Clean Makeup Sponges

Reusable, microbial resistant makeup sponges 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. Wash your makeup blenders with liquid or solid soap on a daily or weekly basis.

Steps

Washing Reusable Makeup Sponges with Liquid Soap

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.
2. Clean the reusable sponge with liquid soap. Squeeze a dime-sized drop of mild liquid soap, like baby shampoo or dish soap, onto your reusable sponge. Massage the soap into the sponge with your fingers. 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.
   • Instead of massaging the soap into the sponge with your fingers, squirt the soap into your hand and roll the sponge between your palms.
   • Reusable sponges are very absorbent. To remove all of the makeup, you may 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.
3. Dry your reusable sponge. Once your sponge is clean, turn off the water and squeeze out all of the excess water. Grab a towel and wrap your sponge in it and squeeze the rest of the excess water out. Repeat this step a couple times til you feel the sponge is mostly dry. Lay sponge out over night to completely dry if needed. As your reusable sponge dries, it will shrink down to its original size.

Washing Reusable Makeup Sponges with Solid Soap

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 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.
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 the the sponge.
3. Let your sponge air dry. When the sponge is makeup and soap free, turn off the faucet and squeeze out the excess water. 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.

Storing, Cleaning, and Disposing of Makeup Sponges

1. 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 draw, 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.
2. 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.
   • Replace your eco-friendly sponge every 3 to 4 months.
3. 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.

Tips

• Try using a fan for faster drying.
• Wash as many times as needed until your sponge is completely clean.

Warnings

• If you are allergic to dish soap, do not use it!

Related Articles

• Organize Your Cosmetics Collection
• Organize a Large Makeup Collection
• Organize Your Makeup and Wardrobe
• Start a Makeup Collection

Sources and Citations

See also

• Create a Makeup Kit With a Fish Tackle Box
• Clean Beauty Blender

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