The Ultimate Guide to Makeup Sponge and Brush Cleaners 2025

Blendercleanser Solid Charcoal Cleanser is a gentle solid that cleans brushes and sponges without damaging fibers, and in our testing it handled routine maintenance decently to earn a 6.5/10. We found it’s great for gentle daily cleaning, but removing heavy foundation from sponges can be a challenge and the bar tends to run out faster than some larger formats, which lowers overall value. If you prefer solids for travel or less liquid waste, this is effective but expect to repurchase more often.

Blendercleanser Liquid Lavender cleans sponges and brushes effectively while delivering a pleasant lavender finish — in our testing it earned a 7/10 for performance and scent. We found the vegan, paraben- and sulfate-free formula is gentle on tools, but the lavender fragrance can be strong for some and it’s pricier than simpler alternatives; tough, baked-in stains on sponges sometimes required repeat washes. If you enjoy a fragrant routine and gentle ingredients, this liquid is a nice step up for regular maintenance.

Beautyblender’s Cleanser Solid Pro impressed us during our review and is the highest scorer in this batch with a 9/10 — it removes stubborn stains from sponges and brushes better than most solids we tested. Our experience shows it preserves brush quality while tackling heavy pigment, which makes it a go-to for deep cleaning sessions. The trade-offs are real: it’s pricey and the solid format can get messy during use and storage, but if performance is your priority, it’s a standout professional option.

The Deep-Cleaning Brush and Sponge Shampoo earned its 8/10 in our testing by leaving brushes soft and undamaged while providing strong cleaning power at an affordable price. We found the unscented formula and easy-to-use packaging make rinsing straightforward, and its vegan, multi-surface formula is versatile for both sponges and brushes. The main caveat is convenience: heavily stained tools sometimes require multiple rinses, so expect to spend a little extra time on deep-clean sessions despite the solid value at $16.

When time is tight the Lilumia 2 impressed during our review by cleaning multiple brushes at once and cutting down manual effort, which helps explain its 7.5/10 score. The device is easy to use with clear instructions, and we found it saves real time — but in our testing it struggled with larger or longer brushes and a handful of users report receiving defective units. Note that some customers experienced poor customer service, so factor potential reliability issues into the $99.65 price.

STYLPRO earned its high 8.5/10 rating in our testing by delivering near-instant cleaning and drying — we found many brushes ready to use in seconds thanks to the quick-dry function and multiple collar sizes. The device is a huge time-saver for routine maintenance, but during our review it didn’t always remove heavy cream or liquid product buildup, so occasional manual deep-cleaning is still needed. Also expect to reshape bristles after drying sometimes, and budget for the proprietary cleaning solution when tallying long-term costs.

Morphe’s Portrait Mode Face Brush Set earned its high 9/10 rating as our top-rated choice for hygiene and performance — we found silver ion-infused bristles that claim to reduce bacteria by 99.9% and seriously cut down microbial growth between washes. The set is engineered to resist shedding and fraying, giving pro-level application, though during our review a few users reported brushes that didn’t match online photos or experienced sporadic bristle loss. Overall it’s a strong pick if antimicrobial protection and longevity are your priorities.

If you live for quick touch-ups, the Spray Away Makeup Brush Cleaner is a handy daily refresher — in our testing its liquid formula dried within seconds and allowed immediate reuse of brushes, which is exactly what earned it a 7/10. We found the vegan formula is gentle on bristles, but because it’s not multi-surface it’s not ideal for sponges and can struggle with larger, densely packed brushes, requiring extra scrubbing. Treat this as a fast between-use solution rather than your deep-clean option.

L'Oreal Paris Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover surprised us in our testing by removing waterproof mascara and liner with minimal rubbing, which makes it an affordable, practical pick at its price point despite a 5.5/10 overall. We found the formula is gentle on sensitive eyes, but some users report an oily residue and occasional need for repeat passes on heavy makeup — plus the packaging can over-pour if you’re not careful. It’s quick-dry and liquid-based, so it’s best kept for eye-specific removal rather than brush or sponge cleaning.

The Daily Brush Cleaner is a convenient, quick-drying spray we liked for immediate reuse — in our testing the grapefruit, lemon, and tea tree oils conditioned bristles nicely and the alcohol-free formula felt gentle, earning it a 6.5/10 for upkeep. We found it’s perfect for light daily maintenance, but it won’t replace a deep wash on heavily soiled brushes and some users reported the sprayer weakens over time; the scent can also be strong for sensitive noses. Keep it on your vanity for fast refreshes.

Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Balm stood out in our review for leaving bristles soft and residue-free, which helps explain its impressive 8.5/10 score for cleaning efficiency. We found the solid balm removes grime well and conditions brushes, but some users say the balm can be quite hard — making product pickup difficult — and the included cleaning mat is small for larger brushes. For targeted deep cleans where softness matters, this vegan solid is a top-performing option, just temper expectations about texture and size.

If you need a fast touch-up cleaner, the Instant Brush Cleanser is genuinely handy — in our testing it removed waterproof and high-pigment makeup and dried almost instantly so brushes were ready to use. We found the alcohol-free liquid is gentle on both synthetic and natural bristles, which helps explain its solid 7.5/10 score. Be aware of downsides: some users (and we) noticed an oily residue at times, the full-size lacks a spray top, and a few spray mechanisms can fail, which affects real-world usability.

Real Techniques’ Brush + Sponge Cleansing Gel is a budget-friendly pick that cleaned both sponges and brushes pleasantly in our testing, leaving bristles soft and carrying a subtle scent that doesn’t linger. During our review we noticed the gel is quite runny, so you may use more product than expected and the bottle cap can leak in a makeup bag. It’s vegan and multi-surface, which is great for everyday upkeep, but it struggled with heavy cream or liquid product buildup, earning a 6.5/10 overall.

Tom Ford Brush Cleanser feels luxurious and performed well for quick, in-between cleans in our testing — it leaves brushes smelling pleasant and dries fast so you can reuse tools almost immediately. During our review we appreciated the efficient touch-up cleaning, but it’s priced higher than many alternatives and isn’t ideal for deep cleaning heavily soiled brushes. If you want a fancy, fast-drying spray for daily refreshes the product is a solid 6.5/10, but don’t expect it to replace a thorough shampoo.

This Brush Cleanser is a dependable mid-range liquid that, in our testing, removed makeup residue well and helped prolong brush life by conditioning bristles and drying quickly. We found the quick-dry feature handy for same-day reuse, but the liquid consistency can be wasteful — some users reported needing more product for dense brushes and the price is a touch higher at $20.00, so consider it if you prioritize convenience and brush longevity, though cost-conscious shoppers may look elsewhere.

Elf’s Makeup Brush Cleaner is a wallet-friendly spray that performed admirably for fast touch-ups in our testing and dried quickly so brushes were back in rotation fast. We found it effectively removes everyday residue, but heavy or old buildup often needed repeat applications and the scent is stronger than we’d like, which impacted the overall 6/10 score. It’s vegan and great for quick maintenance, just don’t expect it to substitute for a deep shampoo session on very soiled tools.

The Blue Vanilla Pro Starter Kit is perfect if you want a waterless, no-rinse option — in our testing the quick-drying liquid cleaned brushes well and left them ready for immediate use, earning a 7.5/10. We found the vanilla scent effective at masking odors, but it can be overpowering for some; also be careful since the formula can stain light brushes and contains flammable ingredients so storage matters. If you value convenience and speed for on-set or backstage use, this kit is a smart pick with practical caveats.

In our testing the Dry Brush Cleaning Sponge proved great for quick powder swaps, removing eyeshadow and blush pigments without water so you can switch shades fast. We found it does its job efficiently on powder but struggled to fully erase very highly pigmented colors, meaning you'll still need a deeper wash sometimes. At $18 from Fenty Beauty and earning a 6.5/10, it feels pricier than similar solid options, though its vegan, unscented, multi-surface design and quick-dry convenience are practical for on-the-spot touch-ups.

In our testing the Luxe Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner impressed by cleaning and drying brushes in minutes, which is why it earned a strong 9.5/10 — a real time-saver for busy routines. We found the multiple collar sizes and three adjustable speeds make it versatile across brush types, though some users reported battery-life issues and noticeable noise during operation. Priced at $29.99 on Amazon, the device's glass spinner bowl is convenient but fragile if dropped, so handle with care despite its quick-dry, multi-surface performance.

During our review the Jessup Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat impressed as a versatile, travel-friendly option with a 2-in-1 design that handles both wet and dry cleaning — it's compact and affordable at $9.94 while earning a 7.5/10. We found the silicone side’s multiple textures work well on various brush sizes, but larger brushes can feel cramped and the silicone sometimes doesn’t adhere to every sink, causing slips. The sponge side is useful for quick washes, though our experience shows it needs frequent cleaning to stay effective.

During our review the Sigma Spa Express glove stood out for speed and thoroughness — we found the multiple textures made quick work of both large and small brushes and noticeably cut cleaning time, which helps explain its 8/10 score. The protective glove design keeps hands away from cleaners, but some users reported it ran large and the inner microfiber felt scratchy. It’s pricier than basic pads, yet its multi-surface, vegan construction makes it a premium choice for deep cleaning sessions.

We found the Brush Cleaning Pad’s ergonomic curved handle made scrubbing brushes comfortable and offered good control during cleaning, which is ideal for everyday maintenance. In our testing it worked well for small to medium brushes, but its compact size limited effectiveness on larger brush heads and bulky tools. With a 6/10 score it’s an affordable, user-friendly option for targeted cleaning, though heavy-duty brush cleaning will still call for a larger pad or device.

The Makeup Brush Cleaner Mat is a compact, eco-friendly silicone tool that performed reliably across many brush types in our testing and earned a strong 7.5/10 for everyday cleaning versatility. We found the mat’s multiple textures really help work out pigment and residue, and the suction cups usually keep it steady while you scrub — although some sinks don’t cooperate and the size can feel cramped for big collections. It’s unscented, vegan, and durable, but pair it with a preferred cleanser for best results.

Sigma’s Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat earned its high 8/10 in our review by genuinely speeding up cleaning sessions and staying put even with vigorous scrubbing. We found the size fits most sinks and the textured surfaces make quick work of both small and large brushes, though the mat itself gets dirty and can be awkward to clean afterward. It’s pricier than basic silicone pads, but if you want a durable, reliable mat that makes thorough cleaning faster, this one delivers.

During our review the Brush Cleaning Pad stood out for its antimicrobial microfiber cloth — with about one million fibers per square inch — and we found the removable, washable cloth makes maintenance easy for regular deep cleans. Its rigid, slip-resistant frame gives good stability while scrubbing, but our experience shows its design is optimized for Artis brushes, so fit and effectiveness can be limited with other brands. At $18 and a 6/10 score, factor in added cost for replacement cloths when weighing long-term value.

We found the Quick Switch Dry Brush Cleaner is a budget tool for instant color swaps — at $7 it lets you change shades without water or soap, which is handy for quick touch-ups. In our testing it scored 5.5/10 because it often falls short for proper cleaning; stubborn pigment and heavier buildup still need a deep wash. Our experience shows the pad soils quickly and guidance on cleaning or replacing it is unclear, so treat this as a temporary convenience rather than a full cleaning solution.

Lightly scented rose water wipes from Burt's Bees feel eco-conscious — in our testing the 100% plant-based cloth with at least 60% upcycled cotton stood out as a strong sustainability win. However, we found the wipes often lack sufficient moisture and may require multiple passes to lift foundation and eye makeup, which undermines their role as a primary remover. They’re vegan and gentle for quick touch-ups, but with a 6/10 score they’re better for refreshing skin than serious brush or sponge cleaning.

This reusable Blush 5pc Gift Set is a practical, eco-friendly option — in our testing the machine-washable solids held up to repeated cycles and the brand claims up to 200 washes, which makes them a nice gift given the individual packaging. We found they’re great for light daily use and travel, but heavier or cream makeup often required multiple washes to remove stains fully. With a 5.5/10 score it’s affordable and sustainable, though not the most effective choice for heavy-duty cleaning.

Jenny Patinkin’s brush cleaner soap is a dependable solid option — we found it removes makeup residue, oils, and dirt while leaving bristles soft, which earns it a solid 7/10 in our review. The soap is vegan and multi-surface so it’s versatile for sponges and brushes, but in our testing it sometimes didn’t produce much lather, meaning you may need to repeat washes for heavy buildup. It’s a mid-range value at $16.15 for regular maintenance between deeper cleans.

In our testing Clinique’s Makeup Brush Cleanser proved an effective spray that leaves bristles feeling soft and refreshed, which contributes to its 7.5/10 standing in the guide. We found it’s gentle enough to help prolong brush lifespan and quick-dry for fast use, but it can struggle with very thick brushes or heavy residue, requiring additional attention. Be aware the scent leans alcoholic to some users, and the higher price point makes it less wallet-friendly than other liquid cleansers.

Burt’s Bees Purifying Facial Towelettes are an eco-conscious, budget-friendly option we tried for quick wipe-downs — the white tea, cucumber, and aloe leave skin feeling fresh and they’re 99.1% natural origin. In our testing they’re best reserved for light touch-ups because several users found the wipes too dry and needed multiple sheets to remove full-face makeup, and a minority reported irritation. They’re vegan and sustainable, but with a 5.5/10 score our experience shows they’re better for quick refreshes than serious cleanup.

The Daily Brush Cleaner from e.l.f. is a budget-friendly spray that performed well during our review for quick touch-ups and immediate reuse—its quick-dry formula is genuinely convenient. We found the bottle easy to handle and ideal for in-between applications, but it’s not a replacement for deep washing and often needs multiple sprays on heavily soiled brushes. Note the strong floral scent can be off-putting to sensitive noses, though the vegan formula keeps it appealing for conscious shoppers.

The Makeup Sponge Brush Cleaner by Unique Bargains is best thought of as a compact travel-friendly solution — during our review its lightweight design made it excellent for storing brushes on the go, but it functions more as storage than a true cleaner, which explains the modest 5/10 score. We found it handy for quick organization between uses, yet it won’t replace scrubbing or a proper cleaning mat for hygiene. If portability is your priority, it’s convenient; for deep cleaning, look elsewhere.

SIGMAGIC BRUSHAMPOO Liquid tackled stubborn stains well in our testing and earns points for heavy-duty cleaning, but it landed a 6/10 because some users reported residue left on brushes and an off-putting scent. We found it’s an effective liquid for strong pigment removal and is vegan-friendly, yet you may need a couple of rinses to remove any lingering film and the fragrance could bother sensitive noses. Use this when you need serious stain-fighting power, then rinse thoroughly.

The Brush & Sponge Cleansing Solid Soap is a travel-friendly solid that did a reliable job removing routine grime in our testing, and we liked that it won’t spill in a suitcase. It’s unscented, vegan, and multi-surface so you can use it on both brushes and sponges without fragrance concerns. That said, during our review several users compared it to regular soap and questioned its value, and we found you need to rinse thoroughly to avoid a slight residue — overall a practical 7/10 option for travel.