Before we get into the different ways to clean a makeup sponge, let’s be honest, we do not clean our makeup sponges and other tools as much as we’re supposed to. Yes, we clean it occasionally, but most of us cannot take the time out of our busy schedules. However, this is just an excuse; if you really cared about your skin, you’d be cleaning your makeup tools way more regularly than you are doing now. When you do not clean your makeup tools, you will notice product build-up, leading to irritation, breakouts, and even infection. Cleaning your reusable makeup sponge will only benefit you; you can avoid infections and experience a better application. Even if you do not clean it after every application, you can take five minutes out every two to three days or even once a week and have it cleaned, and your skin will thank you.
Why Should You Clean Your Makeup Sponge?
While this question is answered above, let’s try to understand it better. When you use your makeup sponge to apply foundation, concealer, and other products, the sponge soaks up the products as it is porous. So, even if you cleaned your makeup sponge just yesterday after you use it today, there will already be a build-up of products, germs, and bacteria. When you use a dirty makeup sponge, you could potentially be transferring the germs and bacteria to your skin that are present in the sponge. And this interaction can lead to skin infection and breakouts. Another reason to clean your makeup sponge regularly is for a better product application; dirty sponges have a product buildup that can affect the application result. A clean makeup sponge is more likely to smoothly glide products onto your skin.
If these are not enough for you to start cleaning your makeup sponge at least once or twice a week, see what dermatologists have to say. Dermatologists have stated that using a dirty makeup brush can cause breakouts and skin infections. And using a clean sponge is extremely important if you already have existing acne with open wounds or use different hair removal processes on your face.
If you hate cleaning makeup tools, you may be tempted to throw out the sponge after using it for a while, which is not an eco-friendly option, although it has never been stated that you cannot do it. These reasons are enough for everyone who owns a makeup sponge to start cleaning it regularly.
How Many Times Should You Clean Your Makeup Sponge In A Week?
Now that we are clear about cleaning the makeup sponge regularly, you may wish to know how often you should clean it in a week. The answer “regularly” is ambiguous, as it can have different meanings to different readers. Although the preference would be to clean your makeup sponge after every use, that’s undoable for many users. So, cleaning your makeup sponge once or twice a week is suggested, especially if you use makeup daily. This may seem time-consuming and a lot of work, especially if you are someone who cleans their makeup tools two to three times a year, but it is not a difficult task.
Different Ways To Clean A Makeup Sponge
If you have never cleaned your makeup sponge before or are looking for a more effective technique, we have mentioned the different ways to clean it. There are various ways to clean a makeup sponge; if you do a quick search on YouTube or Google, you will get many results. There are many TikTok viral videos on cleaning makeup sponges and tools, so your resources are unlimited. But if you have landed on this page looking for tips, take a look at the different ways to clean a makeup sponge below:
The Viral Method: Using Dish Soap
Soaking a makeup sponge in warm water with regular dish soap is one of the most popular ways to clean the sponge, courtesy of TikTok. This method is pretty simple and easy. The first step is to fill a bowl or basin with warm water, add a few pumps of liquid dish soap, mix the soap and water, and then soak your makeup sponge. You can soak the sponge for 10-15 minutes or more, depending on the last time you cleaned it and how often you used it. Once you have soaked it for the set period, squeeze out the water, and if there are any leftover build-ups, you put small pumps of soap, massage it, and then rinse thoroughly. Once you are sure that the sponge is clean, squeeze out the water as much as possible, wrap it in a towel, give it a good squeeze a few more times, and leave it out overnight to dry. This is one of the most effective methods to clean makeup sponges that require deep cleaning.
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The Microwave Method
Another famous way of cleaning a makeup sponge is the microwave method. This method may seem a little gross, especially if you have not seen the viral videos of influencers trying this method out on the internet, but trust the process. The first thing you have to do is grab a microwavable bowl, add an inch of water, place your sponge, and then set the heating timer for 30 or 60 seconds. Once the timer sets off, let it cool down, add a few soap pumps, and clean it under warm running water. Once you are done rinsing, please place it in your makeup sponge holder and let it air dry. This method will not only remove the product build-up from the sponge but will also sanitize it.
Try The Oil Cleansing Method
If you are big into skincare, you will be aware of the oil cleansing method, which is popular among skincare enthusiasts. This process works around the principle that oil breaks down oil, so just like it works effectively on your face, this method could do the same for your makeup sponge.
The first step is to ensure that your sponge is dry; add a few drops of oil and then massage it thoroughly until you see the products rubbing off your palm. Once you have given it a thorough massage, add a few pumps of any soap, give your makeup sponge another massage, and then rinse it thoroughly under running water. And then, leave the sponge out to dry completely.
Use A Makeup Brush Cleaner
Another method we have seen people try on the internet to clean their makeup sponges is using their makeup brush cleaner. Like a brush, dampen your makeup sponge with water and then massage the brush cleaner into the sponge. When you are sure that all the product build-up is removed, give it a thorough rinse. This method is best followed if you have started washing it regularly, at least once a week.
The Surface Cleaning Method
The surface cleaning method requires you to rub your makeup sponge against a textured surface, such as a brush cleaning mat. If you have purchased a cleaning mat for your makeup brushes, this is another way to use the product. It is a simple method, dampen your sponge, use soap of your preference, rub your makeup sponge against the textured surface for a few minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly. Once your sponge is clean, you can leave it out to dry in your clean sponge holder.
Conclusion
Cleaning your makeup sponge and other tools may seem time-consuming, but it requires less than five minutes. And if you are setting some time aside to clean your makeup tools once or twice a week will ensure better makeup application and avoid breakouts and skin irritations. You can get wholesale makeup sponges and makeup sponge holders at Sponge Center. Head to our website for high-quality and excellent deals on wholesale makeup sponges and holders.