If you're investing time and energy into skincare and makeup, don’t overlook the tools you use every day. Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, oil, and product buildup, leading to skin irritation, breakouts, and even infections.

The good news? You don’t need expensive store-bought cleaners to keep your brushes clean and germ-free. With a few simple ingredients from your kitchen or bathroom cabinet, you can make a DIY makeup brush cleaner that’s safe, effective, and affordable.

What Is a DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner?

A DIY makeup brush cleaner—also called a DIY cosmetic brush cleaner—is a homemade solution that you can use to clean, disinfect, and restore your makeup brushes and beauty sponges. These easy-to-make cleaners remove excess makeup, oils, dirt, and bacteria that build up with daily use. Cleaning your brushes regularly—ideally once a week—extends their life, improves your makeup application, and most importantly, supports clearer, healthier skin.

You can make a variety of makeup brush cleaner DIY recipes using everyday ingredients like dish soap, baby shampoo, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, and warm water. These ingredients are gentle yet effective at removing even stubborn foundation and pigment from brush bristles. Just be sure to choose ingredients that match your skin’s sensitivity and won’t damage your specific brush material.

4 Easy DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner Recipes

Here are four tried-and-true ways to create your own homemade brush cleaner using ingredients you likely already have.

1. Dish Soap and Olive Oil

One of the most popular and effective makeup brush cleaner DIY options, this combination breaks down oil-based makeup while nourishing your brushes.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 parts dish soap

• 1 part olive oil

• A bowl and a clean towel

How to Use: Mix the soap and oil together in a bowl. Swirl the bristles in the solution, gently lathering. Rinse under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Pat dry and reshape the bristles before laying flat to air dry.

Why it works: The dish soap cuts through grease and product, while olive oil conditions the bristles to prevent them from drying out.

2. Rubbing Alcohol Spray

Perfect for sanitizing brushes between uses, this method is ideal for spot-cleaning and removing surface bacteria.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 part rubbing alcohol

• 1 part water

• A spray bottle

How to Use: Spray the solution directly onto the brush bristles (avoid soaking the handle), then wipe the brush back and forth on a clean towel until makeup residue disappears. Let dry flat.

Note: Frequent use of rubbing alcohol may cause wear on brush handles, especially wooden ones. Use this method sparingly for deep sanitizing.

3. Baking Soda Soak

DIY cosmetic brush cleaner solutions often include baking soda, thanks to its natural deodorizing and cleansing properties.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• 1 cup warm water

How to Use: Dissolve the baking soda in water. Submerge only the bristles of your brushes in the solution and let soak for 5–10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry.

Bonus: This method also helps neutralize any lingering odors from makeup or oils.

4. Tea Tree Oil & Baby Shampoo

This gentle but effective cleaner is ideal for sensitive skin and both synthetic or natural brushes.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon baby shampoo

• 2–3 drops tea tree oil

• 1 cup warm water

How to Use: Mix ingredients in a bowl and swirl your brush bristles in the solution. Tea tree oil offers natural antimicrobial properties, while baby shampoo gently cleanses. Rinse and dry as usual.

How to Deep Clean Your Makeup Brushes Step-by-Step

Here’s a simple, universal routine using the dish soap and oil method, which works well for most brush types:

1. Create your solution: Mix 2 parts dish soap and 1 part olive oil in a shallow bowl. This combo breaks down both oil- and water-based products.

2. Swirl your brushes: Dip just the bristles into the solution, then gently swirl in the palm of your hand or on a silicone cleaning mat until you get a nice lather.

3. Rinse thoroughly: Run the bristles under lukewarm water (never hot, which can loosen glue or damage bristles) until the water runs clear.

4. Dry properly: Gently squeeze out excess water, reshape the bristles, and lay brushes flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid drying upright, as water can seep into the handle and loosen the glue.

5 Makeup Brush Care Tips for Long-Lasting Tools

Keeping your brushes clean is only half the equation—how you use, dry, and store them also matters.

1. Clean Brushes Weekly

Aim to wash brushes used with cream or liquid products (foundation, concealer) 2–3 times per week. For powder-only brushes, once a week is usually enough.

2. Use Lukewarm Water

Hot water can damage glue and bristles, while cold water may not effectively remove oils. Stick to warm water to rinse.

3. Be Gentle

Rough scrubbing or twisting the bristles can cause shedding and fraying. Use a light swirling motion and rinse carefully.

4. Dry Flat

Always dry brushes flat or at a downward angle. Standing them upright can cause water to seep into the ferrule (the metal part), loosening the glue.

5. Store Wisely

Keep clean brushes in a canister or holder, away from dirty surfaces. Avoid tossing them loose into drawers or makeup bags where they can pick up dust and bacteria.

Why DIY Brush Cleaner Is Worth It

Making your own DIY cosmetic brush cleaner or makeup brush cleaner DIY not only saves money, but it also gives you full control over what’s touching your skin. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, preservatives, or commercial surfactants, a homemade brush cleaner offers a gentle, natural alternative.

Best of all, you likely already have most of the ingredients you need. In just a few minutes, you can cleanse your tools, extend their lifespan, and give your skin the clean, fresh start it deserves.