How to Clean False Eyelashes for Reuse: 4 Tried-and-Tested Methods

False eyelashes are the easiest way to increase the volume of your lashes and add an extra pop to any Glam look.

However, if you get into the habit of using falsies on a regular basis, it can become very pricey. High quality, natural-looking false eyelashes are expensive, and replacing them adds up quickly.

It's ok to reuse your false eyelashes as long as you keep them clean! Both MAC and Ardell lashes are great options for reuse.

The glue that is used to adhere falsies can build up on the lash band and sometimes prevent new glue from adhering.

In addition, makeup like mascara, eyeliner, and sparkly eyeshadows that we use to enhance the lash line can also build up and make lashes appear dull and heavy.

All of this build-up can ruin the false lashes and make it difficult to get them to adhere to your lash line again. Furthermore, dirty lashes can lead to bacterial build-up and increase the chances of developing an eye infection.

If you plan on saving your already worn falsies for your next special occasion, you may be looking for a hack to keep them clean and maintained.

Method 1: Hot Water & Dish Soap

Using dish soap is by far the easiest and most economical way of keeping your falsies clean. Not only is liquid dish soap mild and effective, but it's also something that’s always on hand.

Liquid dish soap will clean any makeup and bacteria that may be stuck on your false lashes.

Things you’ll need:

• Hot water
• Liquid dish soap
• Paper towel
• Tweezers
• Clean mascara brush

Step 1. Dip the dirty lashes in a warm, soapy solution

• Pour ¼ cup of hot water into a wide dish.
• Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap and mix it in well.
• Soak the lashes in the solution for 15 seconds.

Step 2. Remove the glue and rinse the lashes with warm water

• Take the lashes out of the soapy solution.
• Using tweezers, gently pull out any remaining glue from the lash band of your falsies.
• When done, rinse the lashes with clean, warm water.

Step 3. Blot them dry and put them back in their box

• Place the cleaned lashes on a paper towel.
• Fold the paper over them and blot gently to soak up all the water.
• Use a clean mascara brush to fan out the lashes, if they are stuck together.
• Let them air-dry for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Use tweezers to pick them up and place them back in their box.

Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol

Your next option to keeping your falsies clean and refreshed is using rubbing alcohol.

Rubbing alcohol acts as an excellent cleaning and stain removal agent and can be used in a variety of ways for health and beauty.

It not only helps loosen all the makeup and glue but also disinfects the lashes in the process.

Step 1. Soak the falsies in rubbing alcohol & clean them with cotton swabs

• Pour some rubbing alcohol into a container. The quantity should be enough in which to submerge the lashes completely.
• Put the used lashes in the alcohol and allow it to soak for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Use 2 cotton swabs to gently rub the makeup and glue off the lashes and lash band.

Step 2. Soak up any excess liquid and put the clean lashes in their box

• Use tweezers to retrieve the lashes from the solution and put them on a paper towel.
• Fold the paper over and blot the top of the lashes to soak up any remaining alcohol.
• If needed, fan out the lashes with a clean mascara brush.
• Place the lashes back inside their box until you need them again.

Method 3: Eye Makeup Remover

Just like you use it for your eyes, your eye makeup remover can be used to clean false eyelashes for reuse.

Simply spray a generous amount of remover onto the lashes and rub them with a cotton swab. Voila! Super clean falsies.

Things you’ll need:

• Eye makeup remover
• Cotton swabs
• Paper towel

Single-Step Method: Spray eye makeup remover on the lashes & clean them with cotton swabs

• Place the used eyelashes on a wadded paper towel.
• Spray a generous amount of eye makeup remover on the lashes. If your makeup remover is not in a spray form, pour a small amount of the remover into a bowl and dip the used lashes allowing them to soak for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Grab one end of the lashes with tweezers to hold it in place. Use a cotton swab to rub the loosened makeup and glue off. Rub the cotton swab in the direction of the lashes, starting from the lash line and moving toward the tips.
• Once the lashes are sufficiently clean, pull out the stuck glue from the lash band using the tweezers.
• Store them in the lash case until the next time you are ready to rock your eyelashes.

Method 4: Coconut Oil

You probably already know how to use coconut oil to remove makeup and guess what!  You can also use coconut oil to clean and refresh false eyelashes for reuse.

Things you’ll need:

• Coconut oil
• Paper towel
• Cotton swabs
• Tweezers

Single-Step Method: Rub coconut oil on the false lashes

• Place the dirty lashes on a paper towel.
• Dip a cotton swab in coconut oil and rub it over the lashes to loosen the built-up makeup and glue.
• Continue to rub the lashes with the soaked cotton swab until clean. You can use a fresh cotton swab and more oil if needed.
• Soak up any excess oil by blotting the lashes with a fresh paper towel.
• Pull out the leftover glue from the lash line using tweezers.
• Place them back in the box they came in to maintain their shape.

Additional Tips

• Always wash your hands before touching your false lashes to prevent any impurities from getting into your eyes.
• When trying to pull out glue from the lash line, do not pull with too much force or you’ll end up plucking out the lashes, making them look unnatural.
• Always store the lashes in their box between uses. Also, it is best to use boxes that have curved platforms to maintain the natural curved shape of the lashes.
• You can also use baby shampoo instead of liquid dish soap to clean your false eyelashes.