How to Wash Reusable Lashes: 3 Easy Methods That Save You Money

HOW TO WASH REUSABLE LASHES: 3 EASY METHODS THAT SAVE YOU MONEY

YOU'RE THROWING AWAY MONEY EVERY TIME YOU SKIP THIS STEP

Let me guess what happens after you wear your favorite pair of lashes. You carefully peel them off, maybe you look at them for a second, and then you stick them back on the tray. You tell yourself you'll clean them tomorrow. But tomorrow comes, and you just grab a new pair instead. Sound familiar? You're not alone. I've talked to hundreds of readers who do the exact same thing. But here's the hard truth: dirty lashes are not just gross, they're expensive.

When you don't wash your lashes, you're letting makeup residue, dead skin cells, and oils from your eyelids build up on the band and the fibers. This buildup does three things. First, it makes the lash look dull and clumpy, so it never looks as good as the day you bought it. Second, it breaks down the adhesive properties of the band, making it harder to apply and easier to pop off mid-wear. Third, it transfers bacteria to your eye area, which can lead to styes or irritation. That's the last thing you want when you're trying to look glamorous.

The good news is that cleaning your lashes takes less than five minutes. And if you do it right, you can double or triple the lifespan of every single pair you own. That's like getting three pairs of lashes for the price of one.

THE TOOLS YOU NEED (YOU PROBABLY HAVE THEM ALREADY)

Before we dive into the methods, let's gather your supplies. You don't need any fancy, expensive cleaners. In fact, the best tools are probably sitting in your bathroom right now.

Micellar water (or an oil-free makeup remover) — oil-based removers will break down the glue and ruin the lash fibers.
A soft-bristled brush — a clean mascara wand or a spoolie works perfectly. An old toothbrush with soft bristles also works.
A small bowl or the cap of your makeup remover — just enough to soak the lashes.
A clean towel or paper towel — for drying.

One crucial rule: never use oil-based cleansers on your lashes. Oil breaks down the lash glue and causes the fibers to separate. Stick to water-based or micellar formulas.

METHOD 1: THE QUICK SOAK (FOR LIGHT WEAR)

This is your everyday method. If you wore your lashes for a few hours to dinner or a night out, and they don't have heavy makeup buildup, this is all you need.

Step 1: Pour a small amount of micellar water into a clean cap or bowl. You only need enough to cover the lash band and the lower half of the fibers. Step 2: Place your lashes in the liquid and let them soak for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not rub or scrub them while they're soaking. Step 3: Remove the lashes and gently press them between your fingers to dislodge any loose debris. Step 4: Lay them flat on a clean towel and let them air dry completely. Never put them away wet — moisture breeds bacteria and causes the band to warp.

METHOD 2: THE DEEP CLEAN (FOR HEAVY MAKEUP DAYS)

This is the method for when you wore heavy eye makeup, glitter, or waterproof everything. Your lashes are probably carrying a lot of residue, and they need a little more attention.

Step 1: Dip your soft-bristled brush into your micellar water. Step 2: Gently brush the lashes from the band upward, sweeping away any makeup particles. Work in small sections, moving from the inner corner to the outer corner of the lash. Step 3: Flip the lash over and brush the underside as well. This is where most of the eye shadow dust settles. Step 4: Rinse the lashes quickly under lukewarm running water (not hot, that will melt the fibers). Step 5: Pat them dry with a towel and reshape them by curling them around a cylindrical object, like a makeup bottle. Let them sit overnight to completely dry.

METHOD 3: THE RESCUE TREATMENT (FOR CLOGGED, STIFF BANDS)

If you've neglected your lashes for a while and the band is stiff with old glue, this method is your last resort before throwing them out.

Step 1: Soak the lashes in micellar water for 5 minutes. This longer soak helps to soften the stubborn adhesive. Step 2: Use a pair of tweezers to gently peel away any visible glue clumps from the band. Be very careful here — the band is delicate when wet. Step 3: Use your spoolie to comb through the fibers aggressively to separate any clumped hairs. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Step 5: If the band is still stiff after drying, it's time to retire the pair. Sometimes you just can't save them, and that's okay. But you'll know you did everything you could.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How often should I wash my reusable lashes?

Ideally, after every single wear. At the absolute minimum, every other wear. The longer you wait, the harder the buildup becomes to remove.

Can I use soap and water instead of micellar water?

Yes, but only a gentle, fragrance-free soap like baby shampoo. Regular hand soap can be too harsh and strip the color from the lash fibers. Make sure to rinse completely so no soap residue remains.

Why did my lashes lose their curl after washing?

This usually happens because they were stored flat while drying or they were exposed to hot water. Always reshape them around a curved surface while they dry. Heat and moisture are the enemies of a curl.

THE 3 SIGNS YOUR LASHES ARE PAST SAVING

Even with perfect care, all good things must come to an end. Here's how to know when to let go. First, if the band is permanently warped or kinked, it will never sit flush against your eyelid again. Second, if the fibers are visibly frayed or shedding, they won't provide the volume they once did. Third, if they have a lingering odor even after a deep clean, bacteria has taken root and you need to toss them immediately.

When you reach this point, don't be sad. Be excited about picking a new pair. But if you care for your lashes properly, that new pair will last you for months instead of weeks.

MAKE YOUR NEXT PAIR YOUR LAST PAIR FOR A WHILE

Now that you know how to care for your lashes, you need a pair that's worth the effort. PHANSTA LASHES are designed with durability in mind. Our bands are flexible and resilient, surviving multiple washes without losing their shape. Our fibers are silky and strong, holding their curl wash after wash. When you invest in a quality pair, the maintenance pays off. Stop buying cheap disposables and start building a collection that lasts.