How to Clean an Eyelash Curler

Co-authored by Tymia Yvette and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: April 6, 2021 References

You probably already know how important it is to clean your makeup brush and sponges, but it’s sometimes easy to overlook the need for cleaning tools like your eyelash curler. Even the metal surfaces on your eyelash curler can harbor bacteria, which could potentially lead to an eye infection, especially if you share your curler with someone else. Luckily, cleaning your eyelash curler is super easy! Disinfect the curler once every 2 weeks or so, and wipe it down after each use to keep it clean.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning and Disinfecting the Curler

1
Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol. The best way to disinfect beauty tools with a metal surface is with 70% isopropyl alcohol, which you can find at any drug store, dollar store, or supermarket. Saturate a cotton ball with the rubbing alcohol, then gently squeeze it to remove any excess.^{[1]
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- If you don’t have a cotton ball, use a cotton pad, paper towel, or washcloth instead.
- Avoid using tissue, as it’s less sturdy and may fall apart while you’re cleaning.
2
Wipe the curler all over with the cotton ball. Use the cotton ball to cover every surface of the eyelash curler, including all of the metal, the handles, and the rubber pad on the inside. As you’re cleaning the curler, keep rotating the cotton ball so you’re always using a clean surface. If you need to, switch to a second cotton ball.^{[2]
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- Press the cotton ball down into the hinges and joints in the curler to make sure you don’t miss any spots where bacteria could be hiding.
Tip: For a quick clean, just drop the eyelash curler into a cup filled with rubbing alcohol. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse it thoroughly.

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3
Rinse the alcohol away with cool running water. Although the alcohol will dry on its own, leaving no residue, it can dry out the rubber strip on the eyelash curler. To avoid this, rinse the top of the curler thoroughly under running water after you wipe it down with the alcohol, especially around the pad.
- Avoid getting water in the metal joints on the curler, as this could cause them to rust.^{[3]
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4
Dry the eyelash curler with a soft, clean towel. Once you've rinsed the alcohol off of the curler, gently pat it with a towel until it's completely dry. Turn the curler in different directions as you dry it, and try to shake out any water that might have gotten into the joints.^{[4]
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- Allowing a metal eyelash curler to air-dry could cause it to rust.
- Try using a face towel, a washcloth, or paper towels to dry the curler.
5
Remove stubborn gunk with a blowdryer and a soft cloth. If there’s makeup residue or another sticky substance on your eyelash curler, alcohol alone may not be enough to remove it. In that case, hold the curler by the handles and heat it for about 30 seconds with your blowdryer. Then, when the gunk starts to soften, wipe it away with a soft cloth or even another cotton ball soaked in alcohol.^{[5]
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- This buildup can promote the growth of bacteria, so it’s important to remove it.
6
Use the pointed end of an orangewood stick to get into crevices. If there is any gunk stuck inside of tight crevices of the eyelash curler, take an orangewood cuticle stick and wrap a wisp of cotton from a cotton swab around the pointed end. Then, dip the cotton in a small amount of oil, such as olive or coconut oil. Insert the pointed end of the cuticle stick into the gunky areas of the eyelash curler and work it around to clean them out.
- Repeat as needed with a new cuticle stick to clean other gunky spots.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Keeping the Curler Clean

1
Don't curl your lashes after you put on mascara. If you put on mascara before you curl your lashes, you’ll coat the curler in mascara residue. Not only will this make the eyelash curler harder to clean, but it’s also bad for your lashes. For best results, put on your eyeshadow and eyeliner first, if you wear them, then curl your lashes, then apply mascara.^{[6]
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- Mascara can make your eyelashes brittle, so they’re more prone to breaking if you curl them with mascara on.
- If you wear liquid eyeliner, let it dry completely before you curl your lashes.
2
Wipe down the curler with alcohol after each use. Even if you curl your lashes before you apply your mascara, some makeup residue might get on your eyelash curler, along with oils from your skin. To keep your curler clean, wipe it down thoroughly with a makeup remover pad or a cotton ball or tissue dipped in rubbing alcohol. Make sure to wipe down all of the metal, the rubber pad, and the handles.^{[7]
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- Don't clean the lash curler by spraying it with alcohol, as you may not fully sanitize the tool.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Tymia Yvette
  Makeup & Lash Artist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
3
Replace the rubber pad every 3-6 months. Even with regular cleaning, the rubber pad on your eyelash curler can be a hiding place for bacteria. To avoid an unpleasant eye infection, replace this strip at least every 6 months, although every 3 months is ideal.^{[9]
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- You can purchase replacement strips from a beauty supply store that carries your brand of eyelash curler, or from the manufacturer’s website.
- Even if it has been less than 3 months and the pad looks cracked, replace it.
- Replacing the pad will help to reduce your risk of infection and prevent broken lashes.
Tip: If you can’t find replacement pads, it may be best to purchase a new eyelash curler. However, you might be able to find pads from another brand that fit your curler.

Expert Q&A

Question

How frequently should I clean my eyelash curler?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

Normally, it's fine to clean them about once a week. However, with the recent outbreak of novel coronavirus, everyone should be cleaning their makeup tools and brushes after each use. Cleaning your makeup tools and brushes every time you use them will help prevent the spread of illnesses.
Question

Is it safe to use an eyelash curler on someone else after cleaning it?

Emma Longwell

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you clean it very well. Do not use an eyelash curler on someone else if you haven't cleaned it, because that can spread bacteria.