Supplies
Gentle shampoo
Vinegar
Water
Small bowl
Lint-free towel
Wash
To start, rinse the bristles of the brush in lukewarm water. Always keep the water running down the length of the bristles. This prevents water from streaming into the base of the brush, which can weaken the glue and shorten its lifespan. Then, work a small amount of gentle shampoo (like baby shampoo) in the bristles, rinsing as you go.
Repeat
Continue lathering and rinsing, adding more shampoo if needed, until the water rinses clear. To protect your brushes, use light pressure when you’re swishing the brush around in the palm of your hand.
Disenfect
In a small bowl, make a disinfecting vinegar solution that’s one part vinegar and two parts water. Dip the clean brush into the solution and swish it around for about one minute. Try to avoid fully submerging the brush. Then, rinse.
If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step. Your brushes aren’t going to suffer if they miss their vinegar dip every so often.
Dry
Squeeze excess water out of the brush, reshaping the bristles as you go. Lay the brushes on a lint-free cloth (like a tea towel) to dry. Let the bristles hang over the edge of the sink and flip over the brushes after a few hours to ensure the best shape. Leave brushes to dry overnight—most brushes will dry in 8 to 12 hours.
Depending on how often you use your brushes, aim to give them the full treatment every one to three weeks.
No judgment—when was the last time you washed your brushes? Spill in the comments.
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