I let it soak in my sink with warm water and soap for awhile then when i took it out i squeezed it a bit to get excess water out and make up and the brsitles all came outyes this is a very nice blending brush bristles are very soft and its eco friendly but for how much it cost and for it to completley fall apart after you wash iti have no choice though because i have tried soo many brushes and this is the best so i just have to keep buying new ones every few months because i cant risk leaving it dirty and getting all that filth on my face