Cleaning makeup sponges is important to prevent the buildup of old makeup, bacteria, and oil left behind by every application. Here are some steps to clean makeup sponges:
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Gather materials: You will need a small dish, warm water, and a few drops of gentle hand soap or shampoo. You can also use a net lingerie bag, liquid soap, and a bowl, or a few drops of liquid soap and lukewarm to warm water.
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Soak the sponge: Place the sponge in the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps to expand the porous sponge, to better allow makeup and oil to fall out.
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Clean with soap: Rub the sponge in the palm of your hand to loosen makeup and debris. Spend 2-3 patient minutes massaging the cleanser into the sponge. Since makeup sponges are pretty delicate, it’s best to not use abrasive scrubbing pads that can snag or tear the material.
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Rinse: Rinse the sponge under warm, running water until all of the cleanser washes out of it. Continue to squeeze, massage, and rinse the sponge under warm running water until the water runs clean.
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Dry: Roll your makeup sponge over a clean paper or cloth towel to remove excess water. Then set it aside to air-dry only. It’s best to not use hair dryers, which can crack the material over time.
It is recommended to clean makeup sponges at least once a week. Waiting for them to dry is the longest part of the process. Wet and lather the sponge with soap and water, rinse it thoroughly, and let it air-dry completely before using it again.
