Makeup brushes and sponges collect old product fast, and that buildup does your skin exactly zero favors. This simple homemade cleaning solution cuts through residue, rinses clean, and helps keep your tools usable between deep decluttering sessions. It also takes about as much effort as washing a coffee mug, which feels fair.
A store-bought brush or sponge cleanser can run about $5.69 for 6 ounces, while this small homemade batch uses inexpensive basics you may already have on hand. Making it yourself also lets you control the scent and keep the formula simple instead of buying a dedicated cleaner for one small job.
You only need 4 materials for this batch: water, fine fabric cleanser, baking soda, and additional water to dissolve the baking soda. The method uses a small bowl or cup for mixing, plus a clean spot to reshape and dry your brushes after rinsing.
- 🧰 Materials You'll Need
- 🔧 Tools/Equipment
- 🛠️ How to Make Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaning Solution
- 🎨 Customization Ideas
- 🛠️ How to Use It
- 🛡️ Safety and Care Information
- 📦 Storage
- 💸 Estimated Cost
- 🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaning Solution
- 📌 Love this Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaning Solution? Pin it!
- 🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaning Solution
Materials You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fine fabric cleanser
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup water
Tools/Equipment
- Small bowl, cup, or dish for mixing
- Sink with running water for rinsing
- Clean towel or drying surface
How to Make Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaning Solution
- Pour 2 tablespoons water into a small bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon fine fabric cleanser.
- In the same bowl, add 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1/4 cup water.
- Combine all ingredients well to make the cleanser.
- Dip makeup brushes into the cleanser.
- Rinse the brushes clean under running water.
- Reshape the bristles and allow the brushes to dry.
Customization Ideas
- Mix a small batch only when you need it if you clean brushes in short sessions instead of all at once.
- Use the same solution for both makeup brushes and makeup sponges when you want one cleaner for multiple tools.
- Set aside a dedicated bowl just for brush cleaning so you can keep the process quick and consistent.
How to Use It
Dip the brush into the cleanser, then rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear. After rinsing, reshape the bristles before drying so the brush keeps its intended shape.
If you’re also cleaning other beauty tools, you might like this Comb, Brush and Curlers Cleaner or these MYO MakeUp Removers for the rest of your routine.
Safety and Care Information
Rinse brushes thoroughly so no cleanser residue remains in the bristles before the next use. For brush care, avoid drying them upright while wet, since excess water can work its way into the handle and loosen the glue over time. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days and laying them flat to dry.
This formula includes baking soda and a fabric cleanser, so keep it for cleaning tools only and rinse sponges and brushes well before they touch your skin again. Do not share makeup brushes or sponges if you’re trying to avoid passing around old product, skin oil, or irritation-causing grime.
Storage
This article gives directions for mixing and using the solution right away, and that is the best approach for a small batch like this. Let brushes dry completely before storing them with the rest of your makeup tools.
Estimated Cost
This batch costs approximately $0.31 to make, depending on the cleanser you use and local prices.
- 2 tablespoons water: negligible household cost
- 1 tablespoon fine fabric cleanser: about $0.25 estimated
- 1 tablespoon baking soda: about $0.06 estimated
A comparable store-bought makeup brush cleanser starts around $5.69 for 6 ounces, so this is an inexpensive option for occasional brush cleaning.
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- Fine fabric cleanser at Walmart
- Baking soda at Walmart
- Fine fabric cleanser on Amazon
- Baking soda on Amazon
- Comb, Brush and Curlers Cleaner
- Sponge Reconditioner
Frequently Asked Questions about Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaning Solution
Yes. This solution was written for makeup brushes and sponges. Rinse either one thoroughly after cleaning so no residue remains before you use it again.
No soaking step appears in this method. Dip the brushes into the cleanser, rinse them clean, then reshape and dry them.
A good routine is every 7 to 10 days for brushes you use regularly. If you use them daily or your skin gets fussy fast, clean them sooner rather than later.
No. Let them dry after reshaping, but do not stand them upright while wet. Water can travel into the handle and loosen the glue, which is a rotten deal for a perfectly good brush.
This method works best as a small, mix-and-use batch. The directions only cover combining and using it right away, so that is the most reliable approach.
In this formula, the baking soda works as part of the cleaning mixture alongside the fabric cleanser and water. Since the original method keeps the ratio simple, stick with the listed amount instead of eyeballing it.
Yes, you can clean new brushes before using them if you want to start with fresh tools. Just rinse well, reshape the bristles, and let them dry completely first.
Reshaping helps the brush dry in its intended form instead of drying splayed or bent. It is a small step, but it helps brushes stay useful longer.
It is better not to share them. Even with regular cleaning, personal makeup tools are one of those things that should stay personal.
📌 Love this Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaning Solution? Pin it!
Did you try this project? Tell me whether you used it on brushes, sponges, or both, and what helped your tools come clean fastest.
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaning Solution
Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaning Solution
Equipment
Materials
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fine fabric cleanser
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Add 2 tablespoons water to a small bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon fine fabric cleanser.
- Add 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1/4 cup water.
- Combine all ingredients well.
- Dip brushes into the cleanser.
- Rinse clean.
- Reshape and allow to dry.
- Estimated cost reflects consumable materials only and will vary by brand and local pricing.
- Rinse brushes and sponges thoroughly before use.
- Lay brushes flat to dry after reshaping.
- Do not dry wet brushes upright.
- Use this mixture for cleaning tools only.
i’m going to try this recipe with a few drops tea tree oil. i love the brand i buy but it really puts stress on my budget. thank you.