How to Clean Makeup Sponges in Microwave

Ever since beauty makeups and tools have become a thing, a lot of tricks and tips have been vastly shared online be it letting you know how to use them or how to clean them.

While some of them do work wonders, some may sound weird to you. Just like microwaving your makeup sponges.

Sounds strange right?

Albeit it’s not something that you would like to try after hearing it for the very first time. But we have seen people giving positive results after they went for it.

Just keep in mind that, you will microwave the sponges only to kill the bacteria, not to clean it.

However, here you will get all the reasons of why you should be microwaving it, procedures and disadvantages as well.

Let’s start!

When to microwave it:

The job of microwave is to only disinfect the sponge. Yes, you will find the line quite a couple of times. Because, people often forget and do the same mistake of making an attempt to clean it. Even if you clean all the makeup sponges after each use, you will still need to sterilize it once a month at least with a heat.

And this heat is provided by microwave. Heat sterilization is essential because it kills the bacteria lying deeper in the blender. So, although basic cleaning eliminates surface bacteria, it does not do the same for inside bacteria. That’s why a short burst of intense heat is required.

However, if you think that the bacteria builds up more than rapidly, then you may require to sterilize the blender more than once a month.

There are a couple of signs that you should notice and they will shout at you stating that it’s time to microwave.

Such signs are:

• Intense bacteria buildup.
• Unusual acne breakouts.
• Strange odor.

Items you may need!

• Microwave-safe Bowl
• Baby shampoo or any organic liquid soap
• Sponge of course!
• Clean water
• Microwave

Step 1: Gather all the makeup sponges

So you may want to start the cleaning process one by one or simultaneously. Either way, the process will be same.

First, you have the grab the sponge NOT filled with highlighters or foundations that have become the reason of making it quite dirty. You will need to at least clean the sponges manually. Don’t put dirty sponge because the job of microwave is just to sanitize them.

Step 2: Put it in a bowl

You surely have a bowl. Right? Get it. Add clean water and baby shampoo to the bowl and mix them until the water becomes a solution.

Then, put your makeup sponge in the bowl filled with the solution.

Step 3: Microwave time

Now it is time to microwave it. Place the bowl inside the microwave. Seal the bowl with a lid or anything that can cover the sponge. Heat it for about 1 minute. (Certainly not more than that!).

Always keep in mind that if you don’t cover the sponge, the heat of the microwave can melt or damage your applicator. So, watch out.

Tip: Moreover, it is also essential that you keep an eye on the sponge after you start microwaving it. Do not be alarmed if it expands a bit or if a small trail of smoke develops.

But, stop the microwave right away if you notice heavy smoke or if the sponge starts melting.

Step 4: Take the sponge out, wait for it to cool down

No one told you to not touch the bowl directly with your hand after your microwave stops and starts beeping. Obviously, touching the bowl will burn your hand. So, take the bowl out of microwave with a glove and let the water cool for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Squeeze and rinse

After you notice the water and the sponge cooling down, squeeze the water out of the makeup sponge.

Then, rub it with a clear water until the soap and lather get cleaned up. Rinse the sponge thoroughly.

Step 6: Dry it up

After that get the wet beauty blender and dry it with clean paper towel. Squeeze out extra water with your hand gently. Then roll the sponge in the towel to let it absorb water from inside.

Later, wait for the sponge to get completely dry. Always remember that you cannot use the sponge in wet condition.

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However, if you are in hurry, you can use hair dryer to quicken the drying process.

Pros of microwaving your sponge:

• Easy and quick process to cleanse the sponge.
• If steps are followed properly, it will help clean the sponge greatly.
• Helps restore the freshness of the sponge.
• Helps kill any microorganisms.

Cons of microwaving your sponge:

• Microwave does not clean the sponge thoroughly, it just sanitizes and disinfects the latter. So, don’t put dirty sponge.
• Using wrong soap or shampoo will end up harming the sponge. It will be safer to use organic products like baby shampoo.
• Putting the sponge without anything covering it will char, melt and damage the sponge.
• Putting the sponge dry will also ruin it the same way. Hence it is recommended to keep it in a bowl filled with liquid.
• Microwaving it for more that recommended period will damage the sponge as well.
• Microwaving the sponge frequently can degrade the its quality more quickly.
• It does not remove any foundation or cosmetic stains.

Wrap up

Albeit the cons of microwaving the sponges are more than the pros. But come on, you should not expect it to do the magic. Cleaning the sponge is definitely essential but basic cleanup will not kill microorganism buildups. And that’s the reason why you need to microwave it.

There are many people who have tried the procedure and witnessed wonderful results. But for this you have to follow the steps carefully. One wrong move can ruin the entire product.

If you still don’t to go with microwave, you can boil the sponge in water. That will do the same job.