Cleaning my make-up brushes is one of those chores I file under: I know I should, but probably won't.And I'm not alone.A 2025 study on make-up brushes found almost half of people rarely clean their brushes.Knowing exactly what's living in there — and how to clean them properly — might be the motivation we all need.The good news is what you need to clean make-up brushes is already in your cupboard.Various studies have shown that make-up tools, including brushes, can harbour a range of bacteria, including opportunistic pathogens.Enzo Palombo, a professor of microbiology at Swinburne University of Technology, says these microorganisms typically live harmlessly on the body or in the environment, but may affect people with compromised immune systems."[These include] well known ones like Staphylococcus, commonly found on the skin," Professor Palombo says."In a bathroom setting, you might have E have ethanol."Jessica Peacock is a beauty educator at TAFE Queensland and says to clean, massage the disinfectant solution into the bristles until the water runs clear."Rinse well, then reshape them and lay them flat to dry."Melbourne-based make-up artist and content creator Claire Bridgett uses a spray brush cleaner in-between deep cleans."It's pretty instant; they don't have to dry really