Deep Clean Your Mascara Tube & Reuse It: The Ultimate Guide

Updated at: 09/05/2025

We all know that feeling: you’re reaching for your favorite mascara, only to find the wand stubbornly stuck, caked in dried product, and yielding barely a whisper of pigment. Before you toss that expensive tube into the trash, consider this: a deep clean might be all it needs to revive your beloved mascara and significantly reduce your beauty waste. Throwing away mascara tubes contributes to landfill, and many contain non-biodegradable materials. Giving your favorite mascara a second life is not only environmentally friendly but also surprisingly easy and cost-effective.

This guide will reveal the simple yet effective techniques to thoroughly clean your mascara tube, restoring it to its former glory and extending its lifespan. From removing stubborn clumps to sanitizing the inner workings, we’ll take you through every step of the process. Ready to learn how to deep clean your mascara tube and reuse it? Let's dive into our step-by-step guide.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Empty mascara tube (non-waterproof preferred)
  • Makeup remover liquid (eye makeup remover is best)
  • Dishwashing liquid or shampoo
  • Bowl (or sink)
  • Fork
Safety Guidelines
  • Never use water directly inside the mascara tube. This can introduce bacteria and ruin the formula.
  • Thoroughly dry the tube and wand before reusing. Moisture is a breeding ground for harmful microbes.
  • If the mascara formula smells off, shows signs of mold, or is significantly altered in texture, discard it immediately, regardless of cleaning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Soak and Loosen Mascara

    • Pour makeup remover into the empty mascara tube and use the wand to loosen the mascara inside. Let it sit overnight (minimum 3 hours).
    Pour makeup remover into the empty mascara tube and use the wand to loosen the mascara inside. Let it sit overnight (minimum 3 hours).
    Soak and Loosen Mascara

  2. Prepare Soapy Water

    • Discard the makeup remover. Fill the sink (or bowl) with water and add dish soap or shampoo to create bubbles.
    Discard the makeup remover. Fill the sink (or bowl) with water and add dish soap or shampoo to create bubbles.
    Prepare Soapy Water

  3. Scrub and Clean

    • Fill the mascara tube with soapy water and use the wand to scrub the inside thoroughly. Remove the rubber component inside the tube using a fork and clean it separately.
    Fill the mascara tube with soapy water and use the wand to scrub the inside thoroughly. Remove the rubber component inside the tube using a fork and clean it separately.
    Scrub and Clean

  4. Rinse Thoroughly

    • Rinse the tube repeatedly with clean water until the water runs clear.
    Rinse the tube repeatedly with clean water until the water runs clear.
    Rinse Thoroughly

  5. Dry Completely

    • Dry the tube completely under the sun.
    Dry the tube completely under the sun.
    Dry Completely

  6. Refill and Reuse

    • Fill the clean, dry tube with your favorite lash or eyebrow serum and replace the rubber component.
    Fill the clean, dry tube with your favorite lash or eyebrow serum and replace the rubber component.
    Refill and Reuse
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Tips

  • Use a non-waterproof mascara tube for easier cleaning.
  • Make sure your makeup remover effectively removes stubborn makeup.
  • Don't worry about messy hands; soap cleans them easily.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong cleaning agents

Reason: Harsh chemicals can damage the mascara tube's material, leading to cracking or warping. Using ineffective cleaners may not properly sanitize the tube.
Solution: Stick to gentle, non-abrasive cleaners like mild soap and water, or rubbing alcohol.

2. Not thoroughly drying the tube

Reason: Residual moisture inside the tube can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, negating the purpose of cleaning and potentially causing eye infections.
Solution: Allow the tube to air dry completely, preferably upside down, before refilling.

FAQs

Can I reuse my mascara tube after cleaning it even if the mascara itself is expired?
No. While cleaning the tube removes visible residue, it doesn't eliminate bacteria or other potentially harmful microorganisms that accumulate over time, especially after the expiration date. Using expired mascara, even in a clean tube, risks eye irritation and infection. Always discard mascara once it's expired, regardless of how clean the tube is.
Want to maximize your investment in high-quality mascara? Properly cleaning your tube extends its life significantly, saving you money in the long run. This is especially important if you're using a premium product like those featured in our guide on the best Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye shades – keeping those gorgeous colors vibrant for longer is key! This guide will show you exactly how to deep clean your mascara tube and reuse it safely and effectively.