How to clean a mascara tube?

Cleaning a mascara tube might seem like a strange task, but it's a great way to give new life to an old product or prepare the container for an exciting DIY project. Whether you're repurposing your mascara vial for a brow gel, a travel-size serum, or simply want to sanitize it, here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to get it sparkling clean.

What You'll Need

Gathering your supplies beforehand will make the process much smoother. You likely have most of these items at home already:

• Hot water: The hotter, the better. This will help to break down the waxy mascara formula.

• Dish soap: A few drops of a good grease-cutting soap will do the trick.

• Small bowl or cup: Something you can submerge the mascara container in.

• Paper towels or a clean cloth: For drying.

• Cotton swabs or pipe cleaners: These are crucial for reaching tricky spots.

• Rubbing alcohol (optional): For a final, thorough sanitization.

Step 1: Remove the Excess Mascara

First, get rid of as much old product as you can. Use a paper towel to wipe the wand and the inside of the tube's opening. You can also use a small spatula or a thin, non-sharp object to scrape the sides of the mascara canister and scoop out any remaining product. This initial step makes the deep cleaning much easier.

Step 2: Soaking the Tube and Wand

Fill your bowl or cup with very hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Submerge the mascara bottle and the wand completely. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. The hot, soapy water will work its magic, loosening the caked-on residue from the inside of the mascara cylinder and the bristles of the brush.

For an even more effective soak, consider letting it sit overnight.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning the Tube

After soaking, remove the mascara container from the water. You'll notice that most of the gunk has already dissolved. For the remaining stubborn bits, a cotton swab is your best friend.

• Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol (or fresh soapy water).

• Carefully insert it into the tube and swirl it around, scraping the interior walls.

• Repeat with fresh cotton swabs until they come out clean.

For a thorough scrub, you can also use a small bottle brush or a pipe cleaner to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 4: Sanitizing the Wand

The wand needs special attention. While it was soaking, the bristles should have softened, making them easier to clean.

• Dip the wand in rubbing alcohol.

• Using your fingers or a paper towel, gently rub the bristles to remove any last bits of mascara.

• You can also use a toothbrush to carefully scrub the bristles.

Step 5: Final Rinse and Dry

Rinse both the mascara holder and the wand under clean, running water to wash away any soap residue or rubbing alcohol. Make sure no soapy bubbles are left behind.

Finally, dry everything completely. Let the tube air-dry with the opening facing down on a clean paper towel. Pat the wand dry as well, and you're all set. Your mascara casing is now ready for its next purpose!