How To Clean Eyelash Brush

Why cleaning your eyelash brush is important

Keeping your eyelash brush clean is an essential part of maintaining healthy lashes and achieving flawless makeup application. Properly cleaning your brush not only removes build-up of mascara and other products, but also prevents bacteria and dirt from accumulating. Here are a few reasons why cleaning your eyelash brush on a regular basis is important:

Maintains lash hygiene: Just like any other beauty tool, your eyelash brush can accumulate bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils over time. These impurities can transfer onto your lashes, leading to potential infections or irritations. By cleaning your brush, you can ensure that your lashes remain clean and healthy.
Promotes lash longevity: Mascara clumps and residue can build up on the bristles of your brush, making it difficult to apply mascara evenly and causing your lashes to become clumpy. Regularly cleaning your brush prevents this build-up, allowing you to achieve a more natural-looking and feathered lash effect.
Prevents product contamination: When you use a dirty brush, any leftover mascara or other eye products can contaminate your new mascara or eyeliner. This can lead to changes in the consistency, color, or even the performance of your makeup products. Cleaning your brush helps to maintain the integrity of your products and ensures a smoother application.
Improves application: A clean brush allows for a more precise and even application of mascara. When there is build-up on the bristles, it can clump and weigh down your lashes, making it harder to achieve the desired look. By cleaning your brush, you can remove excess product and clumps, ensuring that you can easily apply mascara to lengthen and volumize your lashes.

It is recommended to clean your eyelash brush at least once a month, or more frequently if you wear mascara daily or have sensitive eyes. Regular cleaning will help you maintain optimal results and extend the lifespan of both your brush and your mascara.

Gathering the necessary supplies

Before you begin cleaning your eyelash brush, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Having everything ready in advance will make the cleaning process more efficient and convenient. Here are the supplies you’ll need:

Mild soap or baby shampoo: You’ll need a gentle cleanser to remove the build-up on your eyelash brush. Using a mild soap or baby shampoo ensures that the bristles are thoroughly cleaned without causing any damage.
Bowl or container: Find a small bowl or container that is big enough to comfortably fit your brush while it soaks in the cleaning solution. This will make it easier to remove any excess mascara and fully immerse the bristles.
Clean towel or paper towels: Prepare a clean towel or some paper towels to dry your brush after rinsing. Make sure the towel or paper towels are lint-free to avoid leaving behind any debris on the brush.
Optional: Rubbing alcohol or disinfectant: If you want to disinfect your brush and kill any remaining bacteria, you can use rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant solution. This step is particularly important if you’ve recently had an eye infection or if you’re sharing the brush with others.

Once you have gathered these supplies, you’ll be well-prepared to clean your eyelash brush effectively. By using the right materials, you can ensure that your brush is thoroughly cleaned without causing any damage to the bristles or handle.

Removing excess mascara from the brush

Before you begin the actual cleaning process, it is important to remove any excess mascara from your eyelash brush. This step will make the cleaning process easier and more effective. Here’s how you can remove excess mascara from your brush:

Scrape off excess mascara: Take a clean tissue or cotton pad and gently press the bristles of the brush onto it. This will remove any visible clumps or excess mascara. Be careful not to press too hard or tug on the bristles, as this can damage the brush.
Comb through the bristles: Using a clean spoolie brush or a clean mascara wand, comb through the bristles of your eyelash brush. This helps to separate any remaining clumps and remove any mascara that may be stuck in between the bristles. Start from the base of the bristles and work your way towards the tips to ensure thorough cleaning.
Repeat if necessary: If you notice that there is still some mascara residue on the brush, you can repeat the above steps until the bristles are clean and free from any excess product. It’s important to remove as much mascara as possible to prevent build-up and ensure a thorough cleaning.

Removing excess mascara from your brush not only helps to improve the effectiveness of the cleaning process, but it also ensures that the bristles are free from any clumps or residue. By taking the time to properly remove excess mascara, you set the stage for a more thorough and effective cleaning of your eyelash brush.

Soaking the brush in warm soapy water

Once you have removed the excess mascara from your eyelash brush, the next step is to soak the brush in warm soapy water. This helps to break down any remaining product residue and dirt on the bristles. Here’s how you can soak your brush:

Fill a small bowl or container with warm water: Start by filling a small bowl or container with warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as high temperatures can damage the bristles or loosen the glue holding them in place.
Add a gentle cleanser: Add a few drops of mild soap or baby shampoo to the warm water. Swirl the water gently with your hand to create a soapy solution. The soap will help to dissolve any remaining mascara and lift dirt from the bristles.
Submerge the brush: Carefully place the eyelash brush into the bowl or container, ensuring that the bristles are fully submerged in the warm soapy water. Allow the brush to soak for about 5-10 minutes. This will give the soap enough time to break down any residue.

While the brush is soaking, you can gently swirl it around in the water to further facilitate the cleaning process. Avoid pressing too hard or scrubbing vigorously, as this can damage the bristles. Let the warm soapy water do most of the work.

Soaking the brush in warm soapy water is an effective way to deep clean the bristles and remove stubborn residue. This step ensures that your brush is thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next step: gentle scrubbing.

Gently scrubbing the bristles

After allowing your eyelash brush to soak in warm soapy water, it’s time to gently scrub the bristles to remove any remaining mascara and dirt. This step helps to ensure a thorough cleaning and restore the brush to its optimal condition. Here’s how you can effectively scrub the bristles:

Remove the brush from the soapy water: Carefully lift the brush out of the warm soapy water, ensuring that excess water drips off. Hold the brush by the handle and avoid squeezing or twisting the bristles, as this can cause them to become misshapen.
Gently massage the bristles: Using your fingers or a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush, gently massage the bristles of the eyelash brush. Work your fingers or toothbrush back and forth along the length of the bristles, applying gentle pressure to remove any remaining residue and dirt. Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging the bristles.
Pay attention to the base: Make sure to pay extra attention to the base of the bristles, as this area can easily accumulate buildup and be harder to clean. Use your fingers or toothbrush to gently massage the base and dislodge any residue.
Rinse the brush periodically: As you scrub the bristles, rinse the brush periodically under running water to remove any loosened mascara or soap. This will prevent re-depositing of residue on the bristles and ensure a more effective cleaning.

During the scrubbing process, be mindful of the pressure you apply to the bristles. Overly vigorous scrubbing can cause damage to the bristles or loosen them from the brush handle. Take your time and be gentle to preserve the quality and longevity of your eyelash brush.

By gently scrubbing the bristles, you can effectively remove any remaining mascara and dirt, leaving you with a clean and rejuvenated eyelash brush ready for use.

Rinsing the brush thoroughly

After you have finished scrubbing the bristles of your eyelash brush, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining soap, debris, or loosened mascara. Rinsing the brush ensures that it is clean and free from any residue that may affect its performance. Here’s how you can rinse your brush effectively:

Hold the brush under running water: Position the bristles of the brush under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. Allow the water to flow over the bristles, ensuring that all sides are thoroughly rinsed. Use your fingers to comb through the bristles, further aiding in the removal of any remaining soap or debris.
Continue rinsing until water runs clear: Keep rinsing the brush under running water until the water runs clear. This indicates that all the soap and residue have been thoroughly removed. Gently squeeze the bristles to ensure that no excess water remains trapped.
Check for any remaining debris: Examine the bristles closely to ensure that there are no visible clumps, residue, or debris remaining. If you notice any remnants, repeat the rinsing process until the bristles are completely clean.

It’s crucial to rinse your brush properly to prevent any leftover soap or debris from affecting the performance of your brush or irritating your eyes. Thorough rinsing ensures that your brush is ready for the next step: drying.

By taking the time to rinse the brush thoroughly, you can ensure that all traces of soap and residue are removed, leaving you with a perfectly clean eyelash brush.

Drying the brush properly

After rinsing your eyelash brush, it’s important to dry it properly to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain the shape and quality of the bristles. Proper drying ensures that your brush remains clean and ready for future use. Here are a few steps to follow for effective drying:

Gently squeeze out excess water: After rinsing the brush, gently squeeze the bristles to remove any excess water. Avoid excessive squeezing or wringing, as this can cause damage or misshape the bristles. Instead, use a gentle but firm grip to remove the majority of the water.
Blot with a clean towel: Lay a clean towel on a flat surface and place the brush on top. Gently press the bristles with the towel to absorb more moisture. Be careful not to rub or vigorously blot the bristles, as this can cause fraying or damage.
Reshape the bristles: Use your fingers or a clean spoolie brush to gently reshape the bristles to their original form. Comb through the bristles to remove any tangles or clumps that may have formed during the washing process. This step helps to maintain the overall appearance and functionality of the brush.
Air-dry in a well-ventilated area: Once the excess moisture has been removed and the bristles are reshaped, place the brush in a well-ventilated area to air-dry. Avoid drying the brush near direct heat sources, as this can damage the bristles. Allow the brush to dry completely before storing or using it again.

It’s important to let the brush dry naturally to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold. By following these drying steps, you can ensure that your eyelash brush remains clean, dry, and in optimal condition for future use.

Storing the clean brush

Once you have cleaned and dried your eyelash brush, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its cleanliness and protect the bristles from damage. Storing your brush correctly ensures that it remains in good condition for future use. Here are some tips on how to store your clean brush:

Keep it in a clean and dry place: Find a designated spot to store your cleaned brush, preferably in a clean and dry area. Avoid storing it in a bathroom where it can be exposed to excess moisture, as this can promote the growth of bacteria.
Protect the bristles: To keep the bristles of your brush in the best shape possible, consider using a brush guard or a clean, breathable container. These storage options help protect the bristles from getting crushed, bent, or exposed to dust or debris.
Separate from other makeup products: Avoid storing your brush with other makeup products, especially powders and loose pigments. Keeping your brush separate helps prevent cross-contamination and the transfer of product residue onto the bristles.
Regularly clean and replace your brush: In addition to cleaning your brush regularly, it’s important to replace it periodically. Over time, the bristles can wear out, become misshapen, or accumulate product residue that is difficult to remove. Replace your brush when you start to notice signs of wear or when it no longer performs optimally.
Travel-friendly storage: If you plan on traveling with your clean brush, consider investing in a protective case or a brush holder. These storage options help keep your brush clean and undamaged during your travels.

By storing your clean brush properly, you can ensure that it remains in good condition and ready to use whenever you need it. Proper storage not only maintains the cleanliness of the brush but also extends its lifespan.