Most beauty products can be applied with your fingers, but when you want precision and flawless coverage, reach for a makeup sponge. If you're concerned about losing your liquid products in a super porous sponge, perhaps a switch to a silicone sponge is necessary. But there's one thing that silicone sponges do have in common with other blending tools: they need to regularly be cleaned.

So, how often should you be washing yours? Honey Artists makeup artist Robert Greene says that after every use is ideal, but once a week at the bare minimum if you're only using the sponge on yourself. "I would clean my sponge after every use. That's the benefit of a silicone sponge, the product remains on the surface and is not absorbed, therefore, allowing you to fully clean your sponge," he says.

How to Clean a Silicone Sponge

The best method for cleansing a silicone sponge is to wash it with warm water and gentle soap. Make sure to rinse off any residual soap and suds until nothing but water remains. If you prefer a specialized makeup applicator cleanser over soap, brands such as Beautyblender, have cleansers and scrubbing tools available.

Since silicone sponges are used to apply foundation, concealer, and liquid makeup, you might want to sterilize your sponge once in a while. Kristine Cruz, makeup artist at Antonio Prieto Salon in New York says to boil it to free it of germs (about 30 seconds). It's important to note that boiling a non-silicone sponge might break down the material, so save this method for silicone sponges only,

Once your silicone sponge has been cleaned, let it air dry. It's ok if it's not completely dry before your next use. To keep your silicone sponge as clean as possible before its next wash, store it in a protective case or bag.

Why You Need to Clean Your Silicone Sponge

Neglecting to wash a silicone sponge isn't that different from slacking on your skincare routine. Bacteria can build up on it, which can lead to breakouts in addition to the tool not working at its full potential. "If you don't regularly clean your sponge, it will be unusable since these sponges do not absorb product," explains Greene. "If you don't wash it then you will have a sponge that's collecting layers of foundation on it, which will make your foundation look muddy, and it's definitely not good for your skin."

Silicone makeup sponges don't just help you ride out your next foundation purchase, the tool itself also lasts longer than a softer makeup sponge, too. When should you finally leave your sponge to RIP? Both makeup artists say that when you start to see tears or rips in the tool, it's time to replace it.

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