Last month, a reader told me she'd thrown away a £40 pair of lashes after one wear because she didn't know how to clean them. I almost cried. Cleaning your lashes isn't scary — it takes 5 minutes and doubles their life. Here's exactly how to do it without damaging the band.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T CLEAN YOUR LASHES

Every time you wear lashes, they pick up oil, mascara, and skin cells. Left alone, this buildup does three things:

• Makes the band hard and brittle
• Changes the shape of the lash curve
• Holds bacteria that can give you a stye

In one lab test, a lash wiped clean had 2,000 times fewer bacteria than a soiled one after 24 hours. That's enough reason for me.

MY SAFE CLEANING ROUTINE: 5 STEPS

1. Remove gently: Press a tape strip on the outer edge and peel slowly. Never tug the band.
2. Soak in warm soapy water: Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a single drop of baby shampoo. Soak for 1 minute.
3. Brush the band: Using a clean spoolie, brush the band side while it's still in the water. This will lift the glue residue.
4. Rinse under the tap: Turn the water to a gentle stream and rinse for 10 seconds. Use your fingers to be careful.
5. Air dry: Lay lashes on a dry paper towel with the curve pointing up. Wait 6-8 hours. Then store in their original box.

HOW TO KNOW IF A LASH IS PAST SAVING (AND HOW TO REMOVE OLD GLUE)

If the band feels like a wire, if the hairs are pointing in every direction, or if you have a stye nearby — it's time to let go. Most lashes last 5-10 wears with proper care. If you're reusing more than 20 times, you're probably pushing it.

When you're cleaning, don't pull the glue off. Instead, soak a cotton swab in an oil-free makeup remover and wipe the band until the glue balls up. Rinse with water and pat dry.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I clean lashes with micellar water?

Yes, but only if it's oil-free. Oily removers will break down the lash band and make it lose its curl.

Can I speed up drying time?

Putting lashes in front of a fan works, but never use a hair dryer. The heat will melt the band.

How often should I clean lashes?

Every single time you wear them. Even if you don't wear makeup, the glue picks up skin oil.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REUSABLE LASH

Lashes that survive multiple cleans have two things: a band that can bend without cracking, and a knot that stays tight after getting wet. If you look at a lash and see loose threads after one wash, it wasn't made to last.

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