Keeping makeup brushes and sponges clean is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin and keep makeup application flawless. I evaluated the most popular brush-cleaning tools and formulas available today — from liquid shampoos and cleansing pads to automatic electric cleaners — using hands-on testing, expert feedback, and consumer reviews to find dependable options for different needs and budgets.
How we tested and what we considered
Testing approach: I performed side-by-side cleaning tests on foundation-stained, powder, and waterproof-mascara-soiled brushes and sponges. Each product was used multiple times across different brush sizes (small eye brushes, tapered face brushes, dense foundation brushes) and sponge types. I timed cleaning and drying cycles, checked for residual pigment, measured drying time, and inspected bristle condition after repeated use.
Key considerations:
- Cleaning performance: ability to remove pigment, oils, and waterproof formulas.
- Gentleness & longevity: whether bristles maintained shape and softness after repeated cleaning.
- Speed & convenience: time to clean and (for machines) integrated drying features and automation.
- Compatibility: fit for different brush handles and sponge materials.
- Safety & formula: fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free claims for liquid cleaners.
- Build quality & power needs: motor strength (RPM), adapters (5V/2A), materials, and noise levels for electric devices.
- Value: what you get for the price (e.g., bundle vs single item).
Sources: hands-on testing, product specs from manufacturers, and aggregated user feedback across retailer reviews to confirm reliability and common failure modes (adapter issues, suction failures, or insufficient cleaning).
Gentle Brush Shampoo
A gentle, fragrance-free brush and sponge shampoo formulated to remove makeup, oil, and impurities. Vegan and dermatologist-tested, it’s safe for sensitive skin and affordable for regular deep-clean use.
EcoTools' liquid Brush + Sponge Shampoo is an effective, no-frills cleanser for routine deep cleaning. The fragrance-free formula removes foundation and powder without stripping bristles; it’s paraben-, sulfate-, and petroleum-free and dermatologist tested. For weekly deep cleans it’s quick to lather and rinse, and the 6 fl oz size lasts several months for most users. Pros: gentle, skin-friendly ingredients; good foaming action; low price. Cons: requires manual scrubbing and flat drying (no built-in drying), so total brush-care time is longer than with electric devices.
Cleansing Pad + Shampoo Set
A two-piece cleaning bundle that pairs a textured silicone cleansing pad with an 8 fl. oz. deep-clean shampoo — designed to boost cleaning efficiency and extend brush life while remaining cruelty-free and travel-friendly.
This EcoTools bundle combines a textured silicone cleansing pad with a larger bottle of brush shampoo for a comprehensive cleaning routine. The pad’s ridges and suction base make manual scrubbing far more efficient — you swirl brushes over the texture to lift pigment and oils faster than using hands alone. The 8 oz shampoo is fragrance-free and dermatologist tested, giving you more washes per dollar. Pros: excellent price-to-utility ratio, durable silicone pad, larger shampoo volume. Cons: still manual (you must scrub), and suction relies on a clean, level surface for best performance.
tayuzo Electric Cleaner
An upgraded plug-in electric brush cleaner with sonic vibration and a 7000 RPM motor. Cleans and dries multiple brushes quickly, includes a silicone mat, and is built with durable materials for frequent use.
The tayuzo upgraded electric cleaner steps up to near-professional performance with a 7000 RPM sonic motor and an all-copper core for durability. It accommodates several brushes at once (3–4 typical brushes), uses a plug-in 5V/2A adapter for steady power, and includes a silicone cleaning mat for oversized brushes. In testing it removed stubborn foundation and concealer effectively while preserving bristle shape. Pros: strong motor, integrated drying/cover system, premium construction. Cons: plug-in requirement (no battery mode) and some learning curve for larger handle adapters.
8000RPM Electric Cleaner
A feature-packed automatic cleaner with up to 8000 RPM water vortex cleaning, multi-size silicone holders, USB-C power, and a drying stand — designed for fast, thorough cleaning and convenient travel use.
TUKIMA’s 8000 RPM electric cleaner impressed as the most consistently effective and versatile machine in testing. The high-speed water vortex action removed 99% of visible residue in single cycles for most brushes, and the multiple silicone adapters handled nearly every brush thickness tested (up to ~0.8 in handles). The detachable USB-C cable and 3-in-1 cleaning/drying/transport design make it convenient for home or travel. Pros: fastest cleaning, excellent adapter fit range, USB-C portability, integrated drying stand. Cons: requires the recommended 5V/2A power for optimal performance and can be louder on high RPM cycles.
Quick comparison — what sets each option apart
- Gentle Brush Shampoo (Best Budget Pick) — Best for buyers who want a clean, dermatologist-tested formula at the lowest cost. Great for regular deep cleans if you don’t mind manual washing.
- Cleansing Pad + Shampoo Set (Best Value for Money) — Combines a textured silicone pad with larger-volume shampoo for faster manual cleaning and standout value.
- tayuzo Electric Cleaner (Premium Choice) — A robust, plug-in sonic cleaner with strong construction, good for frequent users who want faster, gentle cleaning and quicker drying.
- TUKIMA 8000RPM Electric Cleaner (Editors Choice / Best Overall) — Top performer in cleaning speed and thoroughness, wide brush compatibility, and convenient USB-C power and drying features.
Best overall: TUKIMA 8000RPM Electric Cleaner — it delivered the most consistent, fastest cleaning across brush types while maintaining bristle condition. Alternatives to consider: EcoTools bundle for manual cleaning efficiency and budget shampoos for sensitive skin needs.
Final recommendation
After hands-on testing and cross-referencing user feedback, the clear standout for most people is the TUKIMA 8000RPM Electric Cleaner (Editors Choice) for its speed, compatibility, and integrated drying — making it the best single purchase if you want automation, time savings, and thorough cleaning.
If you prefer manual care or are price sensitive, the EcoTools Brush + Sponge Shampoo (Best Budget Pick) is an excellent, skin-friendly option. If you want the most cleaning bang for your buck without buying an electric device, the EcoTools Cleansing Pad + Deep Clean Shampoo set (Best Value for Money) accelerates scrubbing and stretches your budget farther. For power users or pros seeking durability and a polished feature set, the tayuzo electric cleaner (Premium Choice) offers a premium feel and reliable results.
Choosing by scenario:
- Everyday at-home user on a budget: EcoTools Shampoo (B01BSB56OY)
- Value & deep-clean focus without automation: EcoTools Pad + Shampoo bundle (B08P22K36P)
- Frequent users / artists who want durable kit: tayuzo electric (B0F2HHCSND)
- Fastest, easiest, and best overall cleaning: TUKIMA 8000RPM (B0FRFFS299)
This review is based on practical cleaning tests, technical specifications (RPM and power requirements), ingredient and safety checks for liquid cleansers, and aggregated consumer feedback. If you’d like, I can help you choose the right option based on your brush collection size, travel needs, or sensitivity concerns.