How to Clean a Beauty Blender

Written by
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary has been writing professionally for more than 20 years and is a leading expert on fabric care and housekeeping.
Learn about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Updated 10/15/20
Woman using beauty blender with makeup on her hand

 Kritchanut/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus

Overview
  • Working Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner

One of the most important lessons in makeup application is learning how to properly blend to achieve a natural look. Beauty blenders or makeup sponges do a beautiful job in applying and blending everything from foundation to concealer to skincare products. But whether you have a brand name Beatuyblender or another brand, it's important to clean and replace it as regularly as you do all of your other makeup and beauty tools to prevent the transfer of bacteria to your skin.

While single-use makeup sponges are usually small and somewhat flimsy—as well as terrible for the environment—reusable sponges are sturdy enough to be used for several months. Made of latex-free foam, the sponges help ensure streak-free application with minimal waste of the beauty product.

How Often to Clean a Beauty Blender

If you use a beauty blender to apply your makeup, ideally they should be cleaned after every use. That's probably not realistic during a hurried morning routine, so aim for cleaning at least weekly. This will remove the makeup, grime, oils, and bacteria that can harbor in the foam. When it comes to replacing it, most brands recommend doing so every three months.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Small bowl or sink
  • Washing machine
  • Mesh laundry bag
  • Microwaveable bowl
  • Microwave

Materials

  • Liquid hand soap or bar soap
  • Laundry detergent

Instructions

How to Clean a Beauty Blender With Soap and Water

  1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

    In a small bowl or sink, mix a cleaning solution of two cups of warm water and a few drops of liquid hand soap. You can also use bar soap. Select a soap that is not irritating to your skin type.

  2. Wet the Sponge

    Place the beauty blender in the cleaning solution and give it several squeezes to make sure that it is absorbing the solution.

  3. Add More Soap and Squeeze

    If the beauty blender is heavily coated with makeup, squirt a few more drops of soap onto the sponge or rub it over a bar of soap. Squeeze the sponge in your hands until it is quite soapy and you can see the makeup transferring into the suds.

  4. Add a Soak

    If the sponge is still discolored, mix a fresh batch of the cleaning solution, and leave the sponge to soak for at least 15 minutes. Repeat the squeezing steps until no more discolored suds appear.

  5. Rinse Well

    Hold the beauty blender under a running faucet of warm water. Squeeze repeatedly until no more suds appear.

  6. Air-Dry

    Place the sponge in a spot where it will get good air circulation but away from direct heat or sunlight. The sponge should air-dry completely before you use it again. It is very important to let the sponge dry before you store it or mold can begin to grow.

How to Clean a Beauty Blender in the Washer

  1. Gather the Beauty Blenders

    If you have several beauty blenders that need washing, they can be cleaned in a washing machine. Gather the soiled makeup sponges and place them in a mesh laundry bag. This will prevent them from getting lost in the washer.

  2. Select the Water Temperature, Cycle, and Detergent

    The washer's water temperature should be set to warm and use the gentle cycle to prevent damage to the foam. Use a natural detergent that is non-irritating to your skin; unscented detergent is usually best. The mesh bag can be washed along with a load of towels or bed linens.

  3. Allow to Air-Dry

    Remove the beauty blenders from the mesh bag and allow them to air-dry. Never place the sponges in a hot dryer!

How to Clean a Beauty Blender in the Microwave

The higher heat of the microwave is beneficial in killing bacteria.

Warning

Do not put the beauty blender alone in the microwave without submerging it in the cleaning solution as it can explode or melt. Do not leave the beauty blender unattended either—it doesn't need much time in the microwave.

  1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

    Fill a microwaveable bowl with two cups of water and a few drops of liquid soap.

  2. Wet the Beauty Blender

    Place the beauty blender in the cleaning solution and squeeze several times to thoroughly wet it.

  3. Set the Microwave Timer

    Set the timer for about one minute. You do not want the water to boil, only heat up.

  4. Cool, Rinse, and Dry

    Leave the beauty blender in the solution to cool completely. Remove it and rinse under warm water until no more suds appear. Allow the beauty blender to air-dry completely.