Cleaning Beauty Tools

Brush and Comb Cleaner

Materials:

warm water
2 tsp. shampoo
1/4 cup vinegar or ammonia
nail brush
wide-toothed comb

Steps:

1. Pull the stopper up on the sink, mix ingredients, then submerge brush or comb into the mixture. Allow to soak for a few minutes.

2. Thoroughly rub the tool with a nail brush.

Makeup Tool Solution

Materials:

makeup brushes and sponges
2 parts water
1 part fine-fabric cleanser
baking soda

Steps:

1. Combine two parts water and one part fine-fabric cleanser. Dip makeup brushes into the solution.

2. Rinse in clean water.

3. Submerge brushes again into a baking soda-and-water mixture to soften the bristles.

4. Rinse again in clean water.

5. Blot excess and allow to dry.

Tips

• You could also use a steel brush to clean the barrel of a curling iron.

• Never submerge a curling iron or similar appliance into water.

• Be sure the appliance is completely cooled before cleaning.

• The curling-iron solution can be used for a flat curling iron.

• If a curling iron smokes when you use it, that's a good indication that it is time to clean it.

• Clean these tools at least monthly, perhaps more, depending on the frequency of use.

• Be sure to reserve cleaning tools such as a nail brush or the steel wool for only cleaning hair products. Do not use them again on nails or dishes.

• Invest in high-quality makeup brushes because they will last the longest. Combed or groomed animal hair versus a synthetic material is preferable.