4 ways to clean a makeup sponge that take just a few minutes each
- Routinely cleaning your makeup sponge will help you get more use out of the applicator and also prevent breakouts.
- There are a few different ways to clean a makeup sponge. The most popular methods include soaking it in warm water with dish soap and using brush shampoo.
- I tested out four different ways to clean a makeup sponge and shared my thoughts on the effectiveness of each one.
- See also: the best beauty blenders and makeup sponges
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I have a confession to make: Before writing this, I couldn't remember the last time I cleaned a makeup sponge. Once it starts looking used or there are little tears in the foam, I usually just toss it. I'm aware this is neither eco-friendly nor hygienically sound, which is why I've made a commitment to change my ways.
Laziness is partially to blame (I struggle to go through my own skincare regimen these days, and you expect me to give my sponge a bath?), and the fact that I haven't really known how to clean a makeup sponge has also been a contributing factor.
If you, like me, have neglected to clean your makeup sponge on a regular basis, here's some incentive for you: Sponges are porous, meaning they soak up and retain liquids. Ergo, even after a single use, makeup sponges hold on to foundation, concealer, and oils, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms, explains Dr. Stacy Chimento, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami.
Why you should clean your makeup sponges, according to a dermatologist
"Dirty makeup [applicators] clog pores and may also promote the development of acne and skin infections," Dr. Chimento tells Insider. "In severe cases, bacteria can spread to open wounds you have from acne, waxing, or other hair removal forms, which are entry points for irritants."
She also adds that when you're not routinely cleaning your makeup sponges, they don't perform the way they're supposed to because there is so much product buildup.
How often should you clean your makeup sponges?
If you wear makeup every day and a makeup sponge is your go-to applicator, Dr. Chimento suggests giving it a wash at least once or twice a week, if not after every use (especially if you're applying a significant amount of makeup). This is because makeup sponges "typically breed the most bacteria out of any applicator because of their ability to hold onto moisture," she says.
Washing your makeup sponge at least once or twice a week might sound like a big ask, but it's really not. In fact, there are a few different ways to clean a makeup sponge that take minimal effort or time away from your day. I've tested them all to find out which ones work best, and you'll find my thoughts on each technique below.
Technique 1: Soaking it in regular dish soap or hand soap
Because it had been so long since I had cleaned my makeup sponge, I decided to start fresh by giving the applicator a nice bath.
I filled up a container with warm water and added a few pumps of dish soap.
Then I dropped my sponge into the concoction, mixing it around to let the soap and water really settle into the material.
I let my sponge soak for about 15 minutes before squeezing out the excess liquid.
Needless to say, there was a lot of product clouding up the water. From there, I spot-treated any leftover stains by massaging a tiny pump of soap into the area and giving it a thorough rinse.
I'd highly recommend this technique for sponges that demand a deep clean.
Soaking really loosens up the sponge so the makeup can seep out into the water. Plus, while this technique definitely takes the most time, there's less grunt work on your part.
Technique 2: Cleaning the sponge with your facial cleanser
After establishing that soap and water does the trick, I decided to try the face cleanser method next.
I decided to test new cleaning methods every three or four days from my sponge's first soak. That way I would clean my sponge about twice a week.
In just a few days time, my makeup sponge was already sporting some serious foundation stains. I dampened the sponge and applied some of my Pacifica Creamy Gel Vegan Face Cleanser, massaged the product in, and rinsed thoroughly.
I had to repeat the rinsing step a few times, and I'm still not sure whether that was a reflection of the cleanser or how dirty my makeup sponge was.
This specific cleanser has a really gentle formula for skin, so it was probably gentle on the sponge too.
Overall, I didn't love this method. Not because it doesn't do a decent job of cleaning the sponge, but because I'd rather use dish soap than waste my face wash on a makeup applicator.
Technique 3: Putting the sponge in the microwave
To be honest, the idea of putting a dirty sponge in a bowl that I eat out of sounded sacrilegious to me.
I'm glad I did it anyway.
To preface, this cleaning method doesn't extract the makeup out of your sponge. Rather, it "cooks" the makeup blender in the microwave to eliminate bacteria from the sponge.
This is what my sponge looked like before I added it to the microwave, after a few days of makeup buildup.
In her tutorial, makeup artist Tati Westbrook recommends putting the sponge in a microwave-safe bowl with an inch of water and heating it for 30 seconds.
I misheard her and went for a full minute. No regrets, though. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this article, it had been a long time since I started regularly cleaning my makeup sponge and it probably benefited from the additional 30 seconds.
When I took the sponge out of the microwave, all of the foundation stains that built up over the last few days were still intact.
Remember, this method alone does not take makeup out of the sponge. It does, however, loosen it up.
Once you've let your sponge cool down, you can clean it with soap under warm running water.
I was surprised at how easily and quickly the makeup poured out of the sponge compared to the other methods I tried. It's probably not necessary every time, but I would definitely do this once a month.
Technique 4: Using proper makeup brush cleaner
If you're thinking "a sponge is not a brush," you would be correct. But soap is soap, so let's see what happens.
Even though makeup sponges and brushes are made of different materials, I wanted to see if it would be effective on a sponge. It was.
I've been using Sigma Beauty's Sigmatic Brush Shampoo for years on my makeup brushes, so that's what I tested on my dirty sponge.
The formula is all-natural, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and prides itself on being both a cleanser and conditioner. According to the product's description, it can also be used to clean blenders.
Product Name: Sigma Beauty Sigmatic Brush Shampoo
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I dampened my beauty blender with warm water and massaged the soap into the most prominently makeup-stained areas.
The formula worked similarly to dish soap, but I actually found that I needed to apply less of the shampoo than I did the soap — I was only at my sink for three minutes at most.
Turns out, the brush shampoo was super effective at cleaning my sponge.
Granted, I was only working with a few days worth of stains, but I was impressed by how quickly and efficiently this formula got the job done. 10/10 would recommend.
The bottom line
Washing your makeup sponge is quick and painless and should honestly be done weekly. Not only was it fascinating to see just how much foundation and concealer had built up in the depths of this squishy applicator over time, but cleaning my makeup sponge made it more enjoyable to use.
I've also noticed fewer breakouts in the past month, and my makeup sponge looks much better on my vanity when it's bright and pink. Do yourself a favor and take five minutes to clean your makeup sponge. Your skin will thank you!