The antibacterial soap will kill any germs or bacteria on the brushes, while the olive oil will help break down stubborn makeup so the brushes rinse clean. Don’t use a paper plate for mixing the cleaner. The oil will seep through paper.
Be careful to hold the brushes with the bristles facing down when you wet them. If water gets inside the brushes’ ferrell, the part of the brushes just below the bristles that holds them to the handle, it may loosen the glue so bristles start falling out.
For extremely dirty makeup brushes, you may need to wipe off the suds and dip the brushes in the cleaner a second time.
If possible, lay your brushes flat on the edge of a table or counter so the bristles hang over the edge. That will keep any moisture from seeping into the ferrule.
The witch hazel in the cleaner is antibacterial so it kills any germs on your brushes. The castile soap removes makeup residue and other dirt. The oil also helps break down makeup and helps condition the brushes too. Because the oil may separate from the other ingredients, always shake the cleaner before using it.
If you prefer, you can put the cleaner in a spray bottle, spray some on the brushes, and then rub the bristles over a towel.
Be sure not to dry the brushes with the bristles up in the air. Water can drip back into the brushes’ ferrule, which can cause bristles to fall out.
For the best results, use 70% isopropyl alcohol in the brush cleaner spray. The alcohol doesn’t just serve as a disinfectant for the brushes; it also helps the cleaner dry more quickly so you can spot clean your brushes and use them right away. Your spray bottle should hold at least 8 ounces (237 ml).
The essential oil is meant to cover the alcohol scent of the cleaner, so you can use whichever fragrance you prefer. However, you may want to use an oil with antibacterial properties, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, or tea tree oil. Because the oil may separate from the other ingredients, always shake the spray well before using it.
Feel the brushes’ bristles before using them after cleaning to make sure that the cleaner has dried completely.
