How To Clean Makeup Sponges–Myths Debunked!

While you should replace your BeautyBlender every 3-6 months, like all makeup applicators, your blender should be cleaned on a regular basis. We’re into our 3-step blending process at Beautyblender (wet, squeeze, bounce) and created something similar for cleaning.

Wet, swirl, and rinse your blender on cleaning day for a bacteria and makeup-free blender. Cleaning day is obviously a loose term as it’s a pure miracle if I get to work without spilling my coffee every-single-day. But, do your best to wet, swirl, and rinse your blender on a regular basis.

There are also a few common myths and misconceptions around cleaning makeup sponges - today, we wanted to clean some of those up (pun intended), so you can clean safely and preserve the longevity of your BeautyBlender and the health of your skin.

Wet

To start cleaning your makeup sponge, get it wet by holding it under a running tap or soaking it submerged in a bowl of water. When it comes to water temperature, think about your girl Goldilocks–not too hot and not too cold, but warm water is just right.

Swirl

Give your sponge time to soak up the warm water. Swirl BlenderCleanser onto the sponge, and work into a gentle lather. Then, squeeze to release. Rinse and repeat as needed!

Remember, BeautyBlenders are silicone-free, giving them a porous texture (like your fingers), which enables its flawless makeup application. Product buildup won’t sit on the surface of the sponge (like it does with silicone sponges), so lathering and squeezing is an essential technique in cleaning your blender. 

Cleaning your makeup sponges with any alcohol formulas, face wash, or by boiling or exposing to extreme heat, is a no, as this will break down the unique material. Our BlenderCleanser is a no-brainer solution, as it’s specially formulated to clean your blender without compromising the integrity of its material. However, if you’re out, baby shampoo or antibacterial soap will temporarily suffice. There’s also a travel-friendly SolidCleanser that includes a textured silicone pad to help scrub the surface of your blender.

FYI: Each Beautyblender is made with non-toxic dyes, so it's totes normal for your water to turn pink during your first one or two washes as the dye may run a little bit. Don't worry–this is supposed to happen and will stop once you've washed it a few times. 

Rinse

Rinse your makeup sponge again with warm water for a final cleansing. You can bounce your Blender gently on a towel to dry, but it’s important not to scrub! It’s ok to leave your sponge a little damp after cleaning. Ideally, cleaning your makeup sponges should be done after each use. Most peeps clean it each night and let the blender air dry, so you can start fresh in the AM. If you air dry, set it out–don’t let it trap moisture and grow bacteria in a zipped up makeup bag.

If you’re on the go or don’t have time for a full soak clean, you can spot treat your makeup sponge with a dry cleanser. It functions as a dry shampoo, but for your BeautyBlender. A dry cleanser can also help you switch from one product to the next during your makeup routine for a true color application.

Sponge cleaning is an essential step in your makeup routine. This will prevent excess dirt, oil, and product from building up–which will, in turn, prevent any breakouts. Think of blender care as self-care!