How to Wash Your Makeup Bag (Yes, Even If It’s… Kind of Feral)

Let’s be honest: a makeup bag works hard. It carries powders, foundation, lip products, skincare minis, and whatever else gets tossed in during busy mornings. Over time, even if you’re careful, it can end up with powder dust in the corners, makeup rings on the lining, and a zipper that’s doing its best.

If you’ve been decluttering and deep-cleaning lately, consider this your friendly reminder: washing your makeup bag is one of those small tasks that instantly makes your routine feel cleaner and more organised. Below is a simple, realistic method that works for most bags—without damaging the fabric or ruining the shape.

Before You Wash: Check the Material First (So You Don’t Damage It)

Different materials need different cleaning methods. Take 30 seconds to confirm what your cosmetic pouch is made of:

• Nylon / canvas / cotton fabric bags: usually safe for hand-washing; many are also machine-washable on gentle.
• Quilted / padded bags: washable, but they hold more water—drying takes longer.
• PVC / TPU / coated bags: best wiped clean; avoid long soaking.
• Leather / PU leather: do not soak—spot clean only.

If your bag has a metal logo plate, delicate embroidery, glued-on patches, rhinestones, or a stiff structure, hand-washing is the safest choice.

What You’ll Need

• Warm water (not hot)
• Mild laundry detergent
• Oxygen cleaner (optional, use sparingly)
• Dish soap (excellent for oily makeup stains like foundation or sunscreen)
• An old toothbrush (for seams, corners, zipper tape)
• A delicates laundry bag (if machine washing)
• Clean towel + drying rack

How to Wash a Makeup Bag: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Empty it completely (and don’t ignore the corners)

Take everything out. Shake the bag upside down and tap it to dislodge loose powder and dust. If you find broken powder bits or residue:

• Use a tissue to lift chunks out (don’t smear them around)
• Use a dry brush or cotton pad to sweep dusty seams

Extra tip: Remove keychains, tassels, charms, or detachable straps before washing.

Step 2: Quick pre-soak (optional but helpful)

Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Soak the bag for 5–10 minutes to loosen grime—especially for fabric makeup bags.

If you’re using oxygen cleaner, use a small amount and avoid soaking delicate bags for long periods.

Step 3: Scrub the “high-mess” areas (this is the difference-maker)

Add a tiny drop of dish soap to the toothbrush and gently scrub:

• The inner lining (especially bottom corners)
• Around the zipper tape
• Seams and stitching lines
• Visible foundation, lipstick, or skincare marks

If the bag can be turned inside out, do it—getting into the seams is where most buildup hides. Dish soap works especially well on oily stains (foundation, sunscreen, skincare leaks).

Step 4: Second soak (optional, for heavily stained bags)

After scrubbing, you can soak again for 20–60 minutes depending on how stained the lining is. For delicate bags, keep it closer to 10–20 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly (so it doesn’t dry stiff or smell odd)

Rinse under clean water until the water runs clear and no soap remains. Leftover detergent can dry stiff and trap odours.

Step 6: Machine wash (only if appropriate)

If your bag is sturdy fabric (nylon/canvas/cotton) and has no delicate decoration, you can machine wash it:

• Put the bag in a delicates laundry bag
• Use cold or warm water on gentle/delicates
• Use mild detergent
• No dryer (heat can warp shape, damage coatings, or shrink linings)

Quilted/padded bags are usually fine on gentle—just expect longer drying time.

Step 7: Dry it correctly (this decides the final result)

• Press the bag with a towel to remove excess water (don’t twist)
• Keep it open and air-dry fully in a ventilated spot
• Dry overnight on a rack if possible
• To help it hold shape, loosely stuff it with clean paper towels while drying

Important: Do not put makeup back until the bag is completely dry.

How to Clean Non-Fabric Makeup Bags (PVC / TPU / PU)

PVC / TPU / coated lining

• Wipe inside and outside with a soft cloth + mild dish soap solution
• Use a toothbrush gently around zipper tape and corners
• Wipe again with clean water and dry with a towel
• Avoid long soaking to protect the coating

PU leather / vegan leather

• Spot clean only (damp cloth + a tiny amount of mild soap)
• Do not soak, and avoid harsh cleaners
• Dry immediately and keep away from direct heat

After Washing: Put Everything Back the Clean Way

Once fully dry, restock your makeup bag in a way that keeps it cleaner longer:

• Liquids in a small zip pouch (or a mini sealed bag)
• Brushes in a separate sleeve or brush pouch
• Quickly wipe compacts and bottles before putting them back

FAQ: Washing a Makeup Bag

How often should I wash my makeup bag?

For daily use, a light clean every 2–4 weeks is ideal, and a deeper wash every 1–3 months depending on spills and product buildup.

What removes foundation stains from a cosmetic bag?

Dish soap is great for oily stains. Apply a small amount to a toothbrush, scrub gently, then rinse thoroughly.

Can I put my makeup bag in the dryer?

It’s safer to air-dry. Heat can warp shape, damage coatings, and affect logos or linings.

Why does my makeup bag smell weird after washing?

Usually it’s either leftover soap or the bag wasn’t fully dried. Rinse longer and make sure it air-dries completely before restocking.

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• How to Organise a Makeup Bag (Travel + Daily)
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