If you can't remember the last time you sanitized your false lashes, it's time to start taking the "clean up" part seriously. You don't wear the same mascara wand for a year, so why would you wear lashes that have been sitting in a dusty case with old glue and bacteria?

I wasn't always clean. I used to toss lashes back into their tray after a night out, glue and all. Then one morning I opened the tray and saw — from experience — what a lash case can become. Let's just say I did a deep dive into sanitizing every single pair.

YOUR LASH TRAY IS A GERM PARKING LOT

Think about everything your lashes touch: your eyelids, your makeup, your fingers, the little bin where you stash them when you're in a hurry. Every time you wear them, they pick up oils, mascara residue, and dead skin. If you store them in a closed case with a bit of old glue left over, that's basically a damp, warm room for bacteria.

I started cleaning my lashes after a friend got a stye from borrowing a pair. That honestly scared me into a routine. Now I sanitize my collection every week — and it takes less than five minutes.

THE 3-STEP SANITIZE ROUTINE (THAT TAKES 5 MINUTES)

1. Strip the old glue. Hold the band with tweezers and gently pull off any dried adhesive.
2. Brush with micellar water. Dip a clean spoolie into oil-free micellar water and brush the lashes top and bottom. This lifts away makeup residue and oils.
3. Spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Put the lashes in a clean tray and spray them lightly with alcohol. Let them air dry on a paper towel for about 30 minutes before returning them to the case.

This method kills bacteria without wrecking the lash fibers. Just don't soak them in alcohol — a light mist is enough.

HOW TO STORE LASHES SO THEY STAY CLEAN

• Keep every pair in its original tray with the lid closed.
• Don't store lashes in your bathroom. The humidity causes the band to warp and germs to grow.
• Wipe out the lash tray once a week with alcohol.
• Never share lashes. Even with your best friend.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN HYGIENIC LASHES

Some lashes are more hygienic than others. When you buy a new pair, look for:

• A smooth band that doesn't absorb excess glue
• Fibers that don't soak up oils easily
• No leftover residue from the glue factory
• Materials that tolerate alcohol-based cleansers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sanitize false lashes with alcohol?

Yes. Lightly mist with 70% isopropyl alcohol and let them air dry. Do not soak the lashes in alcohol, as that can dry out the fibers.

How often should I clean my false lashes?

If you wear them daily, sanitize once a week. If you only wear them on weekends, sanitize once every two weeks. Always remove old glue before storing.

Is it safe to share false lashes with a friend?

No. Sharing false lashes can transfer bacteria and cause eye infections like styes or conjunctivitis. Always keep your lashes to yourself.

📚 Browse our complete library of lash guides →