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Beauty tools -- such as makeup brushes, nail clippers and tweezers -- need to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria build-up. If you don’t clean your tools properly, you can increase the chances of developing acne or other types of skin infections. By sanitizing your tools, you can safely reduce your chances of infection.

Daily Cleaning

For some tools, such as makeup brushes, daily cleaning is advised. More intensive cleaning should be done as needed, depending on how often you use your tools. Giving your tools a quick cleaning after you've used them will reduce the amount of bacteria build up. For daily cleaning, pour a brush cleaning solution into a spray bottle and spritz your brushes after each use.

Deep Cleaning

For more intensive cleaning, wash your brushes and sponges in warm soapy water. For metal files, clippers or scissors, wash them in soapy water with a scrub brush, then dry with a towel to reduce the chance of rust. You can also consider investing in an ultrasonic cleanser, especially if you share tools with other people. An ultrasonic cleanser helps remove the small particles of skin and hair that inevitably get caught in your tools.

How to Disinfect

To disinfect brushes, soak the brushes in a mixture of vinegar and water for a minute or two. Run the brush head through the solution to ensure it sanitizes individual hairs. You can also soak your brushes in the cleaning solution for a half an hour before rinsing and drying. For metal or wooden tools, soak them in acetone. If you don’t want to completely submerge them, just rub down your metal tools with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. For an intensive disinfection, boil your metal tools in water for 20 minutes after washing them with soap and water. Follow with a soak in rubbing alcohol.

Proper Storage

Properly storing your beauty tools will reduce the risk of bacteria remaining on your tools and will also make them easier to clean. Keep your brushes in a makeup bag to protect the heads from bumping or rubbing onto other objects. If you store your brushes loosely, place the brush heads upwards to prevent damage to the bristles. For metal tools, store them with other files and wooden tools in a closed plastic container.