We often get asked one question by our readers, and that is Can I reuse my mascara tube for other purposes? If Yes, then How to clean mascara tubes for the purpose of reusing them?
If you’re someone who also has the same types of questions in mind. Welcome, you have arrived at the best place since, today we are going to be talking about not only How to clean mascara tubes using different methods but will also answer some commonly asked questions in step-by-step, like How to reuse the mascara tube for other purposes, how to transfer mascara from one tube to other or how to refill your mascara tube, etc.
Obviously, none of us want our favorite mascara to be clumped up or filled with bacteria.
Cleaning mascara tubes is definitely a crucial task for our overall eye health that many of us have the tendency to overlook. But trust us or not. It’s probably a very hygienic and economical decision to properly clean your mascara wand and your mascara tube regularly since cleaning not only allows you to reuse them again but also helps you maintain the product’s life and keeps your mascara fresh and hygienic.
So, without any further ado, let’s directly jump right into learning how to clean and reuse our favorite mascara tube.
JUMP AHEAD TO
WHY SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR MASCARA TUBE?
We are sure you might be wondering why you would clean mascara tubes if you’re not interested in reusing them. Right?
Let us tell you there are tons of reasons to clean your mascara wand and your mascara tube both on a regular basis. For example –
- PRACTICING GOOD HYGIENE – Do you know every time we use our mascara, our mascara wand picks up numerous bacteria and various other microorganisms that are dangerous for our eye health?
And over time, our favorite mascara brush and the tube becomes the breeding ground for these dangerous bacteria and microorganisms. Regular cleaning helps prevent these bacteria buildup.
- PREVENTING EYE INFECTION – As we have already told you how various bacteria and microorganisms accumulate in our mascara tubes over time, but you know that these bacteria can cause various eye infections such as conjunctivitis, styes, allergies, etc.
Who wants to buy expensive makeup to get infected by infections rather than look pretty? NO ONE!! Trust Me…
- EXTENDING THE LIFE OF YOUR FAVOURITE MASCARA – Now comes the worst part of these bacteria and microorganisms. Over time, they break down the ingredients of our mascara, and guess what? That leads to our favorite mascara clumping up or drying out faster than we can even imagine.
CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE THIS – Let’s say you are getting dolled up for an event, and suddenly you see your mascara be dried out and extremely hard to apply. How would you feel?
We’re pretty sure this is probably the worst nightmare for us, “THE MASCARA LOVERS.”
We know still, a lot of you guys would say no problem because I know How to fix my DRY MASCARA like MAGIC. But is that even a solution? Yes, you can fix your dried-out mascara, but don’t you think you will have to purchase newer mascara tubes more frequently than usual?
Who would want that? When you can effortlessly clean our mascara wand and the tube with the ingredients that you already have in your home.
WAIT!! Let’s show you how easy that is…
HOW TO CLEAN MASCARA TUBE with MAKEUP REMOVER
One of the best things that we recommend for cleaning mascara tubes has to be Makeup remover. And why not?
Makeup removers do wonders when it comes to cleaning. As the name suggests, makeup removers break down makeup and dissolve it quickly. They are very gentle on the skin. The best part is that makeup removers don’t leave any residue behind, which is essential for thorough cleaning.
EXPERT TIP – Having at least 2 types of makeup remover in your vanity bag is always a good idea. One with more skin-friendly ingredients to remove makeup and the other with more intense ingredients to clean up our makeup belongings.
Before we get into the steps, gather these below-listed things.
- THINGS YOU NEED –
- Makeup remover
- Cotton pads or Q-tips
- Clean towel or paper towel
- STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – First, take your mascara wand in your hand, remove the wand from the tube, and use a clean paper towel to wipe the excess mascara on the wand.
2nd STEP – Then, take a few Q-tips and saturate the Q-tips using the makeup remover you have.
3rd STEP – Now, gently wipe down both the inside and the outside of your mascara tube using the saturated Q-tip on your hand.
4th STEP – Repeat the wiping process using fresh saturated Q-tips until all the Q-tips come away clean.
5th STEP – If you see any traces of stubborn clumped-up mascara inside the tube, you can put a tiny drop of your makeup remover inside the tube and then gently scrub the inside using the Q-tip of your mascara tube.
6th STEP – Once you’re fully satisfied with the cleanliness of the mascara tube, rinse the tube under warm water and, using a paper towel dry the tube off.
TA-DA!! There you have your clean mascara tube ready to reuse.
HOW TO CLEAN MASCARA TUBES with RUBBING ALCOHOL
Another popular ingredient for cleaning out your mascara tube is using Rubbing alcohol, which is for valid reasons.
Rubbing alcohol is exceptionally efficient in killing bacteria and various other harmful microorganisms which cause eye infections or other eye irritation-related issues. Along with that, rubbing alcohol works like magic in removing clumped um mascara as this dissolves mascara residue fast; on top of all that, rubbing alcohol dries up quickly, which allows you to spend less time drying up the tube after cleaning.
EXPERT TIP – By the way, while choosing rubbing alcohol, make sure you select any rubbing alcohol that is constituted of at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. Since when it comes to killing microorganisms, lower concentrations of alcohol are less effective.
So, now to clean up your mascara tube using rubbing alcohol, gather up the below-listed items.
THINGS YOU NEED –
- Rubbing alcohol (at least 70% isopropyl alcohol)
- Cotton swabs
- Tissues or paper towels
STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – At first, take a paper towel and pour some rubbing alcohol in it and use that to clean any sort of mascara residue on the outer side of the tube.
2nd STEP – Next, you need to remove your wand from the tube and, using a clean paper towel, wipe off any excess mascara from the wand.
3rd STEP – Then, take a bowl bigger in size than your mascara tube and pour some rubbing alcohol into the bowl.
CAUTION – You must ensure you’re using rubbing alcohol to clean since other types of alcohol can be used to clean. But they will negatively impact your mascara tube and wand bristles.
4th STEP – Once you have poured a sufficient amount of rubbing alcohol into the bowl, submerge your mascara tube in the alcohol.
5th STEP – Once you see clumped-up mascara residue are, slowly removing take a Q-tip, and thoroughly clean the inside of the tube.
6th STEP – Repeat STEP 5 until the inside of the tube is thoroughly cleaned.
7th STEP – Once you’re satisfied with the cleaning, take a few Q-tips to dry up the inside part of the tube. And a paper towel to dry the outer part of the tube.
And that’s it; you have successfully cleaned your dirty mascara tube using rubbing alcohol.
HOW TO CLEAN MASCARA TUBE USING SOAP & WATER
Soap & water is a simple yet effective solution for cleaning mascara tubes because of its ability to break down and remove makeup residue and bacteria. The soap contains surfactants, which help to loosen and lift dirt, oil, and bacteria from surfaces. When combined with water, soap forms a lather that can penetrate deep into the nooks and crannies of the mascara tube, helping to dissolve and remove any leftover mascara and bacteria. With water, soap creates a lather that can easily get into the tube and dissolve any leftover mascara. This lather can lift dirt, oil, and bacteria from the tube surface, making washing easier. The water helps rinse the soap and residue, leaving the mascara tube clean and hygienic.
Soap & water is a simple and affordable solution for cleaning mascara tubes that can be found in almost every household. It is pretty gentle and doesn’t damage the tube. Additionally, soap & water is an effective ways to remove bacteria and keep the mascara tube hygienic, which is important for eye health. By using soap & water, you can extend the life of your mascara and save money by avoiding the need to purchase new mascara tubes frequently.
- THINGS YOU NEED –
- Mascara tube
- Liquid soap
- Warm water
- Bowl or basin
- Soft brush or cloth
- STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – First, fill a bowl or basin with warm water and a drop of liquid soap. Stir the solution to mix it well.
2nd STEP – Then, remove the mascara wand from the tube and clean it separately, using the solution and a soft brush or cloth.
3rd STEP – Next, put the mascara tube into the soap solution, ensuring it’s completely immersed. Let it soak for about 5-10 minutes.
4th STEP – Take the tube out of the solution and use a soft cleaned spoolie brush to clean the inside of the tube, removing any residue.
5th STEP – Rinse the tube thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all the soap is gone.
6th STEP – Finally, leave the tube to air dry completely before putting the mascara wand back in.
- EXPERT TIPS –
Expert Tip #1 – You should clean it multiple times to get the best results.
Expert Tip #2 – Let the tube fully dry out before reusing the mascara.
Expert Tip #3 – Replace mascara every 3-6 months to maintain eye hygiene.
Expert Tip #4 – Clean your mascara tube regularly to prevent clumps and bacteria buildup.
HOW TO CLEAN MASCARA TUBE USING MICELLAR WATER
Micellar water is a gentle and effective cleanser that’s popular in the world of beauty and skincare. It’s made up of micelles, tiny cleansing oil spheres suspended in water. Makeup, dirt, and other impurities are drawn to the oil and washed away, leaving your skin feeling clean and rejuvenated. Micellar water works similarly for cleaning mascara tubes.
Its oil-based formula can effectively dissolve and remove any leftover mascara and other residues inside the tube. Its gentle nature means it won’t harm the delicate skin around your eyes, making it an excellent option for cleaning mascara tubes.
- THINGS YOU NEED –
- Micellar water
- Cotton swabs
- A clean, dry cloth
- STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – First, fill a bowl or container with micellar water.
2nd STEP – Then, dip a cotton swab into the micellar water.
3rd STEP – Now, swirl the cotton swab in the mascara tube. Cover every inch of the ground and crawl into any cracks or crannies you find.
4th STEP – Repeat the process with fresh cotton swabs until the residue inside the mascara tube is completely removed.
5th STEP – Wipe the inside of the mascara tube with a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining micellar water.
6th STEP – Finally, you should let the mascara tube dry completely before reusing it.
- EXPERT TIPS –
EXPERT TIP #1 – Use high-quality micellar water for the best results.
EXPERT TIP #2 – Make sure to replace the mascara tube after a few months, even if it’s cleaned regularly, to ensure proper hygiene.
EXPERT TIP #3 – You can also use micellar water to clean other makeup tools, such as brushes, to keep them clean and in good condition.
HOW TO CLEAN MASCARA TUBE USING HOT WATER + LEMON JUICE
Lemon juice contains citric acid and is a great natural cleaning ingredient that is highly efficient in breaking down grime and dirt or removing bacteria from almost any surface. Lemon juice can efficiently dissolve dried mascara that accumulated on the mascara tube.
- THINGS YOU NEED
- A fresh lemon
- A small bowl
- Hot water
- Cotton swabs
- Clean towel
- STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW
1st STEP – Take a lemon and slice the lemon into half. Squeeze one-half lemon and put the juice into a small bowl.
2nd STEP – Next, mix some hot water in the bowl.
3rd STEP – Remove the mascara wand from the tube and dip it into the lemon water mixture. Spinning it around for a few seconds will get rid of excess mascara and bacteria.
4th STEP – Then, hold the tube for a few seconds under running hot water to soften any dried mascara.
5th STEP – Dip a cotton swab into the lemon and water mixture. Use the cotton swab to clean the inside of the mascara tube, making sure to remove any remaining mascara and bacteria.
6th STEP – Rinse the mascara tube and wand under hot running water again to remove any remaining traces of lemon juice.
7th STEP – Finally, let it air dry completely before using it again.
- EXPERT TIPS (WITH LEMON JUICE)
EXPERT TIP #01 – Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can help to lighten any stains on your mascara tube.
EXPERT TIP #02 – For best results, use fresh lemon juice and hot water to clean your mascara tube.
OTHER USES OF MASCARA TUBES
Mascara tubes are often discarded after their contents have been used up, but did you know that these tubes have a multitude of potential uses beyond just storing mascara? Let’s talk about those –
- MINI STORAGE CONTAINER – Mascara tubes are the perfect size for holding small items such as bobby pins, earring backs, and other small trinkets. Simply remove the applicator wand, properly clean the tube and fill the tube with your desired items.
- TRAVEL COMPANION – Mascara tubes are also excellent for storing liquids while traveling. You may easily store them in your carry-on or small purse. They can hold liquids such as moisturizers, contact solutions, hand sanitizers, or perfumes.
- EYELASH GROWTH SERUMS – Mascara tubes can also be used to store eyelash growth serum, providing a convenient and easy way to apply the serum to your lashes.
- ART SUPPLIES – Mascara tubes can also be used as paint tubes for small art projects. Simply fill the tube with paint and squeeze it out as needed. It’s an excellent choice for those who need to bring their art materials with them everywhere they go.
- ADHESIVE OR GLUE – Mascara tubes are also great for storing small amounts of adhesive or glue. This is especially useful for DIY projects and can save you from purchasing a full-size bottle of glue.
- HAND SANITIZER or LIQUID SOAP – Mascara tubes are an excellent option for storing hand sanitizer or liquid soap. Simply fill the tube with your desired product, and you’ll have a portable and convenient option for keeping your hands clean.
- INSECT REPELLANT – Mascara tubes can also store liquid insect repellent. This is an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers who want a convenient and portable way to protect themselves from bugs.
- ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF REUSING MASCARA – Reusing mascara tubes has many environmental benefits. By reusing these tubes, you can help to reduce waste and minimize the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills. Additionally, reusing mascara tubes is a cost-effective way to store small items and liquids, as you won’t have to purchase additional containers. Furthermore, Reusing mascara tubes is a great way to help the environment and cut down on the need for new plastic items.
HOW TO REFILL MASCARA TUBE?
Refilling mascara tubes is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to keep your favorite mascara product in use. Transferring mascara from an almost empty tube to a clean one can help reduce waste and save money on buying a new one. This technique also allows you to use every last drop of your mascara, ensuring you get the most out of your purchase. If you have the appropriate tools, refilling a mascara tube is quick and straightforward. By refilling your mascara tube, you can help protect the environment and stretch your beauty budget simultaneously.
- THINGS YOU NEED –
- An empty mascara tube
- A full mascara tube
- A clean, sterile dropper
- STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –
1st STEP – First, clean and sterilize the empty mascara tube.
2nd STEP – Remove the wand from the full mascara tube.
3rd STEP – Then, using a clean, sterile dropper, transfer the mascara from the fill tube to the empty one.
4th STEP – Repeat the process until the empty mascara tube is full.
5th STEP – Finally, clean the mascara wand properly or replace the wand in the refilled mascara tube.
- EXPERT TIPS –
EXPERT TIP #1 – Use a clean, sterile dropper to transfer the mascara to avoid contamination.
Expert Tip #2 – Refill the mascara tube with a small amount at a time to prevent any spills.
Expert Tip #3 – If you see your mascara has dried out or has thickened, add a few drops of saline solution to thin it out. You can also check our most detailed STEP-BY-STEP article on How To Fix Dry Mascara.
HOW TO TRANSFER MASCARA FROM ONE TUBE TO THE OTHER?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS IT SAFE TO CLEAN AND REUSE MASCARA TUBES?
ANSWER: Yes, absolutely!! Cleaning and reusing mascara tubes are safe if proper hygiene practices are followed and the tubes are cleaned thoroughly.
However, replacing mascara tubes every 3-6 months is recommended to prevent potential eye infections.
CAN I USE JUST WATER TO CLEAN MY MASCARA TUBE?
ANSWER: Water can be used to clean a mascara tube, but it may not effectively remove all residue inside the tube. It is recommended to use soap or makeup remover for a more thorough cleaning.
IS RUBBING ALCOHOL A GOOD OPTION FOR CLEANING MASCARA TUBES?
ANSWER: Yes, rubbing alcohol is an effective option for cleaning mascara tubes. It helps to remove residue and kill bacteria, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize hygiene.
CAN I USE ANY SOAP TO CLEAN MY MASCARA TUBE?
ANSWER: Any soap can be used to clean a mascara tube, but it is best to use a gentle soap that won’t leave any residue or harm the tube.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CLEAN A MASCARA TUBE?
ANSWER: The time it takes to clean a mascara tube varies depending on the method used, but it typically takes anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Finally, keeping your mascara tube clean and reusing it is beneficial for your eye health and the environment. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can easily clean your mascara tube using various methods such as soap and water, makeup remover, rubbing alcohol, micellar water, or hot water and lemon juice. You can also easily refill your mascara tube by following the simple instructions outlined.
Remember to always prioritize your eye health by keeping your mascara tube clean and replacing it when necessary. We hope this article has provided you with valuable information and tips to help you maintain a hygienic beauty routine. Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Happy cleaning!
