How to clean makeup sponges

Read our tips how to clean makeup sponges!

Clean makeup sponges with liquid soap

  1. Moisten a sponge with clean water. The sponge must be wet to make a lather. Open the water and put the sponge under the stream of water. After that, squeeze the excess water out of the sponge.
  2. The sponge should be damp, but not wet.
  3. Wash the sponge using liquid soap. Squeeze a small amount of mild liquid detergent about the size of a penny coin onto the sponge. You can use baby shampoo or dishwashing detergent. Spread the liquid detergent all over the sponge with your fingers. When the sponge is completely soaked in detergent, rinse it in warm water, then squeeze out the excess water. Repeat this process until the water flowing off the sponge is clear.
  4. Instead of soaking the sponge with detergent using your fingers, apply soap to the palms of your hands. Place the sponge between your palms and rub it.
  5. Reusable sponges absorb different substances well. To clean a sponge, you will need to apply detergent to it several times and then rinse it in clean water.
  6. Some reusable sponges are sold with a special sponge cleaner. However, you can also use a mild baby shampoo or dishwashing detergent. Using these products will not damage the sponge.
  7. Dry the sponge. Once the sponge is clean again, close the faucet and squeeze it, removing excess water. Take a towel and wrap the sponge in it to squeeze out the rest of the water. Repeat this step a couple of times until you feel the sponge is dry again. Place the sponge in a place where it will dry outdoors overnight. When the sponge dries, it will shrink back to its original size.

Using bar soap

  1. Moisten the sponge and soap with water. Place the sponge under the stream of water. Set the wet sponge aside and take a piece of mild, unscented bar soap. Place the soap under the stream of water so that it becomes wet as well. Rub the soap between the palms of your hands to make it foam.
  2. Some reusable sponges are sold with a special sponge cleaner. However, you can safely use unscented soap to clean these kinds of sponges.
  3. Apply and soak the sponge in foam, rinse it, and repeat the process again. Take a reusable sponge and soak it in the foam. When the sponge has absorbed the foam, rinse it thoroughly in warm water and squeeze to remove excess liquid. Repeat the process until the water protruding from the sponge is clear again.
  4. You can also rub the sponge with a piece of soap.
  5. Rinse the sponge with water to rinse off the foam.
  6. Dry the sponge by putting it in a suitable place outdoors. When the sponge is clean again, close the faucet and wring it out, removing excess water. Take a towel and wrap the sponge in it to squeeze out the rest of the water. When the sponge has shrunk to its original size, you can rest assured that it is completely dry.
clean makeup sponges

Storing, cleaning, and removing sponges

Keep sponges separate from other cosmetic products. 

If you store your sponges properly, you will be able to use them for longer. In addition, you will not be in danger of acne if you take proper care of the sponge, as you will prevent the growth of bacteria inside it.

Store your sponge in a cool, well-ventilated and well-lit place. Do not store the sponge in a cabinet drawer, medicine cabinet, or closed cosmetic bag.

Store the sponge on a shelf in the bathroom in a clean soap dish. This method of storage promotes exposure of the sponge to fresh air and light.

When you travel, store your sponge in a separate mesh cosmetic bag. Do not put a soft and absorbent sponge in a cosmetic bag that contains other cosmetics, germs, and objects with sharp corners.

Prevent acne by regularly cleaning and replacing your old sponge with a new one.

Reusable sponges are made of foam rubber, which has antimicrobial properties. Although these high-quality cosmetic sponges are reusable, bacteria can build up in them, and they can deteriorate if they are not properly cared for and the old one is not replaced with a new one from time to time.

Clean a reusable sponge at least once a week. If your skin is prone to acne, clean the sponge after each use.

Replace your old sponge with a new one every 3 to 4 months.

Throw away a regular makeup sponge after a single use. 

Such sponges are not designed for multiple uses. Such sponges accumulate bacteria that can cause infection and/or acne. Therefore, do not try to clean such a sponge and throw it away right away.

If you want to buy a reusable sponge, opt for a foam sponge, which will not accumulate germs inside.

Tips

Try using a fan to help your sponge dry faster.

Clean the sponge as many times as necessary until it is completely clean.

Warnings

If you are allergic to dishwashing detergent, do not use it!