Everything you need to know on how to clean makeup sponges
We know, we know, despite how satisfying cleaning a few days’ worth of foundation and concealer from a makeup sponge can be, let us face it: it is a very annoying job to do and we tend to postpone it all the time.
However, our skin (may it be delicate or not so much) really demands and deserves all the care in the world from our part, that is why we really need to take that little time to clean our makeup sponges and the brushes we use.
But what is the best way to do it? Let us find out together a few tips and tricks that would do the work quickly and efficiently.
How often should we clean our makeup sponges?
It is very important to wash your makeup sponge regularly. But what do we mean by “regularly”?
Well, ideally, we should clean our makeup sponges after every use, but this is hardly feasible, so we shall say, as a rule of thumb, that the sponges should be washed every 2 or 3 days depending on use.
We probably do not need to mention why we must do this, as it can easily be guessed. Not only does a build-up of foundation look gross and make your sponges harder to use, but dirty sponges could be harming your skin.
And, after several months of use (ideally, three or four) it would be good to replace it.
What is the best way to clean makeup sponges? – Our tips
Now here is where the fun begins. How can we clean our makeup sponges? Here is a few tips and methods you can follow from now on:
1. Using soap or a cleanser
One of the fastest and cheapest ways to wash your makeup sponge is with a delicate soap.
Here are the steps for a thorough cleanse:
- Step 1: Soak your sponge in lukewarm water filled with soap: it will expand so the product can clean out every spot.
- Step 2: Using small, circular motions, rub the dirty sponge in the palm of your hand, and watch the excess makeup come out.
- Step 3: Keep doing this until the sponge is perfectly clean from makeup. One way to do this using enough friction so that it is actually cleaned or we can do so with a texturised silicone pad (it is the best way to do it efficiently without fear of damaging the sponge).
2. Use a cleaning solution
Get your makeup sponge sparkling again with the help of a cleaning solution like our KIKO Milano no-rinse brush cleanser. This is the ideal cleanser to clean all the makeup residue on brushes or sponges.
For everyday cleaning, you can simply spray it directly on the sponge and then, with the aid of a towel or tissue, wipe it till all the residue has been removed.
However, every now and then you would need to deep clean your sponges (we recommend doing so at least twice a week). How can you do so? Here are a few steps that can help you achieve amazing results.
- Step 1: Add the cleaning solution to warm water.
- Step 2: Soak the makeup sponge in the water and squeeze it to expand it to its fullest size. It ensures you clean the entire sponge.
- Step 3: Rub the sponge across your hand or a cleaning tray to remove the product from inside. Squeeze it and repeat the process until thoroughly washed.
- Step 4: Dry the sponge with a clean towel and let it sit. Avoid using it while it’s still wet.
How to dry a makeup sponge
Caring for your makeup sponge is important if you want it to last and means cleaning it properly but also drying it well. Do you dry your sponge properly? Perhaps you just want to know what to do to dry it right, so it will not grow mould or bacteria. Regardless of the reason, keep reading and you will find out!
Here are a few steps to get the job done the best you can:
1. Once your sponge is clean, turn off the water and squeeze out all of the excess water.
2. Grab a clean towel and wrap your sponge in it and squeeze the rest of the excess water out. Repeat this step a couple times until you feel the sponge is mostly dry.
3. At this point, lay sponge out overnight to completely dry. As your reusable sponge dries, it will shrink down to its original size.
Sometimes, you might find that the sponge still feels damp after you use the paper towels to blot out the water. You should then set it in a dry place to allow it to air dry as letting it dry completely first before you use it is always the best practice.
And there you go, using one or a combination of these techniques will get your sponge as good as new. But do not get too stubborn.
Sponges are not supposed to last forever and after some months of usage you will start noticing that some stains will have become harder and harder to clean. Well, then it is time to replace your sponge and start using a new one. At least you made a good use of it!