5 Best DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner Recipes: Natural Solutions for Chemical-Free Cleaning

Last Updated on July 27, 2024 by Our Editors

Ever wondered why your skin isn’t as clear as you want it to be? The culprit might be your makeup brushes. These trusty tools, while essential for flawless application, can harbor bacteria, oil, and old makeup residue if not cleaned regularly. This buildup can lead to breakouts, skin irritation, and uneven makeup application. Cleaning your brushes regularly with a DIY makeup brush cleaner is crucial to maintaining not only your brushes but also your skin’s health.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need harsh chemicals to get the job done. Natural cleaners like DIY makeup brush cleaners are just as effective, if not more so, and they’re gentler on your skin and the environment. By using ingredients you likely already have at home, you can create powerful, eco-friendly solutions that leave your brushes squeaky clean and your conscience clear.

Let’s dive into some simple, natural methods to keep those brushes in top shape with your DIY makeup brush cleaner mat, including recipes for DIY makeup brush cleaners.

Clean Brushes Effectively & Safely with DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner

DIY makeup brush cleaners use natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin and free from harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Before we learn how to make a DIY makeup brush cleaner, let’s learn a little bit about these cleaners.

Firstly, DIY makeup brush cleaners can be made from common household items like white vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and coconut oil can effectively clean and disinfect your brushes while being safe for you and the environment.

Secondly, creating your own DIY makeup brush cleaner is cost-effective. The ingredients are affordable and often already available in your kitchen. This means you can save money and avoid the expense of purchasing specialized brush cleaning products.

Thirdly, DIY makeup brush cleaners are eco-friendly. By using natural ingredients and avoiding synthetic chemicals, you reduce your environmental footprint. Many commercial cleaners come in plastic packaging and contain harmful substances that can pollute waterways and harm wildlife. By making your own cleaner, you contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Finally, homemade DIY makeup brush cleaners allow you to customize the formula to suit your needs. Whether you need a deep-cleaning solution for stubborn makeup residue or a gentle cleanser for delicate bristles, you can adjust the ingredients and proportions to achieve the desired effect

5 Best DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner Recipes 

Ready to transform your brush cleaning routine? Here are the 5 best DIY makeup brush cleaner recipes that you can easily whip up at home without a makeup brush cleaner machine!

White Vinegar and Lemon Cleaner

This classic combination leverages the natural acidic properties of vinegar and lemon to effectively break down oils and disinfect your brushes, making it one among our top 3 best DIY makeup brush cleaners.

Ingredients Needed:

• White vinegar
• Lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix white vinegar and lemon juice in a bowl of warm water.
2. Swirl your brushes in the mixture.
3. Rinse brushes with clean water until the water runs clear.

Tips for Effective Cleaning:

Make sure to swirl gently to avoid damaging the bristles. This powerful DIY white vinegar and lemon makeup brush cleaner not only cleans but also sanitizes your brushes naturally.

Baking Soda and Castile Soap Cleaner

Combining the gentle abrasiveness of baking soda with the mild cleansing properties of Castile soap, this recipe provides a thorough clean without damaging your brushes, and is a great alternative to DIY makeup brush cleaner rubbing alcohol if you don’t have rubbing alcohol lying around at home.

Ingredients Needed:

• Baking soda
• Castile soap

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda and Castile soap in a bowl of warm water.
2. Dip brushes into the solution and gently swirl.
3. Rinse brushes thoroughly with clean water.

Tips for Gentle but Thorough Cleaning:

Baking soda helps break down the oils and residue, while castile soap provides a gentle but effective clean. This DIY baking soda and Castile soap makeup brush cleaner is perfect for keeping your brushes soft and functional!

Coconut Oil and Dish Soap Cleaner

This recipe for a DIY coconut oil and dish soap makeup brush cleaner is perfect for breaking down stubborn, waterproof makeup while conditioning the bristles to keep them soft and fluffy, making it one among our top 3 best DIY makeup brush cleaners.

Ingredients Needed:

• Coconut oil
• Dish soap

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine coconut oil and dish soap in a small bowl.
2. Swirl brushes in the mixture to break down makeup residue.
3. Rinse brushes under warm water until clean.

Tips for Deep Conditioning and Cleaning:

Coconut oil not only cleans but also conditions the bristles, making them soft and fluffy. Dish soap cuts through the toughest makeup residue with ease.

Witch Hazel and Grapeseed Oil Cleaner

Utilizing the astringent properties of witch hazel and the moisturizing benefits of grapeseed oil, this DIY makeup brush cleaner witch hazel both sanitizes and conditions your brushes.

Ingredients Needed:

• Witch hazel
• Grapeseed oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of witch hazel and 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil.
2. Work the mixture into the bristles.
3. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clean.
4. Let dry overnight for soft, clean brushes.

Tips for Counteracting Drying Effects of Witch Hazel:

Grapeseed oil counteracts the drying effect of witch hazel, leaving your brushes soft and well-conditioned when you use this DIY makeup brush cleaner witch hazel.

Tea Tree Oil Cleaner

Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties make this cleaner great for disinfecting, while coconut oil keeps the bristles conditioned and soft. With this cleaner, you won’t even need the best soap to clean makeup brushes!

Ingredients Needed:

• Tea tree oil
• Coconut oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Dilute 5 drops of tea tree oil in a cup of lukewarm water.
2. Add 5 drops of coconut oil to keep bristles soft.
3. Massage the mixture into the bristles, rinse, and repeat as needed.

Tips for Leaving a Refreshing Scent and Maintaining Brush Softness:

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and leaves a refreshing scent, while coconut oil ensures the bristles remain soft.

Organic Brands to Buy From

Why not go all the way with sustainability? If you are pressed for time and can’t make a DIY makeup brush cleaner dawn soap yourself or have access to a makeup brush cleaner machine, you can grab a sustainable cleaner from a store! Here are some top-notch organic brands for your brush cleaning needs:

Safe for daily use and suitable for all brush types, The Brush Cleanser supports a sustainable beauty routine by using eco-friendly ingredients and packaging, making it one of the best soap to clean makeup brushes. Achieve a pristine, professional finish every time with Ogee’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

Infused with nourishing ingredients, it keeps bristles soft and conditioned. The easy-to-rinse formula leaves no residue, making it safe for daily use and suitable for all brush types. Achieve a flawless makeup application every time with this essential addition to your beauty routine.

General Tips for Maintaining Makeup Brushes

Maintaining your makeup brushes is crucial for several reasons. Regular cleaning with a DIY makeup brush cleaner spray prevents the buildup of bacteria, oil, and makeup residue that can cause skin breakouts and irritation. 

Clean brushes ensure a smooth and flawless makeup application, as dirty brushes can lead to uneven and patchy results. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your brushes, saving you money in the long run. Moreover, clean brushes are more hygienic and help prevent the spread of germs and infections. 

Here are some essential tips to keep your brushes in top condition.

Frequency of Cleaning Brushes

To keep bacteria at bay and ensure your brushes perform at their best, clean your brushes and sponges with a DIY makeup brush & sponge cleaner or a DIY makeup brush cleaner spray at least once a week. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your brushes but also helps prevent skin breakouts and irritation caused by dirt and oil buildup. When cleaning, you can use a DIY makeup brush cleaner mat to lay your brushes.

Maintaining the cleanliness of your brushes is crucial, but how you dry them is just as important.

Proper Drying Techniques

Proper drying is crucial to maintaining the shape and integrity of your brushes. Always air-dry your brushes flat on a clean towel or a DIY makeup brush cleaner mat, after using a DIY makeup brush & sponge cleaner or a DIY makeup brush cleaner spray, ensuring the bristles hang over the edge of a counter to allow proper air circulation. This prevents water from seeping into the handle, which can weaken the glue that holds the bristles together and cause the handle to warp or crack.

Once your brushes are clean and dry, it’s important to store them correctly.

Storage Tips to Prolong Brush Life

Store your brushes in a clean, dry place to protect them from dust and bacteria. Preferably, keep them upright in a brush holder to maintain their shape and prevent bristle damage. You can also use a DIY makeup brush cleaner mat. Avoid storing brushes in damp or enclosed spaces, as this can promote mold growth and compromise brush quality.

Now that your brushes are well-maintained with the help of a DIY makeup brush & sponge cleaner, let’s talk about sustainability in the beauty industry.

Sustainability with Ecowiser

The beauty industry is finally embracing sustainability, and it’s about time! Eco-friendly products are not only better for the environment but also for your skin. Sustainable practices in beauty include using natural, organic ingredients, reducing plastic waste, and opting for cruelty-free testing methods.

But why exactly should you choose eco-friendly products?

Importance of Choosing Eco-Friendly Products

Choosing eco-friendly products helps reduce your carbon footprint and supports ethical practices. By opting for products with sustainable packaging and ingredients, you contribute to the well-being of the planet and promote a healthier lifestyle. Eco-friendly products are often free from harmful chemicals, making them safer for your skin and overall health.

At Ecowiser, we make it easy to make these choices.

Summing Up!

Natural cleaning methods are not only effective but also kind to the environment and your skin. Make regular brush cleaning a habit for better skin health and brush longevity by using a DIY makeup brush & sponge cleaner. 

Ready to switch to a sustainable beauty routine? Let’s make it happen together! Embrace eco-friendly practices and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, greener lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a DIY makeup brush cleaner?

To make a DIY makeup brush cleaner dawn soap, you can use a variety of natural ingredients such as white vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, Castile soap, coconut oil, witch hazel, and tea tree oil. Each ingredient has specific cleaning properties that help remove makeup residue and sanitize the brushes without harsh chemicals.

What is the best DIY makeup brush cleaner spray?

A great DIY makeup brush cleaner spray can be made by mixing equal parts of distilled water and rubbing alcohol, with a few drops of tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties. Pour the DIY makeup brush cleaner rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle, spray onto the brushes, and wipe clean with a towel.

Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my makeup brushes?

Yes, rubbing alcohol is an effective disinfectant for cleaning makeup brushes. A DIY makeup brush cleaner rubbing alcohol helps to kill bacteria and remove residue. You can mix the rubbing alcohol with distilled water or use it as a component in a DIY makeup brush cleaner rubbing alcohol.