How to Clean Lash Tweezers Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide for Lash Techs

Your tweezers aren’t just tools, they’re the backbone of your lash artistry. Classics, volume, anime spikes, none of it happens without tweezers that are sharp, precise, and sanitary. But here’s the truth: even the highest-quality tweezers won’t last if you’re not cleaning and caring for them properly.

Beyond hygiene, how you disinfect, dry, and store your tweezers affects everything from precision to rust prevention. Let’s break down exactly how to clean them (step by step), what products to use based on where you’re located, and how to keep rust from creeping in.

Why Clean Tweezers Matter

Clean tweezers aren’t just about professionalism, they’re about safety. They touch natural lashes, extensions, and adhesive up close to your client’s eyes. Without proper cleaning, bacteria can spread between clients (major risk).

And it’s not just about hygiene, disinfecting the right way protects your tweezers too, helping them stay sharp and last longer.

What to Use to Clean Lash Tweezers

The products you’ll use depend on where you’re based (regulations vary). Here’s the quick breakdown:

For U.S. Lash Artists → BARBICIDE®

• Mix 2 oz (¼ cup) Barbicide concentrate with 32 oz (4 cups) cold water

• For BARBICIDE® TB (where required): 1 oz (2 tbsp) with 1 gallon cold water

• Immerse tweezers for 10 minutes

• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a clean towel

For Canadian Lash Artists → PreEmpt CS 20

• Ready-to-use, no mixing

• Immerse tweezers for 20 minutes

• Rinse well + dry completely

• Replace solution every 2 weeks

Alternative Option → BioMers (Canada Approved)

• Ready-to-use, pH neutral (won’t corrode your tweezers)

• Safe for metal, glass, plastic

• Soak for 1–10 minutes

• Replace solution weekly

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Tweezers

1. Remove adhesive residue → Use adhesive remover or a lint-free wipe first.

2. Wash with Soap → Thoroughly clean the tweezer from tip to handle using soap and water to ensure all residue is removed.

3. Disinfect → Soak tweezers in your disinfectant for the full recommended time.

4. Rinse → Always rinse with clean water (leftover chemicals = bad news).

5. Dry completely → Use a clean towel. Don’t skip this, moisture = rust.

6. Store properly → Keep tweezers in a dry case or holder, tips protected.

Rust: Why It Happens (and How to Stop It)

Yes, even stainless steel tweezers can rust. The most common culprits:

• Not drying tweezers 100% after disinfecting

• Using harsh, non–pH balanced solutions

• Soaking too long (overexposure damages the finish)

• Storing tweezers in humid or sealed environments

How to prevent rust:

• Always rinse + dry thoroughly

• Store in a ventilated case (never a sealed bag with moisture)

• Use BioMers or other pH-neutral solutions if rust has been an issue

• Rotate your tweezers so no single pair is constantly exposed to disinfectant

What If Rust Shows Up?

Don’t panic. Small rust spots can sometimes be buffed away with a rust eraser or fine buffer (gently!). But if it’s deep, spreading, or affecting the tips, retire them. New tweezers are always cheaper than risking a client’s eye health.

Do You Need Heat Sterilization?

Short answer: no. Autoclaving is not necessary for lash extension tools. Lash extension procedures do not involve blood or body fluids, so they do not require the level of sterilization that autoclaving provides.

In fact, using high heat can be harmful to your tweezers. It may warp the tension or affect the alignment of the tips, which are critical for precision work. Additionally, some tweezers have painted handles or are made from materials that are not heat-safe, which can be damaged by autoclaving.

Regular cleaning and disinfecting with appropriate solutions are sufficient to maintain hygiene and tool performance.

Final Thoughts

Proper tweezer care isn’t just a checklist, it’s part of your artistry. Clean, disinfect, dry, and store them right, and they’ll stay sharp, precise, and reliable for years.

Your tweezers are one of your biggest investments. Treat them with the same care you put into every lash set, and they’ll never let you down.