Brushes are essential tools for creating flawless makeup looks, but they can also harbor bacteria and dirt buildup, which can lead to breakouts and infections. One way to keep your brushes clean and germ-free is to use brush cleaners. However, many store-bought brush cleaners can be expensive and contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to both the environment and your skin. This is where DIY brush cleaners come in handy. By making your own brush cleaners, you can save money and reduce waste while still effectively cleaning your brushes. In this article, we will share some easy DIY brush cleaner recipes and provide step-by-step instructions on how to use them.
Why Make DIY Brush Cleaners?
As we all know, makeup brushes are an essential tool for achieving a flawless makeup look. However, maintaining clean brushes is often neglected, which not only makes them ineffective but also poses health risks. This is where DIY brush cleaners come in handy. By making your own cleaning solution, you can save money and reduce waste while also ensuring that your brushes are thoroughly clean. But why should you make DIY brush cleaners in the first place? Let’s explore the benefits of making your own brush cleaner solution.
Save Money
The cost of purchasing brush cleaners can add up quickly. By making your own DIY brush cleaner, you can save a significant amount of money. The ingredients used in these recipes are often items that you may already have on hand in your pantry or cleaning supplies, such as olive oil, dish soap, vinegar, baking soda, baby shampoo, coconut oil, lemon juice, and tea tree oil. Additionally, by avoiding the purchase of disposable makeup wipes or the use of expensive brush cleaning machines, you can keep more money in your wallet. By taking the time to make your own DIY brush cleaner, you can also ensure that you know exactly what ingredients are being used, which is especially important if you have sensitive skin or allergies. So why not give it a try? Check out the recipes below and start saving money on your brush cleaning routine.
Reduce Waste
Reducing waste is a major benefit of making your own DIY brush cleaners. When you buy commercial brush cleaners, they often come in plastic bottles that are not recyclable. By making your own cleaners, you can use reusable containers and eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles.
Additionally, by using natural ingredients in your DIY brush cleaners, you can avoid harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. When you use commercial cleaners, the chemicals can be washed down the drain and end up in the water supply. Making your own cleaners with natural ingredients like vinegar and lemon juice can reduce your impact on the environment.
Here are some tips to further reduce waste when cleaning your brushes:
- Use a clean towel or cloth to wipe excess cleaner off of your brushes instead of using paper towels.
- Consider using natural bristle brushes which are biodegradable and can be composted at the end of their life cycle. Check out our article on the benefits of using natural bristle brushes.
- Choose a high-quality brush that is designed to last. Cheap brushes tend to shed more and need to be replaced more frequently, leading to greater waste. Read our article on tips for choosing the right brushes.
- Take good care of your brushes to ensure they last as long as possible. This means cleaning your brushes regularly and storing them properly. Check out our article on how to clean and store your brushes.
By implementing these tips along with making your own DIY brush cleaners, you can reduce waste, save money, and feel good about doing your part to protect the environment.
DIY Brush Cleaner Recipes
Looking to save money and reduce waste when cleaning your brushes? Look no further than these simple DIY brush cleaner recipes. Using ingredients you likely already have on hand, these recipes are a great way to keep your brushes in top shape without breaking the bank or contributing to unnecessary waste. From olive oil and dish soap to vinegar and baking soda, these recipes will have your brushes looking like new in no time. But before we get into the recipes, let’s talk about why making your own cleaners is a great idea.
Recipe 1: Olive Oil and Dish Soap Cleaner
For a natural and effective brush cleaning solution, try the following recipe using olive oil and dish soap.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
Instructions:
- Mix the olive oil and dish soap together in a small bowl.
- Wet the bristles of the brush under warm water.
- Dip the brush into the mixture and swirl it around for about a minute. Make sure the brush is fully coated in the solution.
- Rinse the brush under warm water until the water runs clear.
- Remove excess water by gently pressing the bristles with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Olive oil helps to break down the makeup and dirt on the bristles, while the dish soap helps to remove any excess oil and ensures a thorough cleaning. This recipe is great for most types of brushes, including those with natural or synthetic bristles.
Using natural ingredients also makes this recipe environmentally friendly. It’s a great way to reduce waste and avoid harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to make at home.
Now that you have your brush cleaner ready, let’s go over how to use it properly. Check out the next section on types of cleaning brushes and tips for maintenance to make sure you’re taking care of your brushes properly.
Recipe 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda Cleaner
One of the most popular DIY brush cleaning recipes is using vinegar and baking soda as the main ingredients. This recipe is perfect for removing stubborn stains and build-up from brushes.
To create this solution, follow these simple steps:
- Mix 1 cup of warm water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
- Stir the mixture until the baking soda is fully dissolved.
- Place your brushes in the mixture and leave them to soak for 10-15 minutes.
After soaking, you can scrub the bristles gently using a brush cleaner pad, and rinse them with warm water. Be sure to reshape the brushes before leaving them to dry.
Remember, it’s important to clean brushes regularly to maintain their performance and longevity. Using natural ingredients, like vinegar and baking soda, can be a great way to improve the clean quality of your brushes without harsh chemicals.
If you’re interested in learning more about the best cleaning brush brands or how to revive old brushes, check out our guide to the best cleaning brush brands or our article on how to revive old brushes. And for more tips on cleaning with brushes, take a look at our do’s and don’ts of brush cleaning and maintenance or a brief historical overview on the evolution of cleaning brushes.
Recipe 3: Baby Shampoo and Coconut Oil Cleaner
To create a DIY brush cleaner using baby shampoo and coconut oil, follow these easy steps:
- Step 1: Gather your supplies. You will need baby shampoo, coconut oil, and warm water.
- Step 2: Mix the cleaner. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup of baby shampoo and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir the mixture until it is well combined.
- Step 3: Prep your brushes. Before cleaning your makeup brushes, run them under warm water to remove any excess makeup.
- Step 4: Clean your brushes. Dip your brushes into the mixture and swirl them around in the bowl or jar to distribute the cleaner evenly. Then, use your fingers to gently massage the bristles, working the cleaner into the brush to remove any dirt or buildup.
- Step 5: Rinse and dry your brushes. Rinse each brush under warm running water to remove any remaining cleaner. Gently squeeze out any excess water and lay the brush flat on a clean towel to air dry.
This all-natural cleaner is gentle and effective, making it a great choice for cleaning all types of makeup brushes. Baby shampoo is free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, making it safe for use on delicate brush bristles. Coconut oil is not only moisturizing but also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent addition to this DIY brush cleaner.
Using DIY brush cleaners like this recipe not only saves you money, but it’s also an eco-friendly choice as it reduces waste by using natural ingredients instead of relying on single-use plastic cleaners. For more information about the benefits of cleaning with brushes, check out our article on cleaning with brushes.
Recipe 4: Lemon Juice and Tea Tree Oil Cleaner
One of the best DIY brush cleaners you can make at home is a mixture of lemon juice and tea tree oil. This cleaner is effective in removing dirt, bacteria and makeup residue from your brushes.
Ingredients:
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Tea tree oil | 2-3 drops |
| Water | 1 cup |
Instructions:
- Mix the lemon juice, tea tree oil, and water in a bowl.
- Put the mixture in a spray bottle or dip your brushes in it.
- Swirl the brushes around in the mixture for a few minutes.
- Rinse the brushes under lukewarm water to remove the soap and dirt from them.
- Gently pat them dry with a clean towel and lay them flat to air dry.
Lemon juice works as an effective natural bleach and helps to remove stains from your brushes. Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant and helps to kill bacteria and germs present in your brushes. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you may want to skip the tea tree oil, or do a patch test before using it on your brushes.
This cleaner is suitable for all types of brushes, including synthetic and natural hair. It is gentle on the bristles and won’t cause any damage. The lemon scent will leave your brushes smelling fresh, while tea tree oil will disinfect and get rid of any bacteria.
This DIY brush cleaner recipe is easy to make and is an affordable alternative to commercial cleaners. Give it a try and see the results for yourself!
How to Use DIY Brush Cleaners
Now that you’ve made your own DIY brush cleaner, it’s time to learn how to use it properly. By using homemade brush cleaners, you can not only save money but also reduce waste. However, the process may seem a bit daunting for beginners. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step guide on how to use your DIY brush cleaners effectively. So, grab your supplies and let’s get started!
Gather Supplies
Before cleaning your makeup brushes with DIY brush cleaners, it is important to gather all of the necessary supplies. This will ensure that the cleaning process goes smoothly and efficiently. Here are the important items that you’ll need:
| Supplies | Description |
| Dirty Makeup Brushes | Brushes that need to be cleaned. |
| Bowl or Container | A shallow bowl or container to mix the cleaner and clean the brushes in. |
| DIY Cleaner Solution | A pre-made DIY cleaning solution (such as one of the recipes mentioned earlier in the article) or the ingredients to make your own. |
| Soft Towel or Paper Towels | To dry off the brushes after rinsing them. |
| Warm Water | To rinse off the brushes. |
| Optional: Rubber Cleaning Pad or Brush Cleaning Mat | These tools can help agitate the bristles of the brush to remove build-up more easily. |
By having all of these supplies on hand, you’ll be able to easily follow the steps for cleaning your makeup brushes with DIY brush cleaners. Remember to always be gentle when cleaning your brushes to avoid damaging the bristles.
Prep Brushes
Before using DIY brush cleaners, it is important to properly prep your brushes to ensure that they are ready for cleaning. In order to do so, follow these steps:
| Step 1: Gather all of the brushes that need to be cleaned. |
| Step 2: Remove any excess makeup from the brushes by gently wiping them on a clean tissue or paper towel. |
| Step 3: Fill a bowl or cup with lukewarm water. |
| Step 4: Add a small amount of mild shampoo or dish soap to the water. |
| Step 5: Swirl the brushes in the water and gently massage the bristles with your fingers. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can damage the bristles. |
| Step 6: Rinse the brushes thoroughly under running water, making sure to remove all of the soap and suds. |
| Step 7: Gently squeeze out any excess water from the brushes. |
| Step 8: Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to air dry. Make sure to reshape the bristles and avoid standing the brushes upright as this can cause water to seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue that holds the bristles in place. |
By prepping your brushes properly, you can ensure that they are clean and ready to be thoroughly cleaned with DIY brush cleaners. It is important to keep your brushes clean in order to maintain their quality and prevent bacteria buildup, and by following these steps, you can take the necessary steps to keep your brushes in top condition.
Mix the Cleaner
Before you start cleaning your brushes with the DIY brush cleaner, you need to prepare the solution by mixing the right ingredients in the right proportion.
Here is how to mix the cleaner:
| Recipe | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Recipe 1 | Olive oil, dish soap, and water | Mix 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1 cup of water in a bowl or jar. Stir the mixture well to create a homogeneous solution. |
| Recipe 2 | Vinegar, baking soda, and water | Mix 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 cup of water in a bowl or jar. Stir the mixture gently until the baking soda dissolves completely. |
| Recipe 3 | Baby shampoo, coconut oil, and water | Mix 1 tablespoon of baby shampoo, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 cup of water in a bowl or jar. Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are well combined. |
| Recipe 4 | Lemon juice, tea tree oil, and water | Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil, and 1 cup of water in a bowl or jar. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly. |
Note that the above measurements are for reference only. You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients depending on the number and size of the brushes you want to clean.
Once you have mixed the cleaner according to the recipe you have chosen, transfer it to a shallow bowl or jar. Here you can dip your brushes in the cleaner to clean them. Remember to mix the solution well before using it, as the ingredients tend to separate if left standing for too long.
That’s it! Now you’re ready to move on to the next step and clean your brushes with the DIY cleaner.
Clean the Brushes
Once you have mixed your chosen DIY brush cleaner, it’s time to clean your brushes. The process is straightforward, but it’s essential to be gentle and thorough to ensure that your brushes are clean and undamaged.
To start, take one of your dirty brushes in your hand and, dip it into the cleaner mixture. Gently swirl the brush in the mixture, making sure to coat the bristles entirely. Use your fingers to massage the cleaner into the bristles gently. Be sure to work the cleaner into the brush thoroughly to break down any makeup or dirt that might be caked onto your brush.
Once the bristles of your brush are fully coated in the cleaner, use your fingers to carefully work and knead the brush bristles. Take particular care to get into any crevices or small gaps present in the brush head to ensure that all the dirt and grime is removed. Continue this process for several minutes until you are satisfied that the brush is entirely clean.
After you have finished cleaning the first brush, repeat the process for each additional brush, using a new batch of cleaner mixture for each one. This ensures that each brush is cleaned with fresh, clean product and minimizes the risk of transferring dirt or bacteria to other brushes in your collection.
Once you have finished cleaning all of your brushes, rinses each one thoroughly under lukewarm to cool running water. Gently squeeze the bristles with your fingers to remove any remaining cleaning product and dirt, being careful not to be too rough or harsh. Do not use hot water to rinse your brushes as it can cause the bristles to shed or become damaged.
Finally, lay your brushes flat on a clean towel to let them air dry completely. Make sure to reshape the bristles where needed, and avoid using a hairdryer or allowing brushes to dry in direct sunlight, as this can cause bristle damage. Once your brushes are completely dry, store them in a clean, dry place until you need them next.
Rinse and Dry the Brushes
Once the brushes have been cleaned using one of the DIY brush cleaner recipes, it’s crucial to rinse and dry them properly to ensure they’re ready for use.
Step 1: Rinsing
Start by turning on the faucet and rinsing each brush thoroughly under lukewarm water. Make sure to hold the brush by the bristles and allow the water to flow over them. Gently massage the bristles to ensure that all the soap or cleaner has been rinsed away.
Step 2: Removing Excess Water
To remove excess water, you can gently squeeze the brush head between your thumb and forefinger or blot it with a clean towel. Make sure to reshape the bristles after squeezing or blotting to maintain their original shape.
Step 3: Drying
After rinsing and removing excess water, it’s time to dry the brushes. There are a few different methods you can use:
- Air-drying: This is the most common method of drying brushes. Simply lay the brushes flat on a clean towel or hang them upside down on a brush holder. Make sure they’re in a well-ventilated area and avoid placing them in direct sunlight or using a blow dryer as this can damage the bristles.
- Using a fan: If you need to dry your brushes quickly, you can place them in front of a fan or use a handheld fan to speed up the drying process.
- Using a brush spinner: Brush spinners are electric devices that quickly spin the brushes to remove excess water and dry them in a matter of seconds. While they’re efficient, they can be expensive and may not be necessary for everyday use.
No matter which drying method you choose, make sure the brushes are completely dry before storing them. Damp brushes can attract bacteria and become damaged over time. By rinsing and drying your brushes properly, they’ll be clean, soft and ready for your next makeup application!
Tips for Maintaining Clean Brushes
Once you have cleaned your brushes with one of the DIY brush cleaner recipes, it is important to take steps to maintain their cleanliness. Here are some tips to help you keep your brushes in top condition:
1. Clean your brushes regularly: Make sure to clean your brushes at least once a week if you use them frequently. If you use them less often, then once a month should suffice. Regular cleaning will prevent product build-up and bacterial growth.
2. Store your brushes properly: Always store your brushes in a clean and dry place, ideally in a container or brush roll. This will not only help keep them clean, but also protect the bristles from getting bent or damaged.
3. Avoid sharing your brushes: Resist the temptation to share your brushes with others, as this can lead to the transfer of bacteria and other harmful germs. If you must share, then be sure to clean the brushes thoroughly before and after use.
4. Use a gentle cleanser: When cleaning your brushes, use a gentle cleanser that is specifically designed for brush cleaning, or one of the DIY brush cleaner recipes mentioned earlier in this article. Avoid using harsh detergents or cleaning agents that can damage the bristles.
5. Avoid soaking your brushes: Soaking your brushes in water or cleaner for too long can loosen the bristles and damage the adhesive that holds the bristles in place. Instead, rinse them under running water and gently massage the bristles with your fingers to remove any remaining product.
6. Replace your brushes when necessary: Over time, brushes will start to show wear and tear, and may become less effective at applying makeup. When this happens, it is time to replace them with new brushes. The lifespan of a brush will depend on the quality of the bristles and how often it is used.
By following these tips, you can help maintain the cleanliness and longevity of your makeup brushes, saving money in the long run and reducing waste. Remember that well-maintained brushes not only perform better, but also help you achieve a flawless makeup application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making your own DIY brush cleaner is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly. By using natural and readily available ingredients, you can achieve the same or better results than with store-bought cleaners.
Save money by repurposing items you may already have at home like olive oil, vinegar, or baby shampoo. You can also find these ingredients at affordable prices at your local grocery store or online. This means you can clean your brushes regularly without breaking the bank.
Reduce waste by eliminating the need for single-use plastic containers and packaging typically found with store-bought cleaners. You can feel good about using your homemade cleaner knowing that it is environmentally conscious.
Remember to follow best practices when cleaning your brushes and allow ample time for them to dry completely. This helps prevent damage or bacteria growth on the brush bristles.
Consider incorporating making DIY brush cleaners into your self-care routine and get creative by experimenting with different recipes and scents. Not only will your brushes last longer, but you’ll also be supporting a sustainable and mindful lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using DIY brush cleaners?
DIY brush cleaners can help save money, reduce waste, and remove harmful chemicals found in some commercial cleaning products.
How often should I clean my brushes?
It is recommended to clean makeup brushes at least once a week to prevent buildup of bacteria and product residue.
Can I use these recipes for all types of brushes?
Yes, these recipes can be used for all types of brushes, including makeup brushes and paint brushes.
Do I need to buy expensive ingredients for the recipes?
No, most of the ingredients needed can be found in your kitchen, such as olive oil, dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda.
Are these DIY cleaners effective in removing tough stains?
Yes, these DIY cleaners can remove tough stains and product buildup from brushes when used consistently.
Can I add essential oils to the recipes?
Yes, essential oils can be added to the recipes for added fragrance and antibacterial properties.
Do I need any special equipment to clean my brushes?
No, all you need is a small bowl, some warm water, and the ingredients for the cleaner.
How long does it take to clean my brushes using these recipes?
It should take no more than 20-30 minutes to clean and dry your brushes using these recipes.
Can I store the DIY cleaners for future use?
Yes, the DIY cleaners can be stored in airtight containers and used for future cleaning sessions.
What are some signs that my brushes need to be cleaned?
Some signs that your brushes need to be cleaned include a strong odor, discoloration of bristles, and difficulty in applying makeup evenly.
