PLAYAIBEAUTY
♡
New to beauty·5 min read·Last updated

How to wash reusable makeup sponges: a six-step hygiene guide

Reusable makeup sponges can trap makeup and moisture. Learn how to wet, gently lather, rinse and completely air-dry them before using them again.

Official beautyblender video: How to Clean Your Beautyblender · beautyblender · YouTube

Unlike a brush, a porous makeup sponge can retain both formula and moisture, making thorough cleaning and drying important. Beautyblender's official care advice and brand video, together with makeup-artist guidance, recommend gently working a suitable cleanser into the sponge, rinsing it thoroughly and letting it dry completely in a clean, ventilated place. This guide is for washable reusable sponges only. Follow the packaging instructions for disposable puffs.

Follow along

Try it yourself

Follow step by step

Try one step at a time. Progress is saved only in this browser.

  1. 01

    Check that the sponge is reusable

    Read the packaging to confirm the sponge is designed for washing and reusing, and note its cleaning instructions. Discard single-use puffs as directed rather than washing and reusing them.

    Visual references for this step 1 items
    Rights-verified image
    Step 1 tool reference: a dry generic makeup sponge before washing. Read your own product instructions to check whether it is reusable and washable. This is neither a washing demonstration nor a Korean brand product. Photo: Mx Lucy, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. · Mx Lucy · Wikimedia Commons · CC0 1.0 · Visit original ↗
  2. 02

    Wet evenly with lukewarm water

    With clean hands, wet the reusable sponge in lukewarm water. Compress gently so the water reaches the material evenly.

  3. 03

    Work up a gentle lather

    Use a sponge cleanser or a mild soap permitted by the product instructions. Gently squeeze and massage against your palm. Do not twist forcefully or scratch with your nails.

    Visual references for this step 1 items
    Official video · post
    Step 3 gentle sponge lather and cleaning — official IPSY tutorial · IPSY · YouTube
  4. 04

    Rinse out all soap and makeup

    Rinse under clean running water, gently compressing repeatedly until makeup residue and foam are washed away.

  5. 05

    Blot and air-dry completely

    Press gently with a clean towel to remove excess water, then leave the sponge in a clean, well-ventilated area until completely dry. Never seal it in a makeup pouch while damp.

  6. 06

    Replace when worn or contaminated

    Replace any sponge with tears, suspected mold spots, an unusual smell or persistent contamination. Do not share with others, and follow the manufacturer's replacement guidance.

✦ Helpful tips

  • Beautyblender's video demonstrates a particular branded reusable sponge; always follow the instructions for your own product.
  • You may use a compatible gentle cleanser instead of a dedicated one if the manufacturer's care directions allow it.

ⓘ Keep in mind

  • Do not use a microwave to disinfect a makeup sponge; burns or damage can result.
  • Stop using a sponge if it develops suspected mold, persistent odor or contamination. Seek medical advice if skin irritation persists.

Original sources 3

These are research sources, not verification of real-world product results.

Researched and written by AI; published only after human admin approval.
More in this topic Back to top
Keep exploring

More like this

New to beauty5 min read K-beauty separated lashes with ETUDE Curl Fix 04: six safe steps Use ETUDE Korea's Curl Fix 04 and Minsco's disclosed sponsored demonstration to learn lighter lash application and eye-product hygiene.
New to beauty5 min read K-beauty cushion puff hygiene: five steps to wash, dry and replace Check washability, clean a reusable makeup sponge, dry it fully, and know when to replace it.
New to beauty5 min read K-beauty brush cleaning: six steps using ETUDE tools as examples Care for K-beauty makeup brushes, using ETUDE contour tools as examples and general AAD hygiene advice.