Ever smell something odd coming from your makeup brush after you wash it? It happens a lot and can be annoying. When you wash your brushes to keep them clean and germ-free, it’s annoying when they smell bad afterwards.
In this blog post, I’ll talk about why this happens and how to fix it in this piece. Before giving out the solution, let’s discuss why your brush might be smelling especially after washing.
Reasons Why Do My Makeup Brushes Smell After Washing
1. It took too long to wash the brush
Makeup brushes get filled with a build-up of makeup products, oil, sebum, body sweat, and bacteria over time of use. A dirty brush will harbour bacteria and fungus, which is what causes the foul odor.
When it is not washed regularly these brushes get filled with dirt and bacteria. So when it is then finally washed, the bacteria will not easily wash out but instead begin to stink up the brush.
2. Not washing the makeup brush thoroughly
When the makeup brush is not well washed, the makeup products and other bacteria will still be left over on it. Also, if it is not well rinsed, there will be soap residue on the brush. This residue can cause your brush to start smelling.
3. Using the wrong makeup brush cleaning product
Using the incorrect cleaning product or not following the directions might cause it. Choose items that won’t harm makeup brushes, which are delicate.
After washing, soaps and detergents create residue that promotes funkiness. Thus, soap will remain on the brush bristles. Makeup brushes have synthetic or natural bristles. A brush will be damaged by a hair-compatible cleaning solution.
4. Using substandard makeup brushes
One of the reasons why your makeup brush smells after washing is because of the type of material it’s made out of. Cheap brushes are not made with good materials. This means that if your brushes have a weird smell, then it might be due to poor quality materials used in manufacturing them.
These cheap brush bristles are made of a combination of synthetic and natural hairs. Natural hairs are often treated with chemicals that smell bad when it is washed. Also, the plastic handle of a cheap brush absorbs water when you wash it, which makes it smell bad as well.
5. The makeup brush is old
If you have had your makeup brushes for a while they can begin to smell when you wash them. The older your brush, the more likely that it has accumulated bacteria. Those bacteria build-up can no longer be completely washed out.
Also if the makeup brush has been washed many times, it can begin to smell after washing it. The bristles can become worn over time and no longer pick up the product properly.
6. Not setting brushes out to dry correctly
Washing your brushes is a great way to remove build-up and get them looking as good as new. However, if you’re not drying your brushes correctly, they can start to smell like mildew. If you don’t allow your brushes to dry a funky scent will emanate from your brush collection. Bacteria and moisture will easily continue to grow without proper ventilation.
How Do You Get the Smell Out of Makeup Brushes
1. Wash the makeup brush regularly
If you can’t wash your brushes immediately after using them, then always blot them on tissue paper before storing them upright in a dry place. Also, if you haven’t touched your makeup brushes in weeks, you should still give them a quick wash before using them. This is because dust, dirt, and in some cases pet hair can accumulate on brushes that are stored in the open. To keep brushes clean for longer, consider storing them in a drawer.
2. Use the right cleaning product
Use a soap that is meant for cleaning brushes such as Ecotool makeup brush cleaner. This will help remove any oil and grease from your skin that may have gotten onto the brush. When you use very strong soaps or detergents on your brushes, it can also lead to a bad smelling brush. The reason being that when the soap or detergent is not rinsed out properly and you end up with a soap residue in the brushes which makes them smell.
Also, ensure not to use scented soaps on your makeup brush. The fragrance can make your brush start to smell. Use some conditioner on your natural brushes now and to keep them hydrated. Consider buying a brush cleaning tool. It will help you get all the nooks and crannies of your brushes clean without damaging them.
3. Dry the makeup brush the right way
The most upsetting part of washing makeup brushes is having to wait for them to dry. You have to set a day aside to wash them so that they can dry properly. After washing your brushes, Gently squeeze excess water from the bristles. However, don’t wring them out or flatten the brush head.
When your brushes are wet, never stand them upright. This will help ensure that water doesn’t collect in the handle or ferrule of the brush, which can cause mold and mildew growth. Also, the water can damage the handle and dissolve the glue, resulting in brush shedding.
Instead, lay them flat or, even better, hang them upside down to help the bristles retain their shape and prevent water from dripping down the handle. You can dry them on a paper towel or clean washcloth, or better yet, hang them to dry.
4. Buy good quality makeup brushes
Consider investing in better quality brushes that are more durable and last longer than cheap ones such as Wet n Wild Brush. If you have a good quality makeup brush set, then you don’t have to worry about its smell because they are made of high-grade materials. So go ahead and buy good quality brushes that will last for long years without losing their shape, color, or start smelling after washes.
5. Change your makeup brush regularly
If you’ve been using a brush for years, it’s time to toss it out. Experts recommend replacing your makeup brushes every three months or depending on how often you use them either daily vs weekly. They tend to become less effective over time especially if they’re synthetic.
6. Keep your brush holders clean
You need to make sure your brush holder or any other similar storage is clean. If it’s not, then that can cause the smell.
If you are using a brush holder for your brush, make sure it is always clean. When it is dirty, it can easily contaminate your brushes with bacteria even those that are newly washed. To clean the brush holder, follow this tips .
- Remove the makeup brush holder from the cabinet or drawer.
- Place it on a flat surface like your bathroom countertop or kitchen table.
- Give it a good wipe down using warm soapy water.
- Rinse well with warm water and dry with paper towels or a clean cloth
- Ensure not to leave it wet because it could attract bacteria growth over time if left moist for long periods of time.
7. Use vinegar
If you have already cleaned your brushes with soap and water and they still have a strong fragrance or odor, then vinegar is another option for getting rid of the smell. Vinegar has been used for years as an effective cleaning agent because it contains acetic acid which helps eliminate bacteria and leave your brushes smelling fresh.
- Mix one part vinegar with three parts warm water in a bowl large enough to fit all of your makeup brushes. This will be enough to clean all of your brushes at once.
- Soak each brush in the vinegar solution for about 10-15 minutes.
- Afterward, rinse thoroughly under lukewarm running water until there is no more visible residue left on the bristles.
- Then lay flat on a towel until completely dry before using again.
Conclusion
Having a smelly makeup brush after cleaning is bothersome, but it’s usually fixable. Understanding the causes of the odor, such as cosmetics residue, germs, or poor drying, might help you avoid it.
Also, makeup brushes may smell fresh and clean by washing them well, using the appropriate solutions, and drying them properly. Remember that caring for your cosmetic instruments extends their lifespan and protects your skin from irritants. Next time you clean your brushes, remember these techniques to prevent smells.
