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How to Clean Your Nail Art Brushes In (Literally) Seconds

Written by: Merilin Notton

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Time to read 6 min

Neglected cleaning your nail art brushes until now? It's something a lot of us have been guilty of, but it's time to break that habit, and we can show you how to do the job in less than a minute.


If you don't clean your nail art brushes regularly, they can become clogged with old polish and debris, making them less effective at creating those perfect designs. Plus, dirty brushes can spread bacteria and cause infections on your nails.


If too much gel polish accumulates on the brush, you might even end up causing damage to the bristles, which means you'll have to replace them.


But this is a judgement-free zone. Whatever reason you have for not cleaning your brushes, we won't hold it against you.


Instead, we'll provide you with an easy and quick solution to get your brushes clean in no time.

The 2 Ways to Clean Your Nail Art Brushes

There are 2 ways you can remove gel polish from your brushes: using a dedicated nail brush cleaner (our recommended method) or using acetone (which we don't recommend as much).


You'll already know that gel polish can be a tough cookie to take off unless you use a good nail gel polish remover, and the same goes for removing the remnants of gel polish from your brushes (although the polish on your brush won't be cured like it is on your nails).

Can I Use Acetone to Clean Nail Art Brushes?

Pure acetone or an acetone-based gel polish remover will do the job of stripping the brush of gel polish. But it's not the best way to clean nail art brushes.


Acetone is pretty harsh, and it can affect the glue holding the bristles in place and ruin your brush over time. They could become loose, or the metal holding the brush together could weaken and break.


So, while you technically could use acetone to clean your nail art brushes, it's not the recommended method.

What is the Best Way to Clean Nail Art Brushes?

Instead, we recommend using a gentle nail art brush cleaner. And we've got just the ticket!


Our Brush It Off nail art brush cleaner is specially formulated to remove stubborn nail polish, including gel polish, from brushes without damaging the bristles.


All while cleansing away the polish, the formula also conditions the bristles, leaving them soft and supple for your next use.

How to Get Spotless Nail Art Brushes: Step-by-Step

@myleebeautyofficial We love a clean queen 💅 Reminder to clean your nail art brushes with our brush cleanser, Brush It Off 🧼💅✨ 📹 - @bykelseyjae #mylee #nails #howto #brushcleaner #brushcleanser #naileducation #nailart #nailbrushes #nailartbrush #brushcleansing ♬ original sound - Myleebeauty

Step 1) Start by gathering up all your dirty nail art brushes. Place them on a paper towel or clean surface for easy access.


Step 2) Pour a couple of drops of our Brush It Off cleanser onto a Lint-Free Wipe (or Pure Acetone if that's what you're choosing to use).


Step 3) Take your nail art brush and swirl the bristles into the cleanser, making sure to coat them thoroughly.


Step 4) You'll see the gel polish starting to come off as the cleanser works its magic.


Step 5) Continue swirling until all the polish is removed from the bristles.

And that's it! It really is as simple as that. Just a few steps and your nail art brushes will be as good as new, ready for your next masterpiece.


It's just worth reminding you that you should avoid getting any cleanser or acetone onto the metal part of your brush, as it can cause damage.

How Often Should I Clean My Nail Brushes?

Cleaning your nail brushes is likely at the bottom of your weekend to-do list, but it's important to keep them clean not only for best application results, but also for the longevity of your brushes.


Ideally, you should clean your brushes after each use. This prevents any dried polish from building up and ensures that your brushes stay in good condition.


If you let your brush marinate in polish until the next use, it's more difficult to remove and can cause damage to the bristles.


If you find yourself forgetting to clean your brushes regularly, try setting a reminder on your phone or just doing it immediately after you've finished your mani. We like to do it before we pack any of our other nail essentials away.

How Do I Revive Very Dirty Nail Art Brushes?

Now, we said we wouldn't judge, so if you've found yourself with some seriously dirty brushes, don't worry. There are still ways to salvage them and get them back in working condition.


Our Brush It Off cleanser is great at reviving even the most neglected brushes, but it might take a bit more elbow grease and a few extra drops of solution to really get them clean. It can actually prolong the life of your brushes by keeping them in good condition.


But if your bristles are starting to snap or fray, it's probably time to retire them and invest in some new ones.


Our Maestro Kit is an excellent nail art brush set that contains an array of different brushes for all your nail art needs. Plus, they all come neatly stored in a beautiful case, which protects them and keeps them organised.

Summary: Keeping Your Nail Art Brushes Good As New

So, the key things to take away from this are...

  • Clean your nail brushes with a nail art brush cleanser, like Brush It Off

  • You can use acetone, but be extra careful not to get it on the metal part of the brush

  • Remember to clean your brushes after every use and don't let them sit

It might seem like a minute task, but taking care of your nail art brushes can make a significant difference in the longevity and quality of your designs. Taking the time to properly clean and store them will ensure that they stay in top shape and continue to provide you with flawless results every time.


You can shop our nail art brushes and cleanser below!

FAQs

Why has my gel nail brush gone hard?

Your gel nail brush can become hard if it is not cleaned properly after each use. It is crucial to remove any excess gel from the brush and cleanse it with a suitable cleanser to prevent build-up and hardening.

How do I disinfect a nail brush?

You can disinfect a nail brush simply by cleaning it with a brush cleanser. You shouldn't use a disinfectant of any type on your brushes as it can damage the bristles and affect their performance.

How do I store my nail art brushes?

Keep your brushes in a carry or storage case to protect them from dust and damage. A case with elasticated loops for each brush is ideal to keep them organised.

How do you soften hard nail polish brushes?

A good-quality nail brush cleanser can help to soften hard nail polish brushes. Pop a few drops of the cleanser onto a Lint-Free Wipe and gently rub it onto the hardened bristles.


If the polish is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a few extra drops and apply a little more pressure when swirling the bristles in the solution. Don't press too firmly though, or you risk damaging the bristles. 

Merilin Notton

Merilin Notton

As the Head of Brand at Mylee, Merilin is a seasoned beauty industry professional with a strong passion for nail art. 

With a background as a licensed beautician and a track record of shaping and elevating beauty brands, Merilin is dedicated to empowering individuals to express themselves through nail art, making them a driving force behind Mylee's success in the beauty industry.

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