Disclosure: Any post may contain links to my shop or affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission from any purchase you make. All opinions about products I use are my own. Read the full disclosure and Privacy Policy HERE.
When my foundation brushes are so packed with makeup that I start using my fingers instead, it’s a good indication I need to wash my brushes.
I’ve tried a million expensive brush cleaners, but none work as well as stuff already in my kitchen: dish soap. And then when I add a kitchen strainer to help disturb all the little brush hairs, it gets even better.
I know that dish soap doesn’t claim to be good to use on makeup brushes, but I figure if it is good enough to clean things like spoons that go in our mouths, than it is good enough to clean things like brushes that rub against our faces. I used the lilac scented Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap that I talked about in Will heaven smell like Lilac?
Clean Makeup Brushes with Stuff in Your Kitchen:
- Add dish soap to clean water.
- Drag each brush against the mesh strainer. Change out soapy water as needed. Repeat until water is mostly clear.
- Rinse each brush in plain water.
- Gently wipe brushes with dry cloth.
- Let the brushes fully air dry before being used again. (I put them on my back porch for a few hours in the afternoon sun so they would dry faster, but that isn’t necessary.)
PIN THIS POST

Even though it is really easy, I still find myself waiting too long in between washes. Then, I wash the brushes and remind myself again … this was really easy, why did I wait so long?!
Here’s to cleaner brushes (sooner next time).
From my home to yours,
Mary
Believe it or not, this is exactly how I clean my brushes, too! Iāve become really mindful about cleaning my sponge/concealer brushes a couple times a week because of bacteria and my acne-prone skin. I think it has helped. In addition, I can also save money with stuff in kitchen instead of buying expensive special brush cleaners and tools.
Great minds think alike. š
Great idea. A hack I’ve used to clean make up brushes using a Wendy’s baked potato container. The bottom of this take-out container has grooves and ridges creating a great surface for washing brushes. It’s fairly shallow but deep enough to put in water and soap or whatever product you use to clean makeup brushes.
What a fun idea! I haven’t had a Wendy’s baked potato in years, I’m going to google what it looks like to remember. š