How to clean makeup sponges and beauty blenders

Step by step: how to clean makeup sponges and beauty blenders

1. 1

   Soak the sponge in warm water

   Run the sponge under warm water and squeeze it a few times until it swells to full size. A damp sponge releases makeup much more easily than a dry one.

2. 2

   Work in the cleanser

   Rub a sponge cleanser, a little gentle shampoo, or a few drops of mild liquid soap onto the stained areas. Press it into the surface with your fingertips rather than rubbing hard. Foundation should start to bleed out as a tinted lather.

3. 3

   Squeeze it in a bowl of soapy water

   Drop the sponge into a bowl of warm water and squeeze and release it for about 15 to 30 seconds, as the AAD suggests. Squeeze gently and do not wring or twist it, which tears the foam.

4. 4

   Rinse until the water runs clear

   Hold the sponge under warm running water and keep squeezing until no color comes out. If stains remain, add more cleanser and repeat; most daily sponges come clean in two or three rounds.

5. 5

   Break down long-wear makeup with oil

   If waterproof or long-wear foundation will not budge, massage a few drops of an oil cleanser or olive oil into the stain on the dry sponge first. Then wash it out with soap and water as above until the sponge feels clean, not slick.

6. 6

   Press out the water and air dry

   Squeeze the sponge firmly, then press it between paper towels to take out as much water as you can. Leave it on a clean paper towel or an open stand in a dry, ventilated spot for 4 to 12 hours. Do not seal it in a case or makeup bag while it is damp.

How often should you clean a makeup sponge?

Clean a makeup sponge after every use. A board-certified dermatologist quoted by the American Academy of Dermatology says sponges should be cleaned after each use, and Beautyblender gives the same advice for its sponges.

Sponges are used damp and hold water inside the foam, which makes them a better home for bacteria and mold than a dry brush. The AAD links dirty brushes and sponges to breakouts, rashes and skin infections. If you cannot wash it every time, rotate two or three sponges so each one has a full day to dry.

Ways to clean makeup sponges compared

Hand washing with a gentle cleanser is the safest and most thorough method. Other common methods either do less or wear the sponge out faster.

Beautyblender specifically warns against microwaving its sponges or pouring vinegar on them, and suggests a gentle squeeze to avoid snags and tears. Brushes follow a similar routine; see how to clean makeup brushes.

When to throw out a makeup sponge

Throw a sponge away when it tears, crumbles, stays stained after a deep clean, smells musty, or shows dark spots that could be mold. A common rule of thumb for a sponge used daily is about three months, sooner if it is damaged.

• Dark or black specks inside the foam that do not wash out mean mold. Do not try to rescue it.
• Replace any sponge you used while you had a skin infection or pink eye. The FDA advises discarding eye cosmetics used during an eye infection, and a sponge that touched the area carries the same risk.
• Never share sponges. The AAD advises against sharing any makeup applied with a brush or sponge.

Mistakes to avoid

• Storing a damp sponge in a closed case or makeup bag, where it grows mildew.
• Wringing and twisting the sponge, which tears the foam.
• Using it for days between washes because it still looks clean on the outside.
• Leaving oil cleanser in the sponge, which makes the next layer of foundation slide.
• Microwaving the sponge to sanitize it.