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How To Clean Fake Eyelashes The Right Way & Tips To Follow

Learn ways to clean your falsies to make them look authentic and last longer.

Reviewed by Daria Kruchinina, Licensed Esthetician
Written by Esha Saxena, MA (Mass Communication & Media Studies)

Edited by Subhrojyoti Mukherjee, MA (English)

Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) • Mar 8, 2024

How To Clean Fake Eyelashes The Right Way & Tips To Follow

Image: Shutterstock

Learn how to clean fake eyelashes the right way to make them last longer! False eyelashes have a significant impact on your entire appearance. Whether you want voluminous eyelashes or a more sensational fringe, the perfect pair of lashes will do the trick. Although you may be used to throwing away your false eyelashes after a weekend of fun, we are here to inform you that as long as you know how to clean false lashes, you can reuse them. If you are looking for some fast fixes to make your falsies last longer and appear new even after several uses, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more!

Keep In Mind

Reusable: Reusable A fake eyelash can be reused up to 5 times. If it is made of mink or silk, it can be used up to 20 times.
Nourish The Lashes: Reusable Nourish your natural lashes and keep them moisturized with castor oil to avoid unhealthy lashes from adhesive use.
Caution: Reusable Do not use alcohol to remove or clean the lashes if you have skin allergies like eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin.

In This Article

How To Clean False Eyelashes For Reuse

Even your most inexpensive pair of false eyelashes need some good old cleaning so that they look and feel fresh. The first and foremost trick is to remove them gently with the help of an oil-free eye makeup remover instead of just pulling them off your lids (a BIG no-no!). Here are a bunch of tried-and-tested techniques to clean your false lashes with utter perfection.

Cleaning False Eyelashes With Dish Soap

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need

Liquid dish soap
Wide dish
Hot water
Paper towels
Clean mascara wand
Tweezers

Procedure

Step 1: Pour some hot water into a wide dish. Add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap and mix it in well.

Step 2: Place your lashes in this soapy solution for about 15 seconds.

Step 3: Once you take your lashes out, use a pair of sharp tweezers that you would use only for this on a regular basis to pull out any remaining glue from the lash strips gently.

Step 4: Rinse the lashes with warm water.

Step 5: Blot the lashes on a paper towel to remove excess water or any remaining dampness. If you find that your lashes are stuck together, use a clean mascara wand to brush them out.

Step 6: Once the lashes are completely dry, use your tweezers to place them back into the box.

Cleaning False Eyelashes Using Alcohol

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need

Rubbing alcohol
Glass container
Cotton swabs
Tweezers
Paper towels
Clean mascara wand

Procedure

Step 1: Pour a bit of rubbing alcohol in a glass container. It should be enough to submerge the lashes completely.

Step 2: Place the lashes in the alcohol for about a minute.

Step 3: Use cotton swabs to gently rub off the glue and gunk out of the lashes and the lash bands.

Step 4: Place the false eyelashes on a paper towel to blot and soak up any remnants of the alcohol. Drying them before putting them in proper storage is very important.

Step 5: If your lashes look a little clumpy, use a mascara wand to fan them out.

Step 6: Use your tweezers to place them back inside their box.

Cleaning False Eyelashes With Eye Makeup Remover

Clean false eyelashes with eye makeup remover

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need

Oil-free eye makeup remover
Glass bowl
Cotton swabs
Paper towels
Tweezers

Procedure

Step 1: Pour a small amount of eye makeup remover into a glass bowl, and place your lashes in this solution for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 2: Once you remove them, place them on a paper towel. Use cotton swabs to rub the loosened gunk off of them.

Step 3: Use tweezers to pull out any remaining glue from the base strip.

Step 4: Once your lashes are clean and dry, store them in their box until you need them again.

Quick Tip

You can use micellar water in a similar process to clean your fake eyelashes too. However, soak the lashes in it for 10-15 minutes, as micellar water is milder.

Cleaning False Eyelashes Using Coconut Oil

Image: Shutterstock

The added benefit of using coconut oil to clean your falsies is that they can be cleaned while you’re still wearing them!

What You Need

Extra virgin coconut oil
Paper towels
Cotton swabs
Tweezers

Procedure

Step 1: Place your used lashes on a paper towel.

Step 2: To loosen the built-up mascara and glue residue, dip a cotton swab in some coconut oil and rub it over the false lashes.

Step 3: Remove any leftover traces of glue from the lash strip with a pair of tweezers.

Step 4: Using a fresh paper towel, soak up any excess oil by blotting the lashes.

Step 5: Once your lashes are completely clean, gently place them back inside their box.

Clean False Eyelashes Using Baby Shampoo

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need

Mild baby shampoo
Warm water
Cotton swabs
Paper towels
Tweezers

Procedure

Step 1: Dilute a teaspoon of baby shampoo in about a quarter cup of warm water.

Step 2: Place your eyelashes in this soapy solution and allow them to soak for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Blot out any excess water from the lashes using paper towels.

Step 4: If there are any traces of adhesive still stuck to the lash bands, gently remove them with your tweezers.

Step 5: Place the lashes back into their box, so their shape is maintained until you use them the next time.

Wendy, a YouTuber, shares how she cleans her false eyelashes with a mild eyelash shampoo. She cleans the falsies with the shampoo and appropriately brushes them for maximum cleanliness and no boogers. She also says, “I don’t use oils on my lashes, I’m scared I might ruin my lashes (i).

Cleaning Individual False Eyelashes

Image: Shutterstock

Individual falsies or cluster lashes are far more delicate, and it’s easier to damage their hairs. You need to be very gentle while cleaning them.

What You Need

Oil-free eye makeup remover or coconut oil
Cotton pads
Tweezers

Procedure

Step 1: Soak a cotton pad in an oil-free eye makeup remover or coconut oil, and hold the pad over your closed eyelid for about 30 seconds to break down the glue.

Step 2: Once the lashes are loose enough to lift, gently remove them without pulling onto your skin.

Step 3: Place each cluster lash between two fresh cotton pads soaked in makeup remover. Gently rub them to remove any leftover grime.

Step 4: When they are dry and clean, use a pair of tweezers to place them back inside their box.

However, it is not usually recommended to clean and reuse individual lashes as they may lose a proper curl and shape and are extremely fragile.

Now that you have a fair idea of how to clean false lashes, here are some tips and precautions that will come in handy when you’re doing this.

Tips: Cleaning And Maintaining False Eyelashes To Get The Most Out Of Them

It is important to wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your falsies to prevent any germs or impurities from getting into your eye.

While removing your fake eyelashes, do not use too much force to pull the glue off from the lash line. This will not just ruin your falsies but also pluck out your natural lashes. Instead, dab some eye makeup remover on a cotton pad and let it soak into the adhesive, so the lashes come off with ease.
It’s best to store your lashes in their boxes between uses. The curved platform helps in the maintenance and care of the naturally curved shape of your falsies.
Do not apply harsh chemicals directly to your falsies while you’re wearing them. Your eyes and the area surrounding them are incredibly sensitive.
Wearing your false eyelashes for extended periods may damage your hair follicles. In rare cases, the lash extensions may cause lash loss also. It is crucial to give your natural lashes a break from any kind of makeup or adhesives every now and then.
To maintain proper eye hygiene, the removal of your false lashes before you hit the bed is especially important. If you sleep with them on overnight, it can cause eye irritation or an infection due to the adhesive.

Quick Tip

If you notice that stubborn gunks have become harder to remove from your falsies or the lashes are falling apart, it is time to replace them.

Infographic: 6 Interesting Fake Eyelash Facts You Didn’t Know

Fake eyelashes are pretty incredible once you get used to them. They don’t stick, smudge, or clump together, are simple to remove, and give anyone magnificent, perfectly split, thick lashes instantly. But that’s not all! Check out the infographic below for more compelling reasons to keep fake eyelashes in your makeup bag.

6 interesting fake eyelash facts you didn't know (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

As you know how to clean fake eyelashes from the tips and tricks that we have shared above, you will be able to use them for a longer period. Fake eyelashes, whether made of artificial or synthetic materials, have become an integral part of the beauty and cosmetics industry, and hence using reusable ones instead of frequently disposable ones is better for the environment at large. You pay your hard-earned money on these items, so you must use them as much as possible instead of discarding them after a couple of uses. And the best part is that you can find all the materials you need in your house itself. From dish soap to coconut oil, eye makeup remover, alcohol, and baby shampoo, everything is just easily available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use micellar water to clean eyelash extensions?

Yes, you can use micellar water to remove dirt and makeup from eyelash extensions. Just dip a lash brush into micellar water and rub it gently on the lashes.

How often should one clean fake eyelashes?

Ideally, fake lashes should be cleaned after each use. To get rid of any makeup product, oil, debris, or bacteria.

How long do fake eyelashes last if cleaned and taken care of properly?

Depending on the quality of the lashes, they can last up to 3-5 uses.

Are there any specific cleaning products or solutions that work best for cleaning fake eyelashes?

No, but micellar water, oil-free makeup remover, and regular water with mild soap can be used to clean them.

Can you clean fake eyelashes using only water, or is it necessary to use a cleaning solution?

Clean your fake lashes using warm water with mild soap instead of the cleaning solution.

How can you make sure your fake eyelashes maintain their shape and style after cleaning them?

Store them in a clean, dry place, use high-quality glue, avoid using mascara, remove them gently, and clean them after each use.

Key Takeaways

Use an oil-free eye makeup remover to remove false eyelashes gently from your eyes.
Immerse them in makeup remover for 2-3 minutes to clean the sticky mess from them.
You can also use coconut oil to clean your eyelashes; dip a cotton swab in the oil and use it to gently clean your falsies of glue and mascara buildup.
Store your falsies in their boxes to maintain their curved shapes.

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Download

Clean and store your false lashes like a pro. These simple yet effective tips will increase their shelf life and keep them looking as good as new. Check out this video.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Cleaning my dirty lash extensions
https://youtube.com/shorts/KFmUsPoR_P8?si=TUyRkKLWcx1_aQw5

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