Cleaning makeup brushes is something that no one does as often as they should, but it is important to get into the habit of cleaning them often. It is obvious that makeup builds up on the brushes and can damage them, but few think about the potentially more dangerous consequences. Using dirty brushes can contribute to acne problems, but they also become breeding grounds for dirt, oils, and bacteria that can cause several infections.

Here are a few tips to clean makeup brushes safely and thoroughly:

1. Clean every 7 to 10 days
While cleaning brushes as often as once a week may sound inconvenient, this is the best way to ensure that any brushes, especially concealer brushes and mascara wands, will not become damaged. Makeup build up will cause the brushes to begin to fray and break down long before they should.

2. Use gentle shampoo and warm water
Using gentle cleaners such as antibacterial soap or makeup brush cleansers for the best outcome. It is important to remember that the best brush cleansers will differ between synthetic and real hair brushes. A harsh cleaner such as hand soap can damage real hair foundation brushes and softer brushes like blush brushes.

3. Swirl don’t scrub the brushes
As a painter would be able to attest, it is important not to scrub hard at a brush or to jab it against a hard surface. This will bend the bristles and damage the brush. Instead, swirl the brush around in warm water with the cleaning solution and gently massage the bristles to help work residue out. Be especially gentle with eyebrow brushes and eye shadow brushes as they tend to have bristles that are easier to damage.

4. Rinse until water runs clear
Rinse brushes under warm running water until the water runs clear. Swirl clean brushes in a cup of clean water to ensure that all cleaning solution residue has been rinsed away. Leaving cleaner residue can cause skin irritation and damage to makeup palettes by transferring traces of soap.

5. Gently squeeze water out of the bristles
Once the brush is clean, gently squeeze the bristles to remove excess water. This will help the brushes to dry faster.

6. Lie flat to dry
Once the brushes are thoroughly rinsed, lay them flat to dry on a clean towel somewhere they will not be disturbed. Do not place them into a cup with bristles up as the bristles may hold onto the water for much longer. Do not use the brushes until they are completely dry to the touch. The amount of time that they will take to dry will vary depending on the type and size of the brushes. Concealer brushes and foundation brushes are likely to take the longest amount of time to dry.