup, read on for some simple tips on how to clean and care for your brush!

1

Wipe off excess mascara any time you use the brush.

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Use a tissue to get rid of clumps before you apply mascara. Grab a clean, dry piece of bathroom or facial tissue and swipe your mascara brush over it once or twice after you pull it out of the tube. This gets rid of the blobs of excess makeup that cause those annoying clumps.^{[1]
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- When you’re done using the wand, wipe it again—especially if you don’t store it inside the tube of mascara.
- You can also buy a simple tool called a Clump Cleaner to break up and remove clumps on your brush. This tool is a small piece of plastic with holes of different sizes. Choose the hole that matches the size of your brush and pull the bristles through it to wipe off excess mascara.

2

Disinfect synthetic brushes with alcohol once a week.

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Most mascara wands are made of alcohol-safe nylon. Spray rubbing alcohol directly onto the brush, or pour some into a jar and dip the bristles in. Wrap a clean paper towel around the brush and rub and twist it to wipe away any makeup residue.^{[2]
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- Make sure you know what your brush is made of before you try this, since alcohol can damage brushes made with natural bristles. You may be able to find the material listed on the packaging, if you still have it.
- Some makeup pros recommend doing this before every application of mascara. However, most dermatologists recommend washing or disinfecting your brushes every 7-10 days.^{[3]
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3

Wash natural bristles with baby shampoo every 7-10 days.

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This method is gentler on delicate materials like boar hair. Run some water over the bristles of the brush, then squeeze a little shampoo into your hand. Rub the spoolie around in your hand until it’s lathered up, then rinse it clean under running water.^{[4]
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- You can also buy a specially formulated makeup brush cleaner or shampoo, but these can be a little pricey. A basic baby shampoo or gentle clarifying shampoo usually works just fine.^{[5]
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- Steer clear of using plain soaps, since these can dry out the delicate bristles of your brush.^{[6]
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4

Soak it in hot water to remove stubborn clumps.

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Try this method to get your brush spotless. If wiping and rinsing your mascara brush just isn’t getting all the gunk out, you might need to soak it for a few minutes. Boil some water to disinfect it, then wait a couple minutes so it’s not still boiling hot. Let the brush soak in the hot water for about 5 minutes.^{[7]
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- When you’re done, rinse the brush under cool, running water to wash away any residue that’s still sticking to the bristles.
- If you want, you can spritz on a little rubbing alcohol to disinfect the brush after you soak and rinse it. Skip this step if the brush has natural bristles, however.

5

Lay the wand flat to dry.

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Let the brush dry completely before using it again. Spread out a towel on a flat surface and set the brush on it. If possible, let the bristle end hang over the edge so air can circulate around the bristles. Don’t put the brush upright in a container to dry, since this can cause water to pool around the bristles.^{[8]
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- You may need to leave the wand out overnight for it to dry completely.
- Help the drying process along by gently patting your wand dry with a clean towel after you wash or rinse it to soak up excess water. You can also gently shake the wand to get excess water out.
- If you don’t keep your brush in the mascara tube, put it away in a clean makeup brush organizer when you’re done. Don’t let it touch brushes that haven’t been cleaned.

6

Try disposable spoolies for a safer and faster option.

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This is the most reliable way to keep your mascara clean. If you’re really worried about eye infections, your best bet is to avoid using the same brush more than once. Consider buying disposable mascara brushes that you can dip once and then throw away or recycle.^{[9]
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Research source} Look for these brushes online or in your local pharmacy or beauty supply store.
- You can still wash the disposable brushes and use them for other purposes. For instance, you can use a mascara wand to groom your eyebrows, touch up your hair dye, or clean delicate items like a computer keyboard or a piece of jewelry.
- Some wildlife rescue organizations even welcome donations of used mascara wands, which they can use to groom rescued animals!^{[10]
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7

Replace your brushes every 2-3 months.

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Toss your spoolie sooner if it’s shedding bristles. Even with regular cleaning, your mascara brush won’t last forever. Get a new one after a couple of months to reduce the risk of infections—or loose bristles getting into your eyes.^{[11]
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- The same goes for your mascara. Throw it out and replace it every 3 months, since harmful bacteria can quickly build up in the tube.^{[12]
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- If you get an eye infection, throw away all your eye makeup and brushes right away. Don’t use eye makeup at all until the infection clears up, and only use new products once your doctor lets you know it’s okay.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Is it important to clean a mascara brush before applying makeup on someone else?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
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.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

Yes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brushes and all cosmetic tools should be cleansed and sanitized after every makeup application.

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Question

How do I unclump my mascara?

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

If mascara is clumping after you've applied it, gently comb through your lashes using a comb or spoolie brush. If your mascara is clumping in the tube, you can add a few drops of water or try heating the entire tube by submerging it in hot water.

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Question

What do you put on mascara when it's dry?

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 add either a few drops of water or a few drops of olive oil. Swirl the brush around inside the tube to blend the added ingredient with the mascara.

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Tips

Aim to wash your makeup brushes once every 7-10 days to prevent a buildup of harmful bacteria or fungi.^{[13]
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Warnings

Never share a mascara brush or tube with another person, since this could spread infections.^{[14]
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