How To Clean A Beauty Blender Or Makeup Sponge: 5 Easy Hacks

Keep your makeup applicators clean and hygienic with easy and quick tricks.

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• Jan 3, 2024

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You probably don’t even remember the last time you cleaned your makeup sponge. Right? What’s more, you might not even know how to clean a beauty blender properly without damaging it in the process.

But do you know that a dirty and stained beauty blender can become the breeding ground for germs, mold, and bacteria? Moreover, a pre-used sponge will not work effectively as the layers of old products will affect the color of the makeup you are using now. So, it is essential to clean your beauty blender regularly to prevent infection, skin damage, or breakouts. This article lists a few easy hacks to clean your beauty blender thoroughly and safely. Keep scrolling!

A study examined 467 donated beauty products for cleanliness, including lipsticks, eyeliners, mascaras, lip glosses, and beauty blenders. 70-90% of all products were contaminated with bacteria. Beauty blenders topped the list with 93% having not been cleaned. 56.96% of beauty blenders were contaminated with fungi, while 64% had been dropped on the floor yet continued to be used.

In This Article

5 Easy Hacks To Clean A Beauty Blender

1. How To Clean A Beauty Blender In The Microwave

Microwave can effectively clean and disinfect your beauty blender by killing harmful bacteria. However, you have to follow the right steps. Otherwise, you might get an entirely different result. For instance, if you heat your beauty blender in the microwave for more than the stipulated time, it may burn or shrink.

Method

Wet your makeup sponge to hold its shape when heated.
Dip the beauty blender in a cup of soapy water (regular hand or dish wash).
Squeeze and rub the blender until fully saturated.
Make sure the sponge is fully submerged.
Heat the cup in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.
Wait for five minutes until the water cools. Use a pair of tongs to squeeze your blender and let the steam come out.
Resqueeze the blender until water or gunk does not come out anymore.
Put your makeup sponge in an open, cool place to air dry it.

Related: 5 Best DIY Makeup Removers

2. How To Clean A Beauty Blender With Soap

This method involves the use of shampoo or regular hand or dish wash to clean your beauty blender. It does not shred the sponge but helps easily break down any product residue, such as concealer or foundation.

Method

Wet the blender and squeeze out excess water.
Take a small amount of shampoo or gentle soap in a bowl.
Scrub your makeup sponge in circles until there are suds.
Rinse the blender thoroughly and squeeze out any excess soap or water.
Dry it in the open. If you are in a rush, use a towel to quickly soak up the excess moisture instead of putting it under running water.

Did You Know?

The original beauty blender was created by makeup artist Rea Ann Silva to achieve a streak-free and professional finish.

3. How To Clean Beauty Blender With Coconut Oil

You need to clean your beauty blender every time you use it. And what is better than a few drops of coconut oil to make your go-to makeup sponge look as good as new!

Method

Wet your beauty blender and squeeze out excess water.
Apply oil to your makeup sponge and massage it until clean.
Rinse with water and squeeze out the excess moisture.
Wash off any extra oil with warm water and let the beauty blender sit for a few minutes.
Allow it to air dry in a cool place or use a towel to soak up the excess moisture.

4. How To Clean Your Beauty Blender With Olive Oil

The following cleaning method with olive oil will help you eliminate stubborn stains, dirt, gunk, and product residue from your beauty blender.
Method

Rub a small amount of olive oil between your palms until warm.
Massage the warm oil onto the beauty blender with gentle pressure to clean out any dirt or debris.
Rinse it with water and squeeze out extra oil.
Dry the beauty blender with a towel or let it air dry.

5. How To Clean A Beauty Blender With Cleanser

Wash your beauty blender with a cleanser without ruining it. You will get a squeaky-clean result, and your sponge will be free of stains, dirt, oils, bacteria, and germs.

Method

Wet the beauty blender and gently rub it with some cleanser until you see bubbles.
Continue doing this until it is clean.
Rinse the foam with water and squeeze out any dampness with a towel.
Lay your beauty blender on a towel to air dry.

The next section will answer a few queries about the maintenance and durability of beauty blenders.

How Often Should You Clean A Beauty Blender?

The frequency of cleaning the beauty blender depends on how often you use it. For instance, if you wear makeup daily, try to wash your beauty blender after every use so that the germs do not build up and cause breakouts or irritate your skin.

However, if you do not wear makeup regularly, try to clean your beauty blender every two to three days to prevent bacterial growth and dirt accumulation. Beauty blenders should be cleaned regularly to keep your skin safe and healthy.

Quick Tip

Consider investing in a silicone makeup sponge as an alternative. They don’t absorb products hence there is minimal product waste.

When To Replace Your Beauty Blender

If your blender has a rough usage every day, starts looking old, or the sponge is disintegrating, it is time to replace it. Depending on how often you use them, the sponges start to develop cracks after about three months. If you clean your beauty blender every week but using it a couple of times a month, it might last up to a year.

The beauty blender is one of the most popular makeup tools, but many people do not know how to clean it the right way. Cleaning it is extremely important to prevent the buildup of dirt and germs, infections, or skin damage. Follow the steps mentioned above to keep your beauty blender hygienic and long-lasting.

The more you use your beauty blender without washing it, the more it becomes unhygienic. The dirt from your skin and the environment latches onto your beauty blender, making it a cesspool for micro-organisms that could cause skin conditions and irritation. So, now that you know the importance of washing this beauty product after every use ensure that you use the methods mentioned above to clean it thoroughly. After all, you are using the blender on your face, and you don’t want anything dirty touching it, do you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use micellar water to clean a beauty blender?

Yes, you can use micellar water to clean a beauty blender. Its formula works wonders in removing dirt and unwanted product residues from the beauty blender.

Does freezing your beauty blender work?

Applying foundation with a frozen beauty blender may leave your face looking cakey.

Is it safe to clean a beauty blender with alcohol or peroxide?

It may seem like a good idea to clean your beauty blender with alcohol and hydrogen peroxide due to their disinfectant properties. However, it is not recommended as these substances are too harsh and may cause damage to the sponge’s material. Furthermore, they can dry out the sponge, resulting in stiffness and reduced effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

Cleaning your beauty blenders is no more a big deal. All you need is a microwave, soaps or shampoos, and some oils.
If not cleaned regularly, dirty and moist blenders may turn into breeding grounds for germs or bacteria.
Therefore, clean your beauty blender after every use to avoid skin irritation and breakouts.

Find the best ways to properly clean your beauty blender. Watch this video and get some practical tips, and step-by-step instructions to keep your makeup sponge flawless.