How to Clean a Sunscreen Applicator (and Why It Matters)

SUNNYBOD refillable brush heads in a wight silicone brush cleaning bowl.
Shannon Ratahi
Shannon Ratahi

How to Clean a Sunscreen Applicator (and Why It Matters)

A refillable sunscreen brush is one of the easiest ways to apply SPF on the go, but like any makeup brush, it needs regular cleaning to work properly and stay hygienic. Sunscreen is an oil-based product, so residue builds up on the bristles and inside the canister faster than you might expect. Here is exactly how to clean your SUNNYBOD™ brush, how often, and what to avoid.

Quick answer

Wipe the bristles and clear the pump after every use, and give the whole brush a deep clean weekly using an antibacterial makeup brush cleanser. Replace the brush head at least once a month. If the brush is shared between people, sanitise the head with a cleanser containing 70% isopropyl alcohol between uses. Always clean the brush before its first use, never put any part of it in the dishwasher, and avoid high-alcohol cleansers or harsh solvents on the bristles for everyday cleaning.

The simple routine: daily, weekly, monthly

Cosmetic brands recommend a tiered cleaning routine for brushes, and the same approach works well for a sunscreen applicator. A quick clean after each use stops residue before it hardens, a thorough weekly clean keeps the brush performing well, and a monthly head swap maintains hygiene over time. Always give the brush a clean before you use it for the first time, too.

After every use

Wipe and clear the pump

Wipe the bristles clean and clear the pump, then give them a light rinse with tepid water to remove surface product.

Weekly

Deep clean the whole brush

Full sanitising clean of the bristles, canister, and pump with an antibacterial makeup brush cleanser.

Monthly

Replace the brush head

Swap for a fresh head to maintain hygiene, especially with regular use.

Everyday personal use

After each use, wipe the bristles clean and clear the pump so sunscreen does not harden in them. A light rinse with tepid water is enough day to day. Then carry out a full sanitising deep clean once a week, as below.

Shared use or extra hygiene

If more than one person uses the brush, sanitise the head with a cleanser containing 70% isopropyl alcohol between uses, much like a face painter sanitises their brush between people at an event.[1] The 70% concentration matters, as a higher strength evaporates too quickly to be effective. For frequent sharing, the most hygienic option is to assign a brush per person or swap the replaceable head between users.

How to clean the brush body and canister

The SUNNYBOD™ brush separates into parts, which makes it much easier to clean thoroughly. Here is how to do a full clean of the body and canister.

1 Unscrew the brush head from the base to remove the lid and outer shell.
2 Push the pump button to release the inner canister.
3 Unscrew the inner canister to remove the lid.
4 Using your cleaning brush and an antibacterial makeup brush cleanser, or a mild dish detergent if the brush is especially greasy, scrub all parts of the applicator thoroughly to remove residue.
5 Rinse off all cleanser or detergent completely. Repeat the steps above until the applicator is clean.
6 Leave your SUNNYBOD™ brush to dry completely before reassembling and using again. The outer canister can be polished with a soft cloth if you like.

Sunscreen care tip

Your brush is designed for applying sunscreen, not storing it. If you refill regularly, discard any old sunscreen from the canister daily that is not used and clean it out before adding a fresh batch. Sunscreen that has been removed from its original packaging may have an effect on its efficacy, so when in doubt, start fresh and always follow your sunscreen manufacturer's instructions before decanting.

How to clean the brush head

The bristles on your SUNNYBOD™ brush are made from PBT, a soft synthetic fibre that works well for applying sunscreen. Here is how to clean the head properly without causing shedding or breakage.

1 Add a small amount of antibacterial makeup brush cleanser to your silicone cleaning bowl. To sanitise the head, you can use a cleanser containing 70% isopropyl alcohol.
2 Wet the tips of the bristles with tepid water.
3 Gently swirl the brush on the raised surface of your cleansing bowl to work up a lather. This helps push out old sunscreen from between the bristles. For especially greasy brush heads, you can also leave the head to soak for a few minutes in the cleanser solution before swirling.
4 Rinse with tepid water until all soap is gone. If the brush still looks or feels greasy, repeat the steps above.
5 Shake out excess water and pat gently with a clean paper towel, moving in the direction of the bristles.
6 Lay flat to dry completely before next use. Never stand the brush bristle-side down while wet.

Be gentle with the bristles

For everyday cleaning, avoid cleansers with a high alcohol content or harsh solvents, as these can loosen the glue that holds the brush head together over time. Use tepid water rather than hot, and always be gentle. Aggressive scrubbing is the main cause of shedding and breakage with synthetic brush fibres.

What not to do

A few things that will shorten the life of your brush:

× Put any part of the brush in the dishwasher. The SUNNYBOD™ brush is not dishwasher safe.
× Use cleansers with a high alcohol content or harsh solvents on the bristles or body for everyday cleaning.
× Use the brush for long-term sunscreen storage. Clean out old product regularly.
× Leave the brush in a hot environment, such as in the car or sitting in the sun. Heat can degrade sunscreen and affect how it performs. 

Accessories that make cleaning easier

SUNNYBOD™ includes a cleaning brush with every order (terms and conditions apply) which is ideal for scrubbing the inner canister and pump. A silicone brush cleaning bowl, available separately, makes deep-cleaning the brush head more effective than cleaning by hand alone. Replacement brush heads are also available from the SUNNYBOD™ online store, so you are never caught without a fresh one when it is time to swap. As an added bonus, every SUNNYBOD applicator comes with a Brush Pouch to protect your new favourite accessory. 

Important

The SUNNYBOD™ Refillable Sunscreen Brush is sold as an empty applicator. SUNNYBOD™ takes no responsibility for misuse, efficacy, reactions, or effects from the product used in it, and it is not designed for the long-term storage of sunscreen. Always follow the guidelines of your sunscreen's manufacturer. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection; always use a hat, protective clothing, sunglasses, and seek shade, and reapply frequently.[2]

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my sunscreen applicator brush?

Wipe the bristles and clear the pump after every use, do a full deep clean of the brush body and head weekly, and replace the brush head at least once a month. If you use your brush every day or share it with others, sanitise between uses and lean toward more frequent head replacements.

What is the best way to clean a refillable sunscreen applicator brush?

Use an antibacterial makeup brush cleanser and a silicone cleaning bowl for the head, and the included cleaning brush with an antibacterial cleanser or mild dish detergent for the canister and pump. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water, pat dry in the direction of the bristles, and leave flat to dry completely before using again.

Can I use soap and water to clean my SPF brush?

A mild dish detergent works well if the brush is particularly greasy. For regular cleaning, an antibacterial makeup brush cleanser is a good choice, as it is formulated to be gentle on brush fibres while removing product residue.

How do I clean the canister of a refillable sunscreen brush?

Unscrew the brush head from the base, push the pump to release the inner canister, then unscrew the lid. Scrub all parts with your cleaning brush and an antibacterial cleanser or mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and leave to dry completely before reassembling. The SUNNYBOD SPF applicator pumps product cleaning from the canister, so minimal residue is left over. 

How do I maintain good SPF brush hygiene?

The after-every-use, weekly, monthly routine covers the essentials. Beyond that, always discard old sunscreen before refilling, never store the brush for long periods with product inside. Replace heads regularly, especially if the brush is used by more than one person.

Is the SUNNYBOD™ sunscreen brush dishwasher safe?

No. The SUNNYBOD™ Refillable Sunscreen Brush is not dishwasher safe. Clean it by hand using the steps above.

The bottom line

Keeping your sunscreen brush clean is simple once you have a routine: wipe clean after every use to remove excess product from the brush, deep clean weekly, and replace the head monthly. Use an antibacterial makeup brush cleanser, be gentle with the bristles, avoid the dishwasher and harsh solvents, and never store sunscreen in the brush long term. For shared use, sanitise the head between people or assign a brush each. A little regular care keeps your brush working well and ready whenever you need it.

 

Keep your brush in top condition

From replacement brush heads to cleaning accessories, everything you need to look after your SUNNYBOD™ brush is in one place. Explore the full range and keep sun protection simple, clean, and ready to go.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and is not intended to replace medical or professional advice. Always follow sun-safety recommendations from your local health authorities. Sunscreen should be used in combination with other sun-protection measures, including protective clothing, hats, shade, and sunglasses. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about sunscreen use, skin sensitivities, or individual needs. Always consult your sunscreen manufacturer before transferring product from its original packaging as doing so may affect efficacy.

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About Our Content

Welcome to The SUNNYBOD™ Blog — your go-to space for sun safety tips, parenting advice, expert insights, and all things outdoors. We’re passionate about making sunscreen fun, simple, and mess-free for families and sun lovers everywhere. Explore how-to guides, get your questions answered, discover parent hacks, and learn smarter ways to protect your skin. Whether you're a beach-goer, outdoor adventurer, or everyday parent, this is your hub for staying sun-safe with confidence and ease.