How to clean a makeup sponge? 7 Steps

How to clean a makeup sponge? Cleaning makeup sponge is important if you want to prevent the spread of bacteria or dirt on your face. Learn the best tricks to make cleaning easier and prolong the life of these instruments.

Some sponges for cosmetic purposes may be disposable. However, if you’re a makeup fan, you’re definitely familiar with the ‘beauty blender’ type sponges: those that have a drop shape and are super useful when applying foundation or concealer. They are made to last a long time, but for that you need to know how to wash a makeup sponge.

Cleaning the instruments used when applying makeup is essential to keep your skin healthy.  With these tips you will become an expert in how to clean a makeup sponge, learning to remove all traces of product before storing.

How to wash makeup sponge?

Anyone who likes makeup knows that each product requires a different type of technique. To apply the products, especially the foundation ones, it is recommended to use suitable accessories, such as sponges or brushes. 

And during application, there is usually a transfer of dead cells and natural oil from our skin to the porous surface of the accessory. This mixture is an excellent medium for the growth of microorganisms that can cause an infection the next time you use your instruments. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to wash a makeup sponge.

You will need:

• makeup sponge
• Small bowl (heat resistant)
• Paper towel
• Water
• Mild soap, liquid detergent or liquid soap (in this case, choose the soap you use for your face)
• makeup remover product

Surface cleaning of sponges in 3 steps

How to clean a makeup sponge? Let’s start by showing you the steps to clean new sponges. These tips are also valid for washing sponges from those who don’t wear makeup often. Check out the 3 steps:

1. Start with a good shower.

If your sponge is new or has only been used a few times, it probably hasn’t absorbed much product yet. In these cases, open the faucet and place the sponge under the stream, squeezing a few times so that it absorbs the water.

If possible, use lukewarm water, as the heat will facilitate the removal of products.

• Then make foam.

Turn off the faucet and apply mild soap, liquid soap or makeup remover directly to the damp sponge. Focus mainly on the most stained areas. Keep squeezing until foaming, as this will help remove oils and other impurities.

How to clean a makeup sponge?

 If you are in doubt about what to use, makeup remover foams will be a great ally in this step. Give preference to soft and organic products, with moisturizing properties.

• Rinse and repeat.

Rinse the sponge with running water – preferably lukewarm – until all residues are removed. After rinsing, check whether the sponge is completely clean. If necessary, repeat the first two steps.

• Dry well.

Squeeze the sponge to remove excess water. Then complete the drying using a paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture. If the sponge is still a little damp, let it air dry. Wait until it is completely dry before storing to prevent it from molding.

Avoid rubbing the sponge with a towel, for example, or you could end up damaging its surface and shape.

Cleaning the sponge can end up smearing your bathroom with makeup remnants. If this happens, you can finish off the process with a flourish by using surface cleaners.

Deep cleaning of makeup sponges in 7 steps

How to clean a makeup sponge? As a general rule of thumb, you only need to clean a makeup sponge thoroughly if there is still some residue left after normal cleaning or if the sponge is used too often.

That’s because the more you wear makeup, the greater the absorption of products. In these cases, foundation or concealer can soak into the center of the sponge. If you wear makeup every day, follow these 7 steps:

1. Prepare the mix.

Fill a small bowl with warm water and add mild soap, detergent or liquid soap. Mix lightly until foamy.

• Let the sponge soak.

Dip your makeup sponge into the bowl of soapy water and let it sit for about 10 minutes. You will notice that the sponge will increase in size as it absorbs some of the liquid.

• Add an extra layer.

How to clean a makeup sponge? After letting the sponge soak for a while, remove it from the bowl and apply a little makeup remover or a specific product for cleaning makeup accessories directly on the most stained areas.

Alternatively, you can try using baby shampoo or the same soap you use to wash your face.

Rub the sponge in the palm of your hand.

Rub the parts with makeup remover between the palms of hands, making circular movements and pressing lightly. Take care not to deform the sponge. As you rub, the deeper residue will start to come out through the porous surface.

• Rinse in running water.

Put the sponge under the faucet and rinse under running water, squeezing gently to allow the water to be absorbed and pass through the pores of the material. This procedure should be done until the soap comes out completely, don’t be in a hurry.

• Take a test.

After rinsing, repeat steps 3 and 4. If no residue comes out and the foam is white or transparent, your sponge is clean!

• Dry well before storing.

Squeeze the sponge by hand to remove excess water, and then use a paper towel to dry. The sponge is likely still a little damp, so let it air dry.

Learn how to clean makeup sponge in the microwave

There is a trick to washing makeup sponge that has gone viral on the internet: heat sterilization using the microwave.

This method is recommended even if you regularly clean your sponge, as the heat helps to eliminate bacteria, microorganisms and impurities.

Place the soaked sponge in a small bowl (or mug) filled with water. Microwave for 1 minute. The heat will stimulate the absorption of water, expelling the products of the porous material. Remember that the container, water and sponge will be hot after the process, so be careful not to burn yourself! Wait a while before handling and drying.

• To avoid accidents during this procedure, you need to pay close attention to two things
• Use a microwave-safe container, otherwise the heat can break or melt the material

How to clean a makeup sponge? Make sure the sponge is fully immersed in the water. If the sponge is microwaved while still dry, there is a high probability of burning, drying or damaging the material.