Something that is often overlooked when it comes to our beauty routine is cleaning the things that are constantly touching our skin and hair. I get it, we have busy lives. We're juggling motherhood, work, social lives, drinking enough water, trying to stay fit (and sane) and of course that skin care routine. But if you are not getting the results you want when it comes to your hair & skin, this could be the missing piece of the puzzle: Remembering to clean your beauty tools more regularly.
Healthy skin and hair start with clean tools. Even the best skincare and haircare routines can be sabotaged by dirty brushes, pillowcases, or beauty tools that harbour bacteria, oils, and product buildup. So let's look at some of the common items in our beauty routine and how frequently it is recommended we wash them.
1. Hairbrush
Why clean it? Your hairbrush collects hair, oils, dead skin, and styling product residue over time (that grey/white fluff? it's not fluff, my friends!). If left uncleaned, it can transfer these impurities back to your freshly washed hair, making it look dull and feel greasy.
How often to clean? Weekly (especially if you use a lot of product)
How to clean:
Remove hair from the brush using a comb or your fingers.
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of castile soap or some clarifying shampoo
Dip the bristles (not the base if it’s wooden) into the soapy water and use an old toothbrush to scrub gently.
You can add some baking soda to the mix to help break down the oils if you need it.
Rinse thoroughly under running water and allow it to air dry bristle-side down.
Pro Tip: If the lint is stubborn you can use tweezers to pull it out of the bristles after washing (or it might be time to replace your brush). The good news is that the more often you clean your brush, the less build up will occur and the easier it will be to clean.
2. Makeup Brushes
Why clean them? Makeup brushes accumulate oils, bacteria, and leftover product, which can clog your pores and cause breakouts.
How often? Every 7-10 days
How to clean:
Mix 1 tablespoon of castile soap with 1 cup of warm water in a bowl.
Swirl each brush in the mixture, focusing on the bristles.
Rinse under lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
Reshape the bristles and lay flat on a clean towel to dry.
Pro Tip: For a quick clean between uses, spritz brushes with a DIY sanitising spray made with 1 part witch hazel, 3 parts water, and a few drops of tea tree essential oil.
3. Pillowcase
Technically not a tool, I know, but equally important because your face and hair are up against that bad boy for 8 hours per night (hopefully).
Why clean it? Your pillowcase absorbs oils, sweat, and skincare products while you sleep, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to breakouts and dull skin.
How often? Weekly.
How to clean:
Wash pillowcases in warm water with a gentle, natural laundry detergent (check out my clean laundry post)
Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for a natural fabric softener and extra bacteria-fighting power. Add a drop of lavender essential oil too if you want some extra skin-loving properties with SIDE-BENEFITS: Lavender is amazing or supporting better sleep.
Dry on a low setting or air dry to preserve the fabric.
Pro Tip: A silk pillow case will be a game changer for your hair.
4. Gua Sha & Face Rollers
Why clean them? These tools come into direct contact with your skin, spreading oils and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Proper care ensures they stay effective and safe to use.
How often?
Wipe after each use.
Deep clean 2-3 times per week.
How to clean:
After each use, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with water.
For a deeper clean, soak in warm water with a drop of castile soap. Use a soft brush to gently scrub crevices.
Rinse and pat dry with a clean towel.
5. Hair Straightener
Why clean it? Heat tools collect residue from styling products, which can build up on the plates and transfer to your hair, causing damage and dullness.
How often? Monthly.
How to clean:
Ensure the straightener is unplugged and completely cool.
Dampen a soft cloth with a mixture of 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part water.
Wipe the plates gently to remove buildup.
Use a cotton swab for hard-to-reach areas.
Wipe dry with a clean cloth before storing.
6. Face Towels
Why clean them? Reusing face towels spreads bacteria, oils, and dead skin cells back onto your face, counteracting your skincare efforts.
How often? After every single use!
How to clean:
Wash in hot water with a low-tox, fragrance-free detergent.
Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to sanitise and keep towels soft.
Dry in the sun for natural antibacterial benefits.
Why Clean Beauty Tools Matter
Dirty tools don’t just hinder the effectiveness of your beauty routine—they can also lead to:
Breakouts and skin irritation.
Dull, greasy-looking hair.
Reduced lifespan of your beauty tools.
Ineffective product application.
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