How to Clean False Lashes Safely So You Can Reuse Them
If you want to know how to clean false lashes, the safest method is to remove old glue, wipe away makeup residue with micellar water or oil-free makeup remover, sanitise the lash band, let the lashes air dry, then store them in their original tray.
Properly cleaning false lashes helps protect your eyes, keeps the lash band flexible, and gives you more wears from each pair. This guide covers how to clean false eyelashes, how to clean fake lashes, how to remove lash glue, how to wash false eyelashes without damaging them, and how to store reusable strip lashes.
To clean false lashes: gently peel old glue from the band with tweezers, wipe the lash band and fibres with micellar water on a cotton swab, sanitise the band if needed, let the lashes air dry completely, then place them back into their tray.
Avoid soaking false lashes, using heat, pulling the fibres, or storing them while damp.
What this page covers
- Why you should clean false lashes
- When to clean false lashes
- What you need to clean fake lashes
- How to clean false lashes step by step
- How do you wash false eyelashes safely?
- How to remove lash glue from false lashes
- How to dry and store false lashes
- When to replace false lashes
- Common lash cleaning mistakes
Why Clean False Lashes?
Cleaning false lashes is not only about getting more wears from them. It is also about eye hygiene. Used lashes can collect glue residue, eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, skin oils, dust and bacteria.
If you reuse lashes without cleaning them, you increase the chance of irritation, poor adhesion, visible glue buildup and the lash band losing its shape.
When to Clean False Lashes
Clean false lashes after every use
You should clean false lashes after each wear, especially if you used lash glue, eyeliner, mascara or heavy eye makeup.
- Remove glue residue before it hardens into thick buildup.
- Remove makeup residue so the lashes look fresh next time.
- Help maintain the lash shape by storing them clean in the tray.
- Reduce hygiene risks before the next application.
Check lashes before reuse
Even if the lashes were cleaned after the last wear, check them before applying them again. Look for old glue, dust, loose fibres, stiffness, odour or any sign that the lash band is damaged.
What You Need to Clean Fake Lashes
You do not need a complicated kit to clean fake lashes. The main thing is to use gentle tools and avoid soaking or tugging.
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Tweezers | Helps gently peel dried glue from the lash band. |
| Cotton swabs | Useful for cleaning the lash band and removing makeup residue. |
| Micellar water | Helps clean makeup residue without harsh scrubbing. |
| Oil-free makeup remover | Good for removing eyeliner, mascara and makeup from the band. |
| Clean towel or tissue | Creates a clean surface for drying lashes. |
| Original lash tray | Helps lashes keep their curve while stored. |
Important: Avoid harsh cleansers, bleach, hot water, rough scrubbing or hair dryers. False lashes need gentle handling.
How to Clean False Lashes Step by Step
This is the safest everyday method if you are searching for how to clean false lashes, how do I clean false lashes or how to clean fake lashes.
Step 1: Remove the lashes gently
Peel the lashes off carefully from the outer corner. Do not pull hard from the fibres. If the lash feels stuck, loosen the glue first with a little makeup remover on a cotton swab.
Step 2: Remove glue from the lash band
- Hold the lash by the band, not the fibres.
- Use tweezers to gently lift old glue from the band.
- Work slowly from one side to the other.
- Do not pull the band out of shape.
- Remove as much old glue as possible before cleaning the fibres.
Step 3: Clean makeup residue
- Dip a cotton swab into micellar water or oil-free makeup remover.
- Wipe along the lash band to remove eyeliner, glue and mascara residue.
- Gently wipe the fibres from base to tip if needed.
- Use a fresh cotton swab when the first one becomes dirty.
- Keep the lash damp, not soaking wet.
Step 4: Sanitise the lash band if needed
If you want an extra hygiene step, lightly wipe the lash band with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton pad or cotton swab. Focus on the band rather than saturating the fibres.
Step 5: Air dry completely
Lay the lashes on a clean towel or tissue and let them air dry fully. Do not use a hair dryer or direct heat.
Step 6: Store in the original tray
Once dry, place the lashes back into their original tray so they keep their curve and stay protected from dust.
How Do You Wash False Eyelashes Safely?
If you are asking how do you wash false eyelashes, the main rule is: do not soak them. False lashes can be cleaned with a damp cotton swab, but full soaking can weaken the band, loosen fibres and distort the shape.
Best method: damp-clean false lashes with micellar water or oil-free makeup remover instead of fully submerging them in water.
If the lashes need a deeper clean, use a tiny amount of gentle soap or baby shampoo mixed with water on a cotton swab, then wipe carefully and remove any residue with a clean damp swab.
Avoid washing lashes under running water unless they are very durable and you are comfortable with the risk. For most reusable strip lashes, controlled damp cleaning is safer.
How to Remove Lash Glue from False Lashes
Old lash glue is one of the main reasons false lashes become uncomfortable or hard to reuse. Removing glue from the band keeps the lash flexible and helps it stick better next time.
For regular lash glue
- Let the glue dry fully before peeling.
- Use tweezers to gently lift the glue from the band.
- Work slowly so you do not tear the lash band.
- Wipe the band with micellar water after removing the glue.
For stubborn lash glue
- Apply a small amount of oil-free makeup remover to the glue.
- Let it soften for a short time.
- Gently peel the glue away with tweezers.
- Repeat if needed instead of forcing it.
For waterproof lash glue
Waterproof lash glue may need a dedicated lash glue remover or oil-based remover. If you use oil, make sure the lash band is cleaned afterwards because leftover oil can stop glue sticking properly next time.
Do not force glue off. If glue will not come away cleanly, soften it first. Pulling too hard can tear the band or remove fibres.
How to Dry and Store False Lashes After Cleaning
After cleaning false lashes, the drying and storage step matters. Storing lashes while damp can affect the band, encourage odour, and ruin the lash shape.
How to dry false lashes
- Air dry only.
- Place lashes on a clean tissue or lint-free towel.
- Keep the lash curve intact while drying.
- Do not use a hair dryer, radiator or heated tool.
- Wait until the lash band is completely dry before storage.
How to store false lashes
- Use the original lash tray whenever possible.
- Store in a clean, dry place.
- Keep away from heat, steam and direct sunlight.
- Do not leave lashes loose in a makeup bag.
- Keep pairs together so the shape stays consistent.
Cleaning Different Types of False Lashes
When to Replace False Lashes
Even with the best cleaning routine, false lashes do not last forever. Replace them when they stop looking clean, comfortable or safe to use.
Common False Lash Cleaning Mistakes
Get More Wears From Every Pair
The better you clean and store your strip lashes, the better your cost per wear. A reusable lash routine helps you keep your favourite everyday, soft glam and full glam styles looking fresh for longer.
Wear again with proper care.
Lower cost per wear.
Fresh bands sit better.
Keep lashes in their tray.
Current lash offer: selected lashes include free delivery and 3 for 2 at checkout where eligible.
False Lash Cleaning Routine
Remove glue + wipe residue + air dry + store in tray = better reusable lashes.
- Remove lashes gently from the outer corner.
- Peel old glue from the lash band.
- Clean residue with micellar water or oil-free remover.
- Sanitise the band if needed.
- Air dry completely.
- Store in the original tray.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my false lashes?
Clean false lashes after every use. At minimum, remove glue residue and wipe away makeup from the band before storing them.
How do you wash false eyelashes?
Use a damp cotton swab with micellar water or gentle cleanser to clean the lash band and fibres. Avoid soaking the lashes fully in water because this can damage the band.
Can I use regular soap to clean false lashes?
You can use a very gentle, fragrance-free soap or baby shampoo, but use it sparingly and avoid soaking the lashes. Remove all residue and let lashes air dry completely.
How do I remove stubborn waterproof lash glue?
Use a lash glue remover or a small amount of makeup remover to soften the glue first, then gently peel it away with tweezers. Do not force the glue off the band.
Is it safe to use alcohol to clean false lashes?
70% isopropyl alcohol can be used lightly on the lash band for sanitising. Let it evaporate completely before storing or reusing the lashes.
How many times can I reuse false lashes if I clean them properly?
Many reusable strip lashes can be worn multiple times with proper cleaning and storage. The exact number depends on lash quality, glue buildup, handling and whether the band stays intact.
Can I put false lashes in water to clean them?
It is better not to soak false lashes in water. Use damp cotton swabs or pads instead so the lash band does not become warped or weakened.
What should I do if my lashes lose their shape after cleaning?
Place them back into the original lash tray while they are dry or slightly damp from cleaning. If the band is permanently warped or stiff, it is time to replace them.
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