You need to clean your makeup brushes after every use and thoroughly once a week. This is because, not many of us realize that the dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria gets trapped in the makeup bristles. This can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and other skin conditions. So whether it is a natural hair makeup brush made of animal hair or the synthetic makeup brush with artificial fibers like taklon or nylon, cleaning your brushes is an absolute must. Here is a step-by-step guide of how to clean makeup brushes at home. The Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes There are a number of makeup brush cleaners available in the market. They not only help in removing the makeup and residue from the brushes, but also help in eliminating and disinfecting the brushes from the bacteria and germs. As for the synthetic brushes, you can use mild shampoos or facial cleansers to wash away the dirt and residue from the brushes. Here are some simple methods that help you properly clean makeup brushes. Step # 1: After makeup, use a fresh baby wipe to remove the residue and oils from the makeup brushes that you use. This can include the eyeshadow brushes, blush brushes, and lipstick brushes. Step # 2: Every week, fill up a small bowl with warm water. Add some shampoo and three to four drops of tea tree oil to the water. A good quality clarifying shampoo and tea tree oil containing anti-bacterial and antifungal properties help in cleansing the brushes and removing the bacteria off it. A mixture of two parts vinegar and one part water is also a great cleansing solution for your brushes. In addition to this, a gentle facial cleanser or a mild herbal shampoo is your best bet for cleaning the bristles of the makeup brushes. Step # 3: Place your brushes in the solution and swish around the brushes every thirty seconds or so. Remember not to place them in the water for too long. Never place the brushes in boiling water for sterilizing them. Step # 4: Rinse the brushes under warm running water to wash off the shampoo from the bristles. With a soft towel, pat the brushes dry, and reshape the bristles. Avoid scrubbing the bristles harshly as you may end up loosening the bristles. Squeeze out the excess water from the bristles. Step # 5: Mold the brushes back into their original shape. This is an essential step that helps in retaining the original shape of the brush, even after drying. Remember to place them on a dry, clean towel or a lint-free surface. Leaving the brushes standing up while drying can result in the bristles getting weakened. The brushes will dry in six to seven hours, based on its thickness and fullness. Do not place the brushes under electric or other dryers as it can end up ruining your makeup tools. Avoid using the brushes till they are fully dry. If you are cleaning nylon brushes, then instead of keeping them in a solution of warm water, just apply the cleanser to the brushes and work it into the bristles with your finger. Rinse under warm water and use a lint-free cloth to squeeze out the excess water and keep them for drying. How Often to Clean Makeup Brushes While cleaning your makeup brushes at regular intervals is an absolute necessity, it is important that you clean the brushes based on its type and how often you use them. For example, a brush used for a liquid foundation, lip products, and cream eye shadows have a lot of residue which can be difficult to wipe out with a normal wet wipe. Thus, you need to clean these brushes on a daily basis. On the other hand, brushes used for loose powders and other dry cosmetic products need to be cleaned every two to three weeks. To prevent your makeup tools from getting dirty, store them in a clean, dry, protected place such as a vanity drawer, brush pouch, or makeup bag. Cleaning makeup brushes properly is essential not only for removing the dirt, oil, and residue from them, but also for keeping the brushes in good condition for a long time.