natural, safe brush cleaner...for facepainting brushes and sponges...

[joko]

in any one session, i would paint a number of kids faces...and i wondered if there was something i could put into the water pots to sort of 'sterilise' the brushes as i go along... and that wouldnt harm skin or cause any sort of allergy...something natural... i did consider salt...but if a kid wiped his hands on his face and in his eyes itd sting...plus i paint lips too, so would taste horrible

or i could have a separate pot and rinse and use clear water to paint with

but any ideas for something?

cheers

[erin-x]

I have always been told to clean my make-up brushes with warm water and johnsons baby shampoo. I don't know how well it would sterilise them but it gets them clean and it wont cause any reactions. :)

[Answerprancer]

How about a drop or two of Dettol.

[Answerprancer]

BTW salty water doesn't sting eyes (unless it's really concentrated).
Don't forget there is a natural salt presence in tears.

[welshlibranr]

I think that the Baby Shampoo is the best option, it will clean the brushes, and has the 'no tears' formulation too!.......

[joko]

i do use shampoo afterwards at home, to give a good thorough clean, but woudl it be any use in a cup of cold water and just dipping them in...dont want it to foam up...

is dettol safe on skin etc?

i suppose a very weak solution of salt might be ok

[joko]

what about vinegar?

[Answerprancer]

No, vinegar stings eyes very badly - bicarbonate of soda might be another option though.

[Dee Sa]

permanganate of potash ? a week solution, I wash all my fruit and veg in it after this last cucumber/bean sprout scare, its about £1.50 from the pharmacy. Also take it with me to wash fruit whilst on holiday abroad.

[bednobs]

salt wont sterilise the brushes

[carmalee]

what about some Milton - if its safe for baby bottles it should be okay for what you want

[follyfancier]

I was going to say Milton, I use that on my make up brushes and tooth brushes