How to wash a brush. How to wash makeup brushes. How to clean a mascara wand

If you've done any painting work at home yourself, you'll need to know how to clean your brushes after painting. Depending on the type of paint used, cleaning methods may vary, so we will consider each of them in detail.

Proper and timely cleaning of your brushes will help you keep these tools in working condition for a long period. Therefore, proper attention should be paid to this process and the correct cleaning products should be selected.

What types of brushes are used during painting work?

Every person who has at least once carried out renovations in an apartment on their own is well aware that in order to perform high-quality work, several different types of brushes are required. Thus, priming surfaces, painting ceilings and walls of a room using water-soluble acrylic products requires the use of large flat brushes. For working with oil and some other types of paints, small round or flat brushes, called flutes, are quite suitable.

In any painting process there are certain breaks, during which the functional properties of the brushes must be preserved in their original state - this will help avoid the need to purchase a new product and save you money and time.

Take a break from work - save the tool properties

To ensure that after a 1-2 hour break in painting the brush does not lose its properties, it is necessary to take proper care of it.

There are quite a few types of paints and varnishes that set very quickly, and therefore an unattended brush will be completely covered in a sticky layer in just a couple of hours, which is almost impossible to remove.

Sometimes this option is practiced - the brush is placed with the nap down in a jar filled with water.

However, this method has one significant drawback - although the pile will be saved from thickening the paint, it will become too hard, which is why the quality of further painting work will not be so high.

Therefore, instead of a container with water, it is better to use a regular one. plastic bag or thin food grade aluminum foil. To do this, you need to wrap the brush in any of these materials so that air does not get inside. This affordable method will preserve the properties of your brushes for two hours.

Cleaning instruments during a long break

If the break between stages of painting work is longer, at least one day, the brushes need to be cared for differently. After painting, leaving them in a jar of solvent for a day is not the best best method, since it can lead to deformation of the pile, which will make the subsequent painting process impossible. Therefore, you will have to wash the instrument according to all the rules using special means. If you do not have a professional brush cleaner, prepare the following set of accessories:

• any paint solvent;
• disposable paper towel or piece of soft rag;
• regular laundry soap;
• A container deep enough to immerse brushes.

To thoroughly wash your brushes after painting and ensure they proper care, you need to perform several steps:

1. Pour a sufficient amount of solvent into the container.
2. Place the brush in the product with the nap facing down and thoroughly soak the lint.
3. After this, remove the brush and dry it thoroughly using a rag or paper towel.
4. Then the bristles of the products should be thoroughly smeared with soapy foam and washed under running water for several minutes.

All these steps should be repeated until the pile is completely free of paint and varnish materials. This method of care allows you to thoroughly wash the paint, even if it has dried.

Depending on the type of paint used, you need to wash your brushes with different types of solvents. Paints and varnishes that have a water-soluble or adhesive base can be washed with plain water.

And if you have to wash your brush after using oil paint, you should use a special mineral solvent.

Due to the fact that brush cleaning liquid and solvent are products that have a very strong and specific odor, it is advisable to wash these products on the balcony or in the open air. After the procedure is completed, the brush must be thoroughly dried by placing it in a vertical position with the bristles facing up.

Other methods

There are other time-tested brush care methods that are very effective. If the paint has not completely dried to the pile, you can wash it using regular fabric softener:

1. When starting the procedure, you need to wipe off the excess paint with a soft cloth.
2. Then mix conditioner and warm water in equal parts.
3. Wash the brush thoroughly in the solution until the paint begins to gradually slide off.
4. To consolidate the result, continue to wash the product in warm running water.
5. When there are no traces of paint left, the product needs to be thoroughly dried by placing it in a small jar with the nap facing up.

If the paint is too dry, try another method:

1. Pour the required amount of vinegar into a convenient container, for example a glass one, and place the brush there for one hour.
2. When this period has passed, check how much the paint has softened.
3. If the paint has not softened enough, leave the brush in this position for another hour.
4. The next step is to take an old saucepan, unsuitable for food purposes, and pour vinegar into it.
5. Then place the brush in the pan, place it on the stove, set the flame to medium and wait until it boils.
6. The contents of the vessel should continue to boil for several minutes.
7. Next, remove the cleaned brush and carefully comb its bristles using a metal brush.
8. It is necessary to comb the brush until the smallest particles of paint are completely separated from the bristles.
9. Finally, the product should be rinsed in running water and left to dry in a vertical position with the pile facing up.

Regardless of the cleaning method, proper brush care requires moistening the bristles. Any cosmetic conditioner or lotion will be suitable for these purposes. Proper storage of brushes also plays an important role and helps to preserve their properties for as long as necessary.

Almost every girl has a set of makeup brushes and sponges in her arsenal. But not everyone knows that these items need to be washed and disinfected regularly. When applying powder or blush, you simultaneously remove fat, particles of sweat and dead epidermis from the skin. And if there are acne, then there are also bacteria. This creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, which, when brushes are reused, end up on the skin along with cosmetics.

Paint me, artist: types of makeup brushes

Having many or few brushes is everyone’s business. Exists minimum set necessary for makeup, but you have the right to expand this list. There are special tools for application foundation, powder, eye shadow, blush, lip gloss and others.

It is better to store makeup brushes in a special case.

Advice! Do not apply compact products with a natural fiber brush. They contain fatty components that are quickly absorbed into the pile. This will not only degrade the properties of the tool, but can also cause skin irritation.

Types of cosmetic tools for applying makeup - gallery

Oily foundations are best applied with a brush with artificial bristles. The tool for applying lipstick or gloss is usually sold in a separate case A synthetic brush with an angled cut allows you to perfectly draw the shape of your eyebrows. For dry shadows, it is advisable to use brushes made from natural materials. The concealer brush is made from synthetic fibers Brush for blush, bronzers and powder has natural bristles

Brush material

Makeup tools are made from natural or synthetic fibers. For dry bulk products, brushes made of natural bristles are used; for liquid and cream products, brushes made of synthetic bristles are used.

1. Natural fibers are soft and delicate; they are good for applying loose powder, blush, and eye shadow. Liquid and cream products are absorbed well by such brushes. This makes the pile heavier and affects the quality of the makeup. It is impossible to blend foundation or concealer well with a natural brush.
2. Synthetic fibers are stiffer. This is not the best option for loose products: the sensations from such use are not very pleasant. But they perfectly blend the foundation and are convenient for masking minor skin imperfections with concealer. Since the villi have a smooth structure, they do not become clogged with the product.

There are no big problems with synthetic brushes; they do not absorb fat, are easy to clean and dry quickly. Natural brushes require a special approach. Improper care can damage them hopelessly. But regardless of the material they are made of, brushes must be washed and done regularly.

Daily cleaning rules for beauty tools

Professional makeup artists wash and disinfect brushes after each client. And this is correct, because bacteria living on the skin of one person can easily be transferred with a dirty brush to the skin of another. There is no such risk at home. If the brushes are individual, you can only transfer your own bacteria to your skin. True, they have multiplied considerably. After all, if we wash ourselves every day, the situation is different with brushes.

How often to wash brushes and sponges for powder, foundation and decorative cosmetics

Care is divided into superficial cleaning, which is recommended after each use of brushes, and deep cleaning. There is no consensus on the frequency of deep cleaning. Some sources advise washing all brushes once a week or even a month. This is acceptable as long as daily surface cleaning is performed. One caveat: brushes for liquid and cream products, and especially a brush for liquid eyeliner, should be washed every day. The fatty, moist environment of these products is a sanatorium for bacteria. One day is enough for them to multiply in incredible quantities and cause skin irritation upon repeated use. This is especially dangerous if the brush is intended for eyeliner.

• Brushes and sponges for foundation, concealer and other liquid or cream products, as well as eyeliner and lip brush are recommended to be washed after each use;
• brushes for powder and blush should be washed once a week for daily use;
• Wash eyeshadow applicators once every three days;
• It is enough to wash the puff once a week.

How to clean tools after each use

Makeup remover wipes and disinfectant are used for this purpose. First, the brushes are cleaned of cosmetic residues, then disinfected, if these two functions are not combined in one product.

1. Wipe the tools with a cloth until they are clean. You can use micellar water for this purpose.
2. There is another interesting way - dry cleaning with any microfiber cloth. According to the manufacturer, they remove 99.9% of bacteria.
3. To free your brushes from product residues, it is convenient to use special ribbed mats or mittens.
4. After cleaning, treat your brushes with a disinfectant.

A special ribbed mat will help you wash your brushes.

Disinfectants and their use

1. Professional products for quick cleaning - sprays, liquids, lotions. The spray is sprayed onto the brush, and a napkin is moistened with lotion. You can pour a small amount into a glass and dip the bristles of the brush into it. Such products are good because they simultaneously clean and disinfect instruments. The special formula allows the brushes to dry in a few seconds.
2. A disinfectant available to everyone is sold in pharmacies - chlorhexidine.
3. Another disinfectant that can be found in every home is table vinegar. Mix it with water in a 1:2 ratio and soak the brushes in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse with running water.
4. For brushes with synthetic bristles, you can use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water in a 1:1 ratio. Rinse your brushes in this mixture and rinse clean water.
5. Professionals sometimes use alcohol for this purpose. At home, it can only be used for brushes made of synthetic fibers, since such treatment will damage natural bristles. Dry your brushes well after treatment so that any remaining alcohol evaporates and does not cause irritation or dry skin.
6. Alcohol lotions are excellent for disinfecting brushes. Simply spray the product onto the brush and wipe it with a dry cloth. But you shouldn't use it all the time.

Cleaning my brushes

Deep cleaning of brushes means washing them. To do this, you can use industrial or household products:

• Klinzer is a professional product;
• hair shampoo, preferably for children;
• soap;
• tea tree oil;
• olive oil;
• hydrophilic oil;
• gel or other cleanser.

Hydrophilic oil - a universal natural preparation for cleansing the skin of makeup - is also an excellent product for deep cleaning of cosmetic brushes

Hydrophilic oil is used to gently cleanse the skin of makeup. It can be bought at any cosmetic store. The composition includes various oils and an emulsifier, which makes the product water-soluble. You can replace it with another product for removing persistent decorative cosmetics.

How to wash your brushes with shampoo

Advice! To prevent the lint from sticking out in different directions and becoming frizzy after washing, use shampoo-conditioner, or rinse in water with a drop of hair balm added.

You can use another method.

How to Clean Brushes Using Olive Oil

Olive oil does not cause irritation, has healing properties, dissolves impurities well, and moisturizes the skin and hair. Unlike other oils, olive oil does not form a film on the surface and is easily washed off.

1. Pour some oil onto a saucer and dip the instrument. Using circular movements on the saucer, distribute the oil over the pile, massage so that it penetrates the fibers and softens the dirt.
2. Wash off the oil and any remaining cosmetics with shampoo and rinse well with clean water.

Advice! Do not wet the brush before applying detergent, this will help remove the oil.

An alternative to this method is to add a small amount to the detergent. olive oil. Mix the ingredients and wash your brushes with this mixture.

Liquid or solid soap - for synthetics

1. Moisten the brushes and rub them on solid soap or take a drop of liquid soap.
2. Massage so that the product is evenly distributed throughout the pile.
3. Rinse off with running water.

This is the best way to remove concealer and foundation from synthetic fiber brushes. Soap leaves a thin film on natural fibers.

Advice! When washing, hold your brushes with the nap facing down and make sure that no water gets into the handle. The fibers inside are held together with glue, which will be damaged by water.

Any liquid or solid soap can be used to clean artificial bristle brushes.

Professional products

Special products for washing cosmetic brushes are presented in different forms- lotion, aerosol, gel, shampoo. Most of them are universal, suitable for any brushes, but there are special ones for natural bristles. When buying a product, pay attention to this.

Aerosol, lotion, liquid are used for quick surface cleaning and disinfection, they have already been discussed above. Their main advantage is the minimum processing time for tools: the brushes dry in just a few seconds. For deep cleaning, professional shampoo is used, as well as gel, paste or soap. Use them to wash your brushes, then rinse them with clean water and dry them.

Homemade brush cleaner

You can prepare your own composition for quickly cleaning brushes. For this you will need:

• 250 ml distilled or melt water;
• 50 ml alcohol;
• 1 tbsp. a spoonful of liquid dishwashing detergent;
• 1 tbsp. spoon of baby shampoo.

Operating procedure:

1. Mix the ingredients and pour the composition into a spray bottle.
2. Spray the brushes and wipe thoroughly on a paper towel to remove dirt. After this treatment, the brushes dry for 5 minutes, since the product contains alcohol.
3. If you don’t have a spray bottle on hand, moisten a napkin or cloth with lotion and wipe your brushes with it.

The disadvantage of this lotion is that detergents remain on the hands, and this is harmful for the skin. In addition, alcohol does not have the best effect on natural hair. Yes, professional products also contain it, but the amount of alcohol is strictly adjusted so as not to damage the brushes.

Do not use alcohol lotions to clean cosmetic instruments used by allergy sufferers or people with sensitive and problem skin. It is better to rinse your brushes or dry clean them and disinfect them.

How to prepare a brush cleaning spray - video

Drying brushes correctly

After washing and disinfecting, it is important to dry the instruments properly.

1. Gently squeeze clean brushes with your palm. Do not squeeze too hard to avoid damaging the lint. After this, blot with a paper napkin or terry towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Brushes should not be dried near heat sources or in drafts. Don't try to speed up the process with a hairdryer. It is better to lay out wet tools on a napkin placed on the edge of the table. Place them so that the handles lie on the table and the pile part hangs freely over the edge.

For those who use beautyblender sponges to apply foundation, it is important to know that this item requires thorough cleaning. Such products contain fatty components, which can only be washed off with soap or fatty compounds. And this needs to be done after each use.

Sponge is easy to apply foundation, but the tool must be washed after each use

How to wash a beautyblender and makeup brushes - video

How to properly wash flat sponges and puffs

Flat sponges and puffs are made from various materials. But all of them also need to be washed.

1. Wash the sponges with water and baby shampoo.
2. Pre-treat heavily contaminated areas with olive or hydrophilic oil. Makeup remover is also suitable.
3. Rinse off any residue with running water. For your puff, add a drop of conditioner or balm to bring back the fluffiness.
4. Gently squeeze with your palms between two layers of paper or terry towel, shake the puff.
5. Dry by spreading on a dry cloth.

How to wash mascara brushes

When we buy mascara, we believe that the item is protected by the tube and does not require maintenance. When applying mascara to the eyelashes, we simultaneously collect bacteria from them and, together with the brush, transfer them to the tube. And if you suddenly experience eye irritation, the problem may not be due to poor-quality mascara, but to a brush that was not washed in time.

Professional makeup artists never apply mascara to a model using a brush from a tube. First, a small amount of mascara is placed on the palette, and then with a clean brush on the eyelashes.

How to clean your mascara wand:

1. Remove excess mascara and dried clumps with a paper towel. To do this, carefully wrap the brush in a towel, gently pinch with your fingers and rotate.
2. Place the item in a glass of hot, but not boiling, water. Leave for 5-10 minutes. You can swirl the brush in the glass to remove the mascara faster.
3. Remove from water and dry with a towel.
4. Immerse in a container of isopropyl alcohol for a minute. If the brush is not clean during this time, lower it for another minute.
5. Rinse thoroughly and dry before putting back into the tube.
6. It is also recommended to clean the threads of the tube from any adhering mascara in order to close it tightly.

You can also wash the brush with shampoo. If it doesn't work the first time, repeat until it comes out clean. The use of makeup remover wipes gives good results.

Do not neglect the rules of hygiene for your assistants in the difficult task of creating beauty. After all beautiful skin- healthy skin. And this largely depends on how clean the tools you use.

Lina Naumova 6.12.2015 90669

Half the success of good makeup depends on the tools we use to apply it, so it is important to keep cosmetic brushes clean. We will tell you how to wash them correctly.

Makeup brushes collect a lot of dirt and bacteria, which can cause skin irritation, acne, and other unpleasant surprises. In order not to spoil your beauty, not harm your health and always look irresistible, makeup brushes should be cleaned properly.

1. How often should you wash your makeup brushes?

It all depends on what a particular brush is used for. For example, brushes for foundation, bronzer, powder or blush should be washed at least once a week, brushes and shadow applicators (for eyelids or eyebrows) - every 3 days (provided that you use these products daily). But the brush for liquid eyeliner should be washed after each use, as there is a risk of infection on the mucous membrane of the eyes.

2. Superficial cleaning

If your brushes get dirty quickly or you are simply concerned about the health of your skin, you can superficially clean your makeup tools at least every day. To do this, you will need sanitary napkins and any antiseptic (if this is not available, you can use wet antibacterial wipes). Wipe the brush until there are no more traces of the cosmetic product on the napkin.

3. Deep cleaning

It is impossible to clean brushes well with napkins, so periodically you need to carry out deep cleaning with water. It is important to remember that brushes should be placed under running water only with the bristles down, so that the bristles do not fray. During this process, it is better not to wet the base where the bristles are attached, otherwise the bristles may come off.

Gently wet the brush with warm water (not hot!), pour a little detergent (for example, shampoo) into your palm and lightly distribute it over the pile. Gently massage the stubble and then rinse off the shampoo. Make sure there is no foam left on the brush.

If the tap water flows with strong pressure, it is better to wash the brush in a bowl so that the bristles do not fray.

4. How to wash cosmetic brushes?

It is not enough to wash your brushes regularly; you also need to use the right cleaning product. In beauty salons or professional cosmetics stores you can buy special preparations for cleaning brushes. If you do not have the opportunity to purchase them, you can use a mild hair shampoo and a foaming facial gel. It is important that these products are very delicate.

In order not to leave germs and bacteria a single chance to survive, add 2-3 drops to the shampoo when washing

Inspect the brush. If you used a brush to apply oil-based cosmetics, then a soap solution will not be enough to clean such a brush. You will first need to use a small amount of oil to dissolve any remaining makeup (especially if it has been on the brush for a long time).

Drop a little oil onto a paper towel. Fold a paper towel in several layers and drip oil onto it. You can use refined olive or almond oil. Dip the bristles of the brush into the oil and spread it around. Do not soak your brush in oil. Using gentle strokes back and forth across the towel, remove any oil-dissolved dirt from the brush.

Wet the bristles of the brush with water at room temperature. Make sure that the tip of the brush is facing downwards in the direction of the water flow. Try not to get the bristles wet near the metal band that secures them to the handle. This can cause the metal to rust and the glue inside the bandage to dissolve. Hold the bristles under running water until you have removed most of the remaining makeup from the brush.

• Do not use hot water as it may damage the bristles.