How to Clean Lash Brushes Properly

Clean instruments are the cornerstone of every good lash treatment. While adhesives, tweezers, and lash trays receive a lot of attention, lash brushes (spoolies and washing brushes) are equally crucial for cleanliness, client safety, and professional standards.

Whether you're a lash technician at a salon or a customer who keeps extensions at home, learning how to clean lash brushes correctly helps avoid bacteria buildup, irritation, and cross-contamination. In this article, we'll explain why cleaning is important, how often to perform it, and the proper step-by-step procedure.

Why Cleaning Lash Brushes Is So Important 

Lash brushes come into direct contact with:

• Natural lashes
• Lash extensions
• Skin around the eyes
• Makeup residue
• Natural oils and debris

Without proper cleaning, brushes can accumulate bacteria and product build-up. This may lead to:

• Eye irritation
• Infections
• Reduced lash retention
• Poor client experience

Maintaining clean tools reflects professionalism and supports overall lash health.

Using high-quality lash accessories — such as those available from Phatlash — is an excellent starting point, but even the best brushes require proper cleaning and sanitisation. 

How Often Should Lash Brushes Be Cleaned? 

The cleaning frequency depends on how the brush is used:

For Professional Technicians: 

• Cleansing brushes: Clean after every client
• Reusable spoolies (if applicable): Sanitize between each client
• Personal spoolies provided to clients: Do not reuse

For Clients at Home:

• Clean spoolie brushes once a week
• Clean lash cleansing brushes every few uses

Disposable spoolies are often recommended in professional environments to maintain hygiene standards.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Lash Brushes Properly 

Step 1: Remove Visible Debris

Rinse the brush with lukewarm water to remove any apparent makeup residue, lash cleanser, and oils. Avoid using too hot water, as it may harm the bristles.

Step 2: Use a Gentle Cleanser 

Use a tiny quantity of gentle, lash-safe cleanser or mild antibacterial soap.

Gently rub the bristles with your fingertips to break down the buildup. Scrubbing too hard might deform the contour of the brush.

Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly 

Rinse under running lukewarm water to eliminate any product residue. Make sure no soap remains caught at the base of the bristles.

Step 4: Disinfect (For Professional Use) 

Sanitation is required in salons.

After washing:

• Use a professional-grade disinfectant designed for beauty instruments.
• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for contact time.
• Ensure complete covering of the bristles.

Proper disinfection lowers the possibility of cross-contamination.

Step 5: Dry Completely 

Use a lint-free towel to gently squeeze out any excess water.

To air dry, lay the brush flat on a clean surface. Avoid drying upright when wet, since water can gather at the base and damage the brush over time.

Before using the brush again, ensure that it is thoroughly dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using strong chemicals unsuitable for beauty tools
• Sharing spoolies among clients
• Skipping the disinfection process in professional situations
• Storing brushes while moist
• Using heavily worn or bent brushes.

Regularly replacing old brushes leads to improved lash separation and a smoother application technique. 

Storing Lash Brushes Correctly

Once cleaned and dried:

• Store in a closed container.
• Stay away from dust and dampness.
• Separate clean from used brushes.
• Use marked storage in professional settings.

Organised tool management increases workplace efficiency and promotes cleanliness standards. 

How Clean Brushes Improve Lash Results

Clean lash brushes are helpful:

• Maintain appropriate eyelash separation.
• Remove any debris that hinders retention.
• Keep the extensions bouncy and tidy.
• Prevent inflammation of the lash line.

When combined with professional-quality lash products, such as those featured in the Phatlash line, appropriate hygiene improves both the application procedure and the client's final outcome. 

Learning how to properly clean lash brushes is a basic yet important aspect of lash artistry. Cleaning equipment protects clients, increases retention, and maintains professional standards.

Regular cleaning, disinfection, and appropriate storage keep your brushes effective and hygienic. In the lash business, simple things, like as tool cleanliness, make a significant influence.