How to Wash a Makeup Bag

How to Wash a Makeup Bag (Without Ruining It)

Makeup is messy. Not “oops, a little powder” messy—more like foundation rings, lipstick smears, mystery glitter, and that one leaked serum that turns your bag into a sticky museum exhibit. The good news: most makeup bags can be cleaned back to “not gross” status. The better news: you don’t need special products—just the right method for the right material.

Here’s how to wash a makeup bag properly, depending on what it’s made of—and how to get stains out without wrecking the shape, lining, zipper, or logo.

Step 1: Empty it like you mean it

Before you touch water:

• Shake out loose powder crumbs over a trash can.

• Pull out the inner lining (if it flips out) and check corners for broken eyeshadow bits.

• Use a dry tissue or soft brush to remove dust around the zipper track.

• If there’s a hard glob (lipstick, cream blush), lift it first with a plastic card or spoon—don’t smear it deeper.

Step 2: Choose your washing method by material

If your bag is clear PVC / TPU / coated fabric

This is the easiest one.

Do this:

1. Mix warm water + a few drops of dish soap.

2. Dip a microfiber cloth (or soft sponge), wring it out well, and wipe inside/out.

3. For makeup marks: use a cotton pad with a little makeup remover or rubbing alcohol (spot test first).

4. Rinse by wiping again with clean water.

5. Dry with a towel, then air-dry fully with the bag open.

Avoid: hot water (warping), soaking too long (cloudiness), and harsh scrubbing (micro-scratches).

If your bag is nylon / polyester / canvas (fabric bag)

These usually tolerate a gentle wash.

Hand-wash (safest):

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water + mild detergent.

2. Turn the bag inside out if possible.

3. Use a soft toothbrush for seams and corners.

4. Rinse until water runs clear.

5. Press with a towel (don’t twist), then air-dry.

Machine-wash (only if the bag has no stiff structure):

• Put it in a mesh laundry bag

• Wash cold, delicate

• Use mild detergent

• No dryer (heat can shrink lining, warp padding, and damage logos)

If your bag is quilted / padded

Padding traps water, so the goal is clean without soaking it like a sponge.

Do this:

• Spot-clean first.

• If you must wash: quick hand-wash, minimal soaking time, and extra towel-pressing.

• Air-dry in a ventilated area, bag wide open, rotate it every few hours.

Avoid: long soaks and dryers (they can make padding clump or deform).

If your bag has leather or PU leather

Do not toss it in water. Treat it like a jacket, not a towel.

For the outside:

• Wipe with a barely damp cloth + a tiny bit of gentle soap foam.

• Wipe again with clean water on cloth.

• Dry immediately with a towel.

• Optional: apply a small amount of leather conditioner (for real leather).

For the inside (fabric lining):

• Turn inside out if possible and clean the lining only with a damp brush + mild detergent.

• Keep moisture controlled so it doesn’t soak through to the leather exterior.

If your bag is neoprene

Neoprene can hold odors if you don’t rinse well.

Do this:

• Hand-wash with mild soap.

• Rinse thoroughly.

• Pat dry and air-dry fully (inside and out).

Pro tip: A small sprinkle of baking soda inside (after it’s dry) helps with lingering smells.

Step 3: Treat stains like a targeted mission

For oily stains (foundation, skincare, sunscreen)

• Use dish soap (it breaks down oil).

• Gently work it into the spot with a toothbrush.

• Rinse and repeat—don’t panic-scrub.

For pigment stains (lipstick, blush, eyeshadow)

• Spot-clean with makeup remover or a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol.

• Blot, don’t smear.

For “what even is this” stains

• Try baking soda paste (baking soda + a few drops of water), sit 10–20 minutes, then brush off and wipe clean.

Step 4: Don’t forget the zipper

A clean bag with a sticky zipper is still annoying.

• Use a dry brush to remove powder in the zipper teeth.

• If the zipper feels rough: rub a tiny bit of bar soap along the teeth, then zip back and forth gently.

• Keep water away from metal hardware as much as possible; dry it immediately.

Step 5: Dry it the right way (this is where most people fail)

• Never store it damp.

• Keep it open, upright, and ventilated.

• Stuff with clean paper towels to help it hold shape.

• Let it dry completely before putting products back in (especially brushes and sponges).

How often should you wash a makeup bag?

A simple rule:

• Every 2–4 weeks if it’s used daily

• After every trip

• Immediately after spills (oil leaks get worse over time)

Keep it cleaner between washes

• Keep liquids in a small inner pouch or zip bag.

• Put brushes in a separate sleeve or plastic bag.

• Wipe down the inside weekly (30 seconds, huge difference).