Let’s get real, when was the last time you cleaned your makeup sponge? And no, we’re not talking about dampening it before use, we’re talking an actual deep clean that involves something other than just water.
We’re all guilty of letting our sponges and brushes get a little too dirty, and a dirty sponge is just a breeding ground for dirt and bacteria. And we’re putting that on our face? Absolutely not. A dirty sponge can lead to breakouts and also affect your makeup application, so it really is a lose-lose situation here.
Ready to make your favourite tools look brand-new again? Read on to discover our top tips on how to clean your makeup sponge, the right way.
Can you wash makeup sponges?
Never mind can you, you absolutely should and must clean your makeup sponges. By nature, makeup sponges are extremely prone to bacteria growth due to their porous material and daily contact with liquid products and water. The fact that your sponges make contact with your face everyday means that they can harbour built-up dirt, makeup, skin oils, and bacteria, which without washing will lead to breakouts, irritation, and inflammation. Not only does a buildup of foundation not look so good and makes your sponges harder to use, but dirty sponges could be harming your skin. So, think twice before you put your dirty sponge away for the tenth time, promising to give it a good scrub at the weekend.
How often should I clean my makeup sponges?
Ideally, you should clean your sponge after every use, to stop the spread of bacteria and prevent staining, but we know how time consuming that can be. Try and aim for once a week to start with, then once you see how easily it can be done, bump up the numbers until it becomes second nature after every use. Why not add it into your Sunday self-care routine, so you can start your week off with a fresh makeup sponge every week- what a treat!
What should I use to clean my makeup sponges?
Contrary to popular belief that you can use any household item to clean your sponges, *cough cough* we’re talking about baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, olive oil and sticking it in the microwave, we would recommend avoiding these techniques. Using these methods will end up with your sponges becoming misshapen, broken and discoloured, and can lead to breakouts due to leftover product on your skin. Instead, opt for a product specifically made to clean sponges with, something gentle to both your skin and tools, but thoroughly cleansing. We love both cleaning bars and liquids, so it’s totally up to you what method you prefer.
When should I replace my makeup sponges?
Properly and consistently washing your makeup sponge will definitely prolong its life, but it’s important to know that they won’t last forever. Replace them every 1-3 months, depending on how much you use them. Replacing them is so important to save your skin from breaking out, due to the serious build-up of bacteria, product, and oils they harbour, no matter how deeply you cleanse them.
How do I clean my makeup sponges?
Scroll to discover how to use the Coco Cosmetics By Chloe Brush and Sponge Cleanser
Step one:
Wet your sponge thoroughly.
Step two:
Rub your sponge over the cleanser to create a lather.
Step three:
Rub your sponge over the included cleansing mat for a deeper clean.
Step four:
Rinse thoroughly, repeat steps two and three if necessary and then leave to completely airdry.
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FYI: This article was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
