How to Clean a Makeup Sponge: Simple Steps for Freshness

Carrying a makeup sponge has become part of most beauty lovers’ regimen. These soft, multi functional brushes give you a perfect blend for the makeup applying foundation, concealer and many other products. However, there is a common misconception because with time, the sponge accumulates makeup, oils and bacteria which affects the skin as well as the makeup. Cleansing a sponge makeup often is good in increasing the lifespan of the makeup and also to avoid the growth of bacteria.

In this guide, let’s discuss a number of ways on how to wash a sponge makeup appropriately, as well as how to maintain it in the right manner. It is now high time that we discussed some of the most effective ways of cleaning that sponge in order to make it ready and acceptable for use again.

Why Should You Clean Your Sponge Makeup?

Another area that is often neglected and it’s quite easy to do is cleaning makeup tools, particularly sponges. However, a dirty makeup sponge can:

Harbor Bacteria: Cosmetic sponges are absorbent, thus the trapped sweat, oils, and bacteria may cause pimples or redness on the skin.

Reduce Application Quality: Having a dirty sponge will definitely not apply makeup as it should, which will change your look.

Damage the Sponge: When it accumulates over some time, the residue hardens and wears out the sponge materials and exposes the structure to wear out.

Skipping these two regularly clears up any skin-related problems which may be caused by your sponge makeup and ensures that the sponge maintains its optimal functionality.

How Often Should You Clean Your SpongeMakeup?

Ideally you should clean a sponge makeup after every use of makeup at least should be dissolved into water. Of course, that may sound very extravagant, however, one must not forget that this item is applied directly on the face and accumulates skin oil, make-up, and even bacteria. For normal cleaning you can just wash it with water and soap after use but for thorough cleaning you follow the following procedures. It is suggested that one should deep clean it once a week if you use it on a daily basis.

Best Methods for Cleaning a Sponge Makeup

Sponge makeup can be clean in several ways. All the methods, described below, have their strengths, so you need to select the one based on the amount of time and materials available.

1. Soap and Water Method

This is one of the most efficient methods of washing a sponge makeup because you achieve different results depending on the type of water used. You will use a mild liquid soap or a facial cleanser that can remove makeup and oils from the skin.

Steps:

• Squeeze out the sponge then dip it in warm water. This makes the pores in the sponge to open and this makes it easier to wash the makeup off the sponge.
• Rub a little amount of soap on the sponge.
• You then have to take the soap gently and rub on the sponge, pressing to create a lather. Rub the soap through all different regions to get to the grime inside.
• The use of warm running water to rinse the sponge while squeezing it in order that it is clear of all soap and makeup.
• Don’t forget that water should be changed several times until its color becomes clear.
• Wrap in a clean cloth and press it gently to remove as much of the water as can be easily removed; it should then be left flat on a clean counter to air dry.

2. Microwave Method

It might sound strange, but by running a microwave to ‘clean’ a sponge makeup is actually practical. This helped to eliminate bacteria and make up, the spray method was used to remove bacteria and soften the make up.

Steps:

• Get a bowl that is microwave safe and half fill it with warm water and a few drops of liquid soap.
• Immerse the sponge you have into the water mixed with soap.
• Put the bowl into the microwave and heat for approximately one minute.
• Carefully take off the bowl (it will be hot) depending on the extent of the baking to cool for a few minutes.
• Remove as much water as possible then put the sponge under clean water and swirl it around until all soap is washed away.
• Let the sponge air dry.

Note: It is also important to see to it that the sponge is entirely immersed in the solution, because boiling can harm this attachment.

3.  Oil and Soap Combo for Stubborn Stains

If you apply thick makeup products like foundation or concealer with your sponge, you may require better cleaning of that sponge. This works great when you mix oil and soap as it helps in breaking down sets in makeup residues.

Steps:

• It uses warm water; soak the sponge into water.
• Pour some of the gentle oil such as olive or coconut oil into the palm then dip the sponge into it. The oil used here is to dissolve the oil used in makeup such as lipsticks, mascaras among others.
• Massage the oil into the sponge and follow that up by adding some liquid soap to get foamy.
• Then, working up the oil-soap mixture to the sponge, make sure that you do it well.
• Wash with warm water, vigorously removing the dripping of the oil and the makeup off the napkin.
• Continue the process, if necessary, throughout the water until they run clear.
• It is simple, allow the sponge to dry when you are through using it to avoid it getting bad.

4.  Using a Makeup Sponge Cleaner

Most beauty companies today have some sort of cleaner that is meant to clean a sponge makeup perfectly. They are usually stronger than face and hand wash that are created specifically to properly wash off the make up from porous surfaces.

Steps:

• See the instructions of the cleanser. Many call for you to moisten the sponge before using it.
• Don’t pour a lot of cleanser on the sponge; just a little bit would do; work it in.
• Wash with hot water until the running water is clear.
• To clean the sponge gently just pinch it to remove dirt and let it air-dry in a clean and open area.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Sponge Makeup

It is important to learn how to clean sponge makeup properly but some measures should also be taken to ensure the lasting of the makeup sponge. Here are some tips:

Avoid Excessive Squeezing: Although at times it is so much fun to squeeze the sponge so that most of its water would get out, doing so can lead to the tearing of the material.

Air Dry Properly: When you are through with the cleaning, wash your sponge and then let it dry to the next level. Store it in a well ventilated area; this is because direct sunlight has the tendency of breaking down the material.

Rotate Between Sponges: If you can, have two sponges so that you can use a clean one to clean the water you just used the other sponge for the cleaning. This lets each one dry completely to decrease bacterial buildup.

Store in a Clean Container: Never cover your sponge tightly, as this increases the risks of it getting dust and bacteria on it quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Cleaning a Sponge Makeup

Cleaning a sponge makeup can seem simple, but a few common mistakes can impact the cleanliness and durability of your sponge:

Using Harsh Chemicals: Do not use any harsh soaps or anything that is used to clean the house since they cause the skin to itch and they weaken the material used in the sponge.

Skipping Regular Cleaning: This is because failure to clean frequently results in build up of bacteria and a spoiled sponge. It is also important to try and maintain a schedule in order to keep the area as clean as possible.

Not Letting the Sponge Dry Properly: Most women know that a wet cloth especially a MOIST sponge left in the refrigerator can be a good breeding ground for bacteria. Ensure it dries perfectly after each washing to avoid accumulation of bacteria that causes smell.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Sponge Makeup

In fact, no matter how often and well you clean it, your makeup sponge will not last indefinitely. Watch out for these signs to know when it’s time for a replacement:

Visible Tears or Cracks: If your sponge is looking like it’s falling apart or has developed rips then you should get a new sponge.

Persistent Stains: If cleaning cannot to a certain extent remove some stains, then the sponge may have been used to its conception.

Strange Smell: If there is an unpleasant smell, there is often bacteria accumulation, and it is not always possible to get rid of these bacteria.

Reduced Bounce and Shape: In case the sponge seems compact or does not have the bounciness it used to possess then it is anything but not effective.

Final Thoughts

Therefore, it is very important for everyone who uses sponges in makeup to learn how to clean a sponge makeup. You are suggested to maintain it cleanly and take good care in order that your sponge for your face will always be in perfect condition as it helps in the application of makeup. Select a convenient cleaning technique, and it is time to replace the sponge if it has lost its original appearance. It’s time well spent to properly care for your make up sponge because it will ultimately produce better skin, and a healthier beauty regime.