Clean tools aren’t optional in the lash world—they’re essential. Whether you’re a professional lash artist or maintaining your personal lash tools at home, knowing how to clean spoolies, lash tweezers, and brushes properly protects your clients, improves retention, and extends the life of your tools.
This guide covers how often to clean lash tools, the safest cleaning methods for each tool type, and the best products to use to maintain hygiene without damaging precision tools.
Why Cleaning Lash Tools Matters
Lash tools come into direct contact with the eye area—one of the most sensitive parts of the body. Dirty tools can harbor:
- Bacteria and microbes
- Oil and makeup residue
- Adhesive buildup
Improperly cleaned tools increase the risk of irritation, infection, poor lash retention, and damaged extensions. For lash artists, clean tools are also a professional standard and often required for compliance.
How Often Should You Clean Lash Tools?
- Spoolies & brushes: After every client or daily for personal use
- Tweezers: After every set and between clients
- Lash cleansing brushes: After each use
Consistency matters just as much as technique.
How to Clean a Spoolie (Mascara Wand)
If you’re wondering how to clean a spoolie or how to clean an eyelash brush, the process is simple but important.
What You’ll Need
- Warm water
- Gentle soap or lash-safe cleanser
- Clean towel or paper towel
Step-by-Step
- Rinse the spoolie under warm water
- Apply a small amount of gentle soap
- Gently rotate the spoolie in your palm
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear
- Lay flat to air dry
For professional use, disposable spoolies are recommended to maintain hygiene standards.
How to Clean an Eyebrow Brush
The process for cleaning eyebrow brushes is nearly identical to cleaning spoolies. Because these brushes collect oil, skin cells, and product buildup, regular cleaning helps prevent cross-contamination—especially in salon settings.
Always allow eyebrow brushes to dry completely before reuse.
How to Clean Lash Tweezers Safely
Lash tweezers require extra care. Adhesive residue, buildup, and improper cleaning can affect precision and alignment.
What to Avoid
- Harsh chemicals
- Acetone soaking
- Abrasive scrubbing
Best Method for Cleaning Lash Tweezers
- Remove adhesive buildup with a lash-safe cleanser
- Use a dedicated tweezer cleanser to break down residue
- Rinse or wipe with a lint-free pad
- Allow to dry fully before storage
Proper cleaning helps preserve the performance of professional lash tweezers and ensures consistent pickup.
How to Clean a Lash Cleansing Brush
Lash cleansing brushes are designed to remove buildup from the lash line, which means they collect oil and debris quickly.
- Rinse with warm water immediately after use
- Apply gentle soap or cleanser
- Massage bristles gently
- Rinse thoroughly
- Air dry with bristles facing downward
Using a clean lash cleansing brush ensures effective lash prep and better retention.
Best Products for Cleaning Lash Tools
Using professional-grade products designed specifically for lash tools reduces damage and improves longevity.
- Disposable spoolies for client hygiene
- Dedicated tweezer cleanser for adhesive breakdown
- Lash-safe cleansing brushes
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clean lash tools properly is a foundational skill for lash artists and beauty professionals. Clean tools protect clients, improve results, and elevate your professionalism.
Investing in proper cleaning products and maintaining consistent hygiene routines sets you apart—and your work will show it.