How to Clean the Beauty Blender or Blurring Sponge Without Damaging It
Some cosmetic brushes and sponges are disposable, but the beauty blender is a blurring tool that can be cleaned and reused. Its modern design allows you to wash it after a few uses to get rid of stains or bacteria that may have lodged into its surface.
This item has become a very popular makeup tool because of the beautiful finishes it leaves on the face. Despite its low cost, you can reuse it several times after proper cleaning. This way, you reduce waste and help the planet. Want to know more about it?
How to clean your beauty blender quickly
Your beauty blender sponge may not be in too rough of shape, so this express cleaning method will be enough to get it back in shape.
1. Make soapy water in a small container
Take a small, clean container that’s just for cleaning your cosmetic tools. Pour some warm water and liquid soap inside (you can use shampoo, baby soap or hand soap). Of course, make sure not to use dishwasher soap as it can irritate the skin if you don’t rinse the sponge well after using it.
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2. Soak the sponge
Put the sponge in the container and let it soak for half an hour. During this time, squeeze the sponge several times. Keep in mind that the container should have enough mixture to cover the beauty blender completely.
You’ll notice that the water becomes cloudy, beige, or light brown. This is normal, as the makeup soaked into the sponge will begin to come off.
3. Massage the blending sponge
The beauty blender will expand to its maximum when in contact with the soapy mixture. At that point, you should squeeze it with your hand and repeat this process several times. Then, take a special cleanser or baby shampoo, and pour some directly onto the sponge, especially on the stained areas.
With your fingers, rub it for at least three minutes. Use only your fingers to do the job; otherwise, you could ruin it.
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4. Rinse the sponge with plenty of water
Then, put the sponge under a stream of water, ideally lukewarm. This process is ideal to rinse the tool and completely remove soap and other residues. Don’t forget to squeeze gently under the jet several times.
5. Check if it’s clean or not
A guide for this is the clarity with which the water comes out while rinsing. Make sure that the water comes out clear so that you can start the drying step. If this is not the case, we recommend that you subject the tool to the deep cleaning detailed below.
6. Remove excess water
A Paper towel is the best for these cases or, if that isn’t available, you can also use a clean towel. You should cover the sponge completely with the towel and also make sure to squeeze it gently so that the water inside the paper remains.
Finally, leave it in a place where it can finish drying in the open air. Make sure it’s completely dry before you start using it.
How to deep clean your beauty blender
Do you think your beauty blender sponge needs a deep clean? If so, here’s how to do it the right way. Do it only if it still looks dirty after the basic cleaning.
1. Wet the beauty blender
Wet the beauty blender sponge for 1 minute. To do this, place it right under the faucet and make sure the water is lukewarm . This way, you ensure that it has absorbed enough water to expand fully.
Another way is to place it in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes. There’s no need to mix it with soap or wait for the water to become cloudy before continuing.
2. Apply liquid soap
Use one of the soaps suggested in the quick cleaning, and apply it directly to the most problematic areas of the sponge. Keep in mind that products designed for cleaning this type of tool are available on the market.
3. Rub the sponge
Next, use your hands to rub the sponge. Place it right in the center of your hand against your palm and turn it over with your other hand, as if you were rolling it into balls. Do this for several minutes, firmly and more forcefully than the quick routine. However, be careful not to damage it.
This vigorous massage will cause the makeup contained in the sponge to soften and rise to the surface. An indication that this is occurring is the appearance of a lather in the shade of the foundation you are using.
4. Rinse while rubbing
To rinse your beauty blender, put it under the tap, make sure the water is lukewarm and continue to massage it against the palm of your hand. Repeat the process until there is no soap left on the sponge. It may take a few minutes, but it’s imperative that no soapy residue remains.
5. Evaluate the sponge
To do this, you must place it under the jet, let the water run, squeeze it and observe if foam comes out of its interior. If the water comes out clear, the sponge is clean. However, if the water is gray or beige, repeat the procedure.
6. Dry the sponge
Squeeze the beauty blender with your hand to remove excess water. Then, wrap it in a clean towel or paper towel and squeeze it several times. Finally, let it air dry and wait until it’s completely dry.
How to sterilize your beauty blender with heat
Sterilizing this tool with heat is something you should do once a month, even if you do the cleaning process every week. Its function is to help reduce the proliferation of bacteria on its surface. This is a step you should not skip, especially if you’re one of those people who use it every day.
- Pour enough water into a bowl. Fill about 2.5 cm of a microwave-safe bowl.
- Place the sponge in the center of the bowl and make sure it’s wet with tap water. Avoid placing it dry as you may ruin the material.
- Start the microwave for 30 seconds without covering the bowl on high power. If you notice a few strands of smoke coming out of the sponge or that the sponge expands a little, don’t be alarmed; this is normal. However, always keep an eye on the beauty blender while it’s heating in the microwave to ensure that it doesn’t overheat.
- After the time has elapsed, let the sponge rest for at least two minutes. Now, take it out and place it on a paper towel or clean cloth.
- Once it has reached a temperature that allows you to handle it, squeeze it against a paper towel. Once the excess water is removed, let it air dry. As soon as it’s thoroughly dry, you can use it.
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Learn how to clean your beauty blender without damaging it
You may not have washed your beauty blender yet because you’re afraid of damaging it. However, there are some points that are key to making it last for a long time, and one of them is to use warm water during cleaning.
There’s also the force with which you squeeze it while lathering it, because if you’re too rough, you may deform it. So, follow these instructions to the letter, and you will be able to keep it for a long time!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Bashir, A., & Lambert, P. (2020). Microbiological study of used cosmetic products: highlighting possible impact on consumer health. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 128(2), 598–605. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.14479
