A silicone brush cleaning bowl gives you a textured surface to swirl brushes against while you wash them. Add lukewarm water and a little gentle cleanser, then move each brush in circles and back-and-forth strokes over the ridges until the water runs clear. The texture does the scrubbing, so you don't need to press hard on the bristles.
What is a brush cleaning bowl?
A cleaning bowl is a small, shallow container with raised patterns on the bottom. The patterns loosen makeup from between bristles as you move the brush. Compared with scrubbing brushes in your palm, a bowl keeps the mess contained and gives you different textures for different brush sizes.
The SALON FASHION brush cleaning bowl set pairs a silicone cleaning bowl that has a textured scrubbing surface with a scrubber pad and a foldable brush holder. The listing describes it as suited for wet or dry cleaning. It comes in several colors.
A silicone cleaning bowl with a textured scrubbing surface, plus a scrubber pad and a foldable brush holder.
What you'll need
- A silicone cleaning bowl or pad
- Lukewarm water
- A gentle brush cleanser, mild soap, or gentle shampoo
- A clean towel
- A place to dry brushes, such as a brush holder or a towel laid flat
How do you clean brushes in a silicone bowl?
Step 1: Add water and cleanser
Fill the bowl with a small amount of lukewarm water, just enough to cover the textured area. Add a drop or two of cleanser.
Step 2: Wet the bristles only
Dip the bristles, not the handle. Keeping water away from the point where bristles meet the handle helps protect the glue.
Step 3: Swirl over the texture
Move the brush in small circles over the ridges. Use the larger patterns for face brushes and the finer patterns for eye brushes.
Step 4: Change the water
When the water looks cloudy, pour it out and refill. Repeat until the water stays clear.
Step 5: Rinse and squeeze
Rinse the bristles under lukewarm running water, pointing them downward. Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel.
Step 6: Reshape and dry
Reshape the bristles with your fingers and dry the brushes flat or angled downward. The set includes a foldable brush holder you can use to organize brushes once they are ready.
Which motions work for which brushes?
| Brush type | Motion | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Large powder or blush brushes | Wide circles | Use the broadest textured area |
| Dense foundation brushes | Back-and-forth strokes | Repeat until no color comes out |
| Small eye brushes | Small, light circles | Use the finest pattern and gentle pressure |
| Sponges and puffs | Press and release on the pad | Squeeze under water until clear |
What about dry cleaning?
The listing notes this set suits wet or dry cleaning. Dry cleaning is useful between uses when you only want to remove surface powder, for example when switching eyeshadow shades. Swirl the dry brush over the textured surface to knock loose powder, then wipe the surface clean. It is a quick refresh, not a replacement for a full wash.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using hot water. Lukewarm water is gentler on bristles and glue.
- Soaking whole brushes. Submerging handles can loosen the ferrule over time.
- Pressing too hard. Let the texture do the work so bristles keep their shape.
- Drying upright while wet. Water can run down into the base. Dry flat or angled down.
- Forgetting the bowl. Rinse and dry the bowl itself after each session.
For how often to wash, see our guide on how often you should clean your makeup brushes, and for drying tips, read how to air-dry brushes the right way.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a cleaning bowl for sponges?
Yes. Press sponges against the textured surface under water and squeeze until the water runs clear.
What cleanser should I use?
A gentle brush cleanser, mild soap, or gentle shampoo works for most brushes.
What is included in the SALON FASHION set?
A silicone cleaning bowl with a textured scrubbing surface, a scrubber pad, and a foldable brush holder.
How do I clean the bowl?
Rinse it with warm soapy water and let it dry fully before storing.
The bottom line
A silicone cleaning bowl turns brush washing into a quick, contained routine. Use lukewarm water, let the texture do the scrubbing, and dry brushes properly. More cleaning and storage tools are in the Makeup Brushes & Sponges collection.
Make brush washing easier
A textured silicone bowl with a scrubber pad and brush holder.
Shop the cleaning bowl set →Browse more tools in Beauty Tools & Essentials.
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