To keep a spoolie clean in your makeup bag, give it a cover and wash it regularly. A loose spoolie picks up powder, lint, crumbs and whatever else is in the bag, and then carries that to your brows and lashes. Store it in a capped tube or a small sleeve, wash it with mild soap once a week, let it dry fully before it goes back, and replace it when the bristles bend or shed.
Why does a spoolie get dirty so quickly?
- The spiral bristles trap everything. The same shape that grips brow hairs also grips dust and fluff.
- It sits among loose products. Powder, shimmer and pencil shavings collect at the bottom of a bag.
- It carries product residue. Brow gel, pencil wax, mascara and serum build up between the bristles.
- It is used near the eyes, so cleanliness matters more than for most tools.
Ways to store a spoolie
| Storage | Protection | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Loose in the bag | None | Bristles bend and collect lint |
| Individual tube with cap | Full | Keeps dust out and bristles in shape. The brush must be dry first |
| Brush roll or zip pouch | Good | Shares space with other brushes |
| Dual-ended brow pencil with capped spoolie | Good | The cap is easy to lose |
| Wrapped in tissue | Partial | A stopgap. Tissue fibers cling to the bristles |
How do you wash a spoolie?
- Rinse the bristles under lukewarm running water.
- Add a drop of mild soap, baby shampoo or brush cleanser to your palm.
- Roll and swirl the spoolie in the soap, working it between the bristles with your fingertips.
- For stubborn brow gel or mascara, work in a little oil-based makeup remover first, then wash with soap.
- Rinse until the water runs clear and the bristles no longer feel slick.
- Squeeze gently in a clean towel or tissue.
- Reshape the bristles with your fingers.
- Lay it flat to dry, with the head over the edge of a counter so air reaches all sides.
- Wait until it is completely dry before putting it in a tube or pouch.
How often should you clean it?
- Used dry, for brushing brows: once a week.
- Used with brow gel, soap brows or tinted products: after each use, or every couple of days.
- Used with lash serum or oil: after each use.
- Used to comb through mascara: wash straight away, before it dries.
- Dropped on the floor or in the bottom of a bag: wash before using it again.
Why must it be dry before storing?
A damp brush sealed in a tube stays damp. Moisture in a closed space is where bacteria and mold grow, and that brush is going near your eyes. Dry it in the open first. If you are in a hurry, blot it well and leave the tube uncapped until you get home.
Spoolies with their own tubes
The Uexim replaceable mascara and brow spoolie wands with storage tubes come with a separate tube for every brush, which helps keep each one clean and dust-free between uses. The wands are described as reusable, for use with eyelashes and eyebrows. They are made of plastic, in a transparent finish, measure 1.2 x 11 cm and weigh about 4 g each, and come in packs of 50, 100 or 200.
What can you do with a pack of tubed spoolies?
- Keep one in every bag: handbag, gym bag, travel kit and desk drawer.
- Dedicate one per job: one for dry brow brushing, one for gel, one for lashes.
- Give them to lash extension clients to brush their lashes at home.
- Use one per person when doing makeup for a group.
- Swap in a fresh one when the old one is worn.
When should you replace a spoolie?
- The bristles are bent, flattened or splayed.
- Bristles are shedding.
- The wire core is exposed or the head wobbles.
- Residue will not wash out.
- It has an odor, or shows any spots of mold.
- You have had an eye infection. Replace anything that touched your eyes.
Common mistakes
- Capping it while wet.
- Never washing it because it "only" brushes brows.
- Using the same spoolie for mascara and for dry brow grooming.
- Sharing it. A spoolie is a personal tool.
- Soaking the handle. Wash the head only.
- Using hot water, which can loosen the bristles or warp the handle.
Keep the rest of the bag clean too
- Empty and wipe out your makeup bag once a month.
- Close every lid and cap.
- Keep sharpener shavings out of the bag.
- Wash the bag itself if it is fabric.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash a disposable spoolie?
For your own personal use, a spoolie used as a dry comb can be washed and reused for a while. One that has been in mascara, or used on someone else, should be thrown away.
What soap should I use?
Mild liquid soap, baby shampoo or a brush cleanser. Avoid harsh detergents.
How long does a spoolie take to dry?
Usually an hour or two in open air. Make sure the base of the bristles is dry too.
Is a tube better than a cap?
A tube covers the whole brush and is harder to lose than a tiny cap.
The bottom line
Cover it, wash it weekly, dry it fully before storing, and replace it when it is worn. A clean spoolie keeps dust and old product away from your brows and eyes.
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