Hi there,
Try using the cleanser for brushes...it's thinner and gets inbetween the brushes. MAC has one, but look online you can find cheaper alternatives. NYX has one that works well.
Also, what might help is to get the brush wet, hold it so the taklon bristles are faced sideways. Gently separate the compact bristles with your fingers and put the cleaner directly on those bristles. Work it around until you cover all sides of the brush. Then looking down at the brush, bristles pointed at you, separate the bristles with your finger and put product on the compact part. Rinse the same way.
Make sure you are drying them completely.
