When we think of spring cleaning, we think about switching out comforters, decor, and curtains. Meanwhile, our makeup brushes need a touch up, too.

Why? Well, over time, makeup cakes up on beauty tools. This can lead to the destruction of bristles, wrinkles on the skin, and in some rare cases, infection. In 2017, Katie Wright, a 21-year-old from Austin, Texas, developed what she believed was a large pimple near her eyebrows. When she “popped” it and began immediately experience immense pain, she went to the ER. She was diagnosed with Cellulitis, a type of Staph infection.

So it’s important to consistently keep your tools clean and use an effective cleanser. With that, it’s also key to know when to toss brushes. A few hints are when your brushes are clean but they bristles are still hard, the shape is permanently warped and if there’s any kind of odor.

If you’re certain that all you need is a touch up, take cues from Jess Ross, AVP of US Education at IT Cosmetics. Check out her list of steps for how to clean your brushes below.

Before we start, know that Jess Ross recommends using IT Cosmetics Brush Love to clean your brushes.

Step one: Separate your brushes in two brush cups: one set for powder products, and one set for emollient products. I like to clean the brushes I use with powder, blush, bronzer, highlighter, shadows etc., every two weeks. Because emollient products like skin care, primer, liquid foundation, concealer, cream shadows, etc. build up on brushes more frequently, I like to clean these brushes weekly.

Step two: Start by spraying a folded paper towel a few times with Brush Love, then swirl your brush onto it until the product no longer shows up on the paper towel. That is the best way to determine if your brush is clean! The best part about Brush Love is that even if you forget to clean your brushesand realize that right before you want to use them, they dry immediately after use and can be used directly after for skin care and make up application.  

When it comes to deep cleaning your brushes, I love to use Confidence in a Cleanser, it helps to keep the shape of your brushes.

Step three: Place a wash cloth in a clean sink, then dispense a few drops of Confidence In A Cleaner onto the towel. Turn on warm water and let it saturate the towel. As the water is running, swirl your brushes on the towel, until the brush is clean and product is no longer showing on the towel. Be sure not to let the brushes soak in the water. Next, use a washcloth or hand towel to absorb excess water. Place the towel on a flat surface and lay the brushes flat on the towel to dry. This will help them retain their shape and continue to provide you with a flawless application of product.  Never dry your brushes standing up because you do not want liquid seeping into the handle and collecting bacteria.  

Step four: Keep your brushes in an area that is not extremely humid. Humidity can cause brushes to collect bacteria faster. If you store them in a cool, dry place, clean and dry them regularly, you can feel confident that you will get the most out of your brushes.