How to Wash Makeup Sponges and Powder Puffs at Home

To wash a makeup sponge or powder puff, soak it in lukewarm water, add a little gentle cleanser, and squeeze it repeatedly until the water runs clear. Then press out excess water with a towel and let it air-dry completely before using or storing it. Sponges and puffs hold both product and moisture, so regular washing and thorough drying matter.

What you'll need

  • Lukewarm water
  • A gentle cleanser, mild soap, or gentle shampoo
  • A textured cleaning surface (optional)
  • A clean towel
  • A place for sponges to air-dry

How do you wash a makeup sponge?

  1. Wet it fully. Let it expand in lukewarm water.
  2. Add cleanser. Work a small amount into the stained areas.
  3. Squeeze and release. Repeat under water, or press it against a textured surface.
  4. Rinse until clear. Keep squeezing until no color comes out.
  5. Press out water. Squeeze gently inside a towel. Avoid wringing or twisting.
  6. Air-dry completely. Place it where air can reach all sides.

How do you wash a powder puff?

Flat puffs are more delicate. Massage cleanser into the surface with your fingertips, rinse, press out water between towel layers, and lay flat or stand upright to dry.

A set that combines washing and drying

The Uexim silicone cleaning bowl and drying set is designed for washing and drying makeup brushes, sponges, and powder puffs at home. It has a textured silicone bowl to help work cleanser in, plus a built-in drying shelf that keeps tools organized while they air-dry. It comes in purple, fuchsia, or yellow/white.

Silicone cleaning bowl with drying shelf
From the Uexim shop
Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaning Bowl & Drying Set

A textured silicone bowl with a drying shelf for brushes, sponges, and powder puffs.

From $39.79 View product →

Drying: the step people rush

Do Avoid
Let sponges dry fully before storing Closing damp sponges in a case
Give air access to all sides Leaving them flat on a wet counter
Keep them out of direct heat Hair dryers or radiators, which can damage foam

When should you replace a sponge or puff?

  • It tears, crumbles, or loses its shape
  • Stains stay after thorough washing
  • It has an odor after drying

For washing brushes too, read how to use a silicone brush cleaning bowl.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash sponges and brushes together?

Yes, in the same session. Rinse each tool until the water runs clear.

What is the Uexim drying set made of?

Silicone.

How do I keep extra sponges ready?

Rotate several so there is always a clean, dry one. Find sponges in the Makeup Brushes & Sponges collection.

The bottom line

Wash, rinse until clear, and dry completely. A cleaning bowl with a drying shelf keeps the whole routine in one place.

Wash and dry in one set

A silicone cleaning bowl with a drying shelf.

Shop the cleaning set →

Browse more tools in Beauty Tools & Essentials.

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