This virus cleaning hack includes a microwave and a makeup sponge.

If you love using makeup sponges to apply foundation and achieve flawless coverage, chances are you already know about one downside to being a makeup sponge lover – they need to be thoroughly cleaned. While you can wash your makeup brushes, cleaning your makeup sponge is a different story, as evidenced by your (perhaps) permanently soiled sponge. And that explains why the internet went crazy over the makeup sponge cleaning hack popularized on social media using your favorite handy kitchen appliance: the microwave. That's right, no special tools or cleaning products are required. But before you rush out to try hacking yourself, read on to find out everything you need to know.

How to clean a makeup sponge in the microwave

Ready for clean makeup sponges? We spoke with board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Dhawal Bhanusali about his thoughts on the latest make-up sponge viral hack. While he admits he doesn't know enough about this particular hack, he maintains a surge of interest in cleaning makeup sponges. Why? Because dirty makeup sponges are a major cause of breakouts in his patients. “I’m all for people cleaning their makeup as often as possible,” he says. So why not try the trendy way? Here's how to clean makeup sponges with a little help from the microwave:

Step one: Prepare a mixture of detergent and water. It is not enough to heat makeup sponges in the microwave to make them look like new. Actually, this is a bad idea. To try this hack, you will need to use a few pen. In a microwave-safe cup, mix a mild facial cleanser, brush cleanser, or baby shampoo with water.  

Step Two: Warm up the makeup sponges in the mixture. Dip any sponges you wish to clean into the cup, making sure they are completely saturated. Now it's time to use the microwave. Put the cup inside and set the timer for one minute - that's all it takes. 

Step three: remove and rinse. When the clock is up, carefully remove the cup. You should see the water change color as the makeup residue collects. Now all you need to do is wring out any mixture that may be left on your sponge (be careful not to burn your fingers!), and rinse off any remaining soap. Once you've taken these steps, you can get back to applying and blending your face makeup.

I'm all for people cleaning their makeup as often as possible. Dirty foods are a HUGE cause of breakouts in my patients. 

3 things to know before you microwave your favorite makeup sponge

This hack might seem too good to be true, and while we won't go that far, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start entering numbers on your microwave.

1. You can shorten the life of the sponge. According to Dr. Bhanusali, there is a possibility that the heat from the microwave oven can break down the fibers of the sponge and affect its long-term viability. However, this should not necessarily discourage you from trying this hack. The truth is that makeup sponges don't stand the test of time. Even if you clean your sponges diligently, you will need to replace them regularly (about every three months) to maintain beauty hygiene. 

2. Do not wring out a wet sponge immediately. When your microwave rings to warn you that time is up, you might be tempted to immediately grab your makeup sponge. But don't do it. Remember that we are talking about hot water. To avoid burning yourself, let the makeup sponge cool for a few minutes and then squeeze out the excess water.

3. Your sponge must be damp. Do not skip wetting the sponge for fear of getting burned, this will certainly lead to unpleasant consequences. In fact, others have already tried it. The early adopters of this life hack quickly learned the hard way that putting a dry sponge in the microwave results in burnt and melted porridge.