How to Clean and Reuse False Eyelashes: Make Your Lashes Last 15-20 Wears

Why Reuse False Eyelashes?

Quality false eyelashes are an investment in your beauty routine. The good news? With proper care and cleaning, you can reuse your favorite lashes 15-20 times, making them incredibly cost-effective. Not only does this save you money, but it's also better for the environment.

Whether you have 3D mink lashes, cotton stem lashes, or self-adhesive styles, learning to properly clean and store them will extend their lifespan significantly.

When Should You Clean Your Lashes?

Clean your false eyelashes after every single wear. This prevents:

• Buildup of makeup, oils, and bacteria
• Hardened glue that damages the lash band
• Loss of shape and curl
• Eye infections from bacteria growth
• Difficulty applying them next time

What You'll Need

Gather these supplies before you start:

• Oil-based makeup remover or micellar water
• Cotton swabs or pads
• Tweezers (preferably with a pointed tip)
• Small bowl of warm water
• Gentle cleanser or baby shampoo
• Clean towel or paper towel
• Original lash packaging or storage case

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Step 1: Remove Lashes Gently

Never rip or pull your lashes off! This damages both the false lashes and your natural ones.

• Start at the outer corner of your eye
• Gently lift the lash band away from your lid
• Peel slowly across to the inner corner
• If using lash glue, apply oil-based remover to loosen the adhesive first

Step 2: Remove Adhesive from the Band

This is the most important step for maintaining lash quality.

For traditional lash glue:

• Hold the lash by the ends
• Use tweezers to gently peel off dried glue from the band
• Start at one end and work your way across
• Be patient - rushing can damage the band
• The glue should come off in one piece if done carefully

For self-adhesive lashes:

• The adhesive strip can be gently peeled off
• You can reapply traditional lash glue for future wears
• Some self-adhesive lashes can be worn 2-3 times before needing glue

Step 3: Clean the Lashes

Method 1: Oil-Based Remover (Best for heavy makeup)

• Soak a cotton pad with oil-based makeup remover
• Gently press the lash onto the pad
• Hold for 10-15 seconds to dissolve makeup
• Wipe gently from base to tip
• Repeat until all makeup is removed

Method 2: Micellar Water (Gentle daily cleaning)

• Pour micellar water into a small bowl
• Dip the lashes for 2-3 minutes
• Use a cotton swab to gently clean between the lash fibers
• Rinse with clean water

Method 3: Baby Shampoo (Deep cleaning)

• Mix a drop of baby shampoo with warm water
• Swirl the lashes gently in the solution
• Use your fingers to carefully clean the lash hairs
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Perfect for monthly deep cleaning

Step 4: Dry Properly

Proper drying maintains the lash shape and curl:

• Gently pat with a clean towel - don't rub!
• Lay flat on a paper towel to air dry
• Never use a hair dryer - heat can damage synthetic fibers
• Allow at least 2-3 hours to dry completely
• For cotton stem lashes, ensure the band is completely dry to prevent mold

Step 5: Reshape and Store

Once completely dry:

• Gently reshape the curve to match your eye shape
• Place back in the original packaging tray
• If you don't have the original case, use a clean contact lens case
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep the lid closed to prevent dust accumulation

Special Care for Different Lash Types

3D Mink Lashes

• Handle extra gently - the layered design is delicate
• Use oil-free removers to maintain the curl
• Never squeeze or compress the lashes
• Can typically be reused 15-20 times with proper care

Cotton Stem Lashes

• Ensure the cotton band dries completely to prevent bacteria
• Be extra gentle when removing glue from the soft band
• May need replacement after 10-12 wears as cotton is more delicate
• Store flat to maintain band integrity

Self-Adhesive Lashes

• Can be worn 2-3 times with original adhesive
• After that, apply traditional lash glue
• Clean the adhesive residue carefully with oil-based remover
• Once converted to traditional glue, can last 10-15 more wears

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sleeping in your lashes: Always remove before bed. Sleeping in lashes crushes them and increases infection risk.

Using alcohol-based products: These dry out and damage lash fibers, reducing their lifespan.

Pulling lashes off roughly: This damages the band and can pull out lash fibers.

Applying mascara to false lashes: This makes them nearly impossible to clean properly. Apply mascara to your natural lashes only.

Storing without cleaning: Bacteria multiply on dirty lashes, and dried glue becomes harder to remove.

Using the same lashes when sick: If you've had an eye infection, discard those lashes to prevent reinfection.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Lashes

Even with perfect care, lashes don't last forever. Replace them when you notice:

• Significant loss of lash fibers (more than 20% missing)
• Band becomes stiff, brittle, or loses flexibility
• Lashes lose their curl and won't hold shape
• Band starts to fray or separate
• Visible discoloration that won't clean off
• They no longer adhere properly to your lash line

Pro Tips for Maximum Longevity

• Rotate between pairs: Having 2-3 pairs allows each to fully dry and rest between wears
• Handle by the band: Never pull or hold lashes by the fibers
• Use quality glue: Cheap glue is harder to remove and damages the band
• Apply glue to the band, not your lid: This makes removal easier and cleaner
• Clean immediately after wear: Fresh glue and makeup are easier to remove than dried buildup
• Label your lashes: Keep track of how many times you've worn each pair

Quick Cleaning Routine (2 Minutes)

For busy days, here's a fast cleaning method:

1. Remove lashes gently (30 seconds)
2. Peel off glue with tweezers (30 seconds)
3. Wipe with micellar water on cotton pad (30 seconds)
4. Pat dry and return to case (30 seconds)

This quick routine works for lightly worn lashes. Do a deep clean with baby shampoo once a week for lashes you wear frequently.

Recommended Products

All our false eyelashes are designed for reusability:

3D Mink False Eyelashes: Premium quality that can last 15-20 wears with proper care. The durable construction and high-quality fibers maintain their shape beautifully.

Cotton Stem False Eyelashes: The soft cotton band is gentle on eyes and, with careful cleaning, can be reused 10-12 times.

Self-Adhesive 5D Lashes: Enjoy 2-3 wears with the original adhesive, then switch to traditional glue for 10-15 additional wears.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and reusing your false eyelashes isn't just economical - it's a smart beauty practice that reduces waste and ensures you always have your favorite lashes ready to go. With just a few minutes of care after each wear, you can enjoy gorgeous lashes again and again.

Remember: gentle handling, thorough cleaning, and proper storage are the keys to making your lashes last. Treat them well, and they'll keep making your eyes look amazing for months to come!