Facial brushes are great. They’re easy to use, usually cheap, and offer a deeper cleanse, all while being extremely gentle on my sensitive skin. That said, do you ever wonder what’s crawling around in them after awhile? Sure, we always make sure our facial brushes dry out completely ever day, but there’s only so much that can do. Even just a few days is enough time for the bacteria to grow. Bacteria on your brush means bacteria on your face, and we need to avoid that at all costs.
How Often Should I Clean My Facial Brush?
A facial brush lasts around 3 months before it has to be replaced. However, during those 3 months, you want to keep it in the best condition possible. It’s reccomended that you clean it at least once every week. I like to do it at least twice a week, just to be sure. You can never be too clean, so what’s there to lose other than a couple minutes?
How to Clean a Facial Brush
I’m going to show you 2 ways that you can clean your brush. The first is mainly focusing on killing bacteria, while the second is focused on cleaning the brush and nourishing the fibers.
For the first method, here are the things you’re going to need.
- Rubbing Alcohol
- A bowl
- Your facial brush
Take the rubbing alcohol and pour it into a bowl. You don’t need too much, but you need enough to submerge your facial brush. Put the brush in the alcohol and swish it around, getting it on all the fibers. Leave it in for another 2 minutes, then dry it in a cool, dry area. Leave it to dry naturally, and make sure that it’s completely dry before you use it again. Do this at least twice a month.
Method 2- The Weekly Cleanse
This method is for a lighter cleanse on the brush. It isn’t as heavy and powerful as the alcohol, but it’s good for daily use and nourishes the brush as well. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap (Or any foam/liquid facial cleanser)
- Olive oil
- A bowl
Mix the soap and olive oil in a 1:1 ratio, enough to submerge the brush. Once they’re mixed evenly, dunk the brush head in the mixture and work the cleanser into the face brush. Make sure to clean it well, and don’t miss anything! Once you’ve massaged it into the brush, wash it off and air dry until it’s completely dry. Do this at least once every week.
This will work for makeup brushes as well. Using both methods ensures that the brush is kept squeaky clean, and is still being nourished. The fibers will be bacteria-free, but they won’t be dry or brittle. Make sure to use these methods weekly!