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If you recently purchased a lash or eyebrow serum and it didn’t come with an applicator brush, you may be wondering how you can apply it without going and buying a completely new product. Since mascara comes with a tube and an applicator wand, they are the perfect storage places for growth serums, as long as they are completely clean. You can spend a single afternoon cleaning out your mascara tube to repurpose it for a fresh new product you can use every day.

Part1
Part 1 of 2:

Soaking the Mascara Tube in Makeup Remover

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  1. Pull out andclean the mascara wandwith warm water and soap.Soak your mascara wand in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash the wand with dish soap and warm water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Out a Mascara Tube
    Makeup remover will help to break down all the mascara that is left inside of the tube. Use an eye makeup remover to fill up the tube all the way.[1]
    • Oil-based removers won’t mix well with water and may leave a residue in your mascara tube.
    • If you don’t have any eye makeup remover, you can also use rubbing alcohol.

    Tip:Waterproof mascara tubes are much harder to clean out than normal mascara tubes since they won’t break down with water.

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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Out a Mascara Tube
    Put the mascara wand back into the tube and swirl it around a few times. Use the mascara wand to pull some of the loose mascara up and out of the tube if you can.[2]
    • This will also help to clean off the mascara wand in case you want to reuse it.
  4. Close the lid of the mascara tube with the wand inside and let it sit with the makeup remover for at least 3 hours. If you are cleaning out a waterproof mascara tube, let it sit overnight.[3]
    • Letting the tube sit allows the makeup remover to break down more of the mascara inside and makes it easier to clean.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Out a Mascara Tube
    Unscrew the wand from the top of the mascara tube and dump out as much makeup remover as you can onto a paper towel. Don’t be worried if only a little bit comes out since it could just be stuck at the bottom of the tube.[4]
    • Try not to pour your makeup remover and mascara down the drain, as it could clog your sink over time.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Out a Mascara Tube
    Some mascara tubes have a rubber stopper on the inside of the tube. Use the tines of a fork to pry the rubber part out of the tube so you can clean it out.[5]
    • The rubber may have mascara stuck underneath it which is why it is important to take it out.
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Part2
Part 2 of 2:

Cleaning out the Residue with Soap and Water

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  1. Fill your sink or a small bowl with warm water and add 1 to 2 drops of dish soap. Swirl the dish soap and water around so they mix. Then, put your mascara tube and wand into the water and submerge them fully so that your mascara tube fills up with water.[6]
    • If you took out the rubber insert, clean that off in the soapy water as well.

    Tip:Use grease-fighting dish soap for the best results.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Out a Mascara Tube
    Insert the mascara wand into the tube again and swirl it around. Use the wand to bring chunks of mascara up and out of the tube if you can.[7]
    • If you are pulling out a lot of mascara with your wand still, pour 1 drop of dish soap directly inside the tube and swirl it around with your mascara wand.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Out a Mascara Tube
    Drain the soapy water out of your sink or bowl. Refill it with warm, clean water and submerge your mascara tube and wand into it. Do this a few times until there are no more soap bubbles coming out of your mascara tube.[8]
    • If you got any mascara on your hands, use some dish soap to wash it off.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Out a Mascara Tube
    Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into your mascara tube. Close the lid of the tube with the wand inside and shake it back and forth a few times. Drain the rubbing alcohol out of the tube.[9]
    • Rubbing alcohol sterilizes the mascara tube and wand, which is important if you are repurposing it for a new product.
  5. Leave the mascara tube uncapped and set it with the wand in a sunny area for about 6 hours. Make sure your mascara tube is completely dry before you fill it with a new product.[10]
    • Check that the tube is clean by putting the wand in it and then rubbing the wand over your hand. If any mascara comes off onto your hand, you need to clean out your mascara tube again.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Out a Mascara Tube
    Insert the rubber piece back into the top of your mascara tube. Pour your new products into the mascara tube and use the wand as an applicator.[11]
    • Most lash eyebrow serums have natural vitamins and minerals that encourage the growth of follicles on your face.
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Things You’ll Need

  • Eye makeup remover
  • Dish soap
  • Small bowl
  • Paper towels
  • Rubbing alcohol

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About This Article

Barbie Ritzman
Co-authored by:
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
This article was co-authored byBarbie Ritzmanand by wikiHow staff writer,Hannah Madden.Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry. This article has been viewed 117,221 times.
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Co-authors:8
Updated:August 18, 2024
Views:117,221
Article SummaryX

To clean out an old mascara tube so you can put a new product in it, start by removing the mascara wand and soaking the wand in soapy water for 10 minutes. Scrub the wand with your fingers, then pat it dry with a paper towel. Next, pour water-based makeup remover into the mascara tube and pump the mascara wand in the tube to loosen the old mascara. Recap the tube and let it soak for 3 hours. Then, pour out the makeup remover and pry out the rubber insert with a fork if your mascara tube has one. Soak the tube and wand in soapy water, then use the wand to scrub the inside of the tube. Rinse out the tube with clean water. Finally, rinse out the tube with rubbing alcohol to sterilize it. Let the tube and wand fully air dry before adding your new product.For more tips, like how to remove stubborn mascara, keep reading!

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