How long has it been since you have actually cleaned your epilator? If your answer is “the last time I used it”, congratulations, you’re one responsible epilator owner!
Now, if your answer is “what!? It needs cleaning too?” or “hmmm, can’t remember…”, then you might be missing a very crucial step that could prolong the use of your dear epilator and maintain its performance.
If you’re clueless on how to clean an epilator the right way, this article will teach you not only the how’s but the why’s. Let’s get this Epilator Cleaning 101 started!
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Contents
Why Should I Clean and Sanitize My Epilator/Epilator Head?
Like how you care for your car and other important gadgets, cleaning your epilator benefits you in more ways than one, for example:
It Keeps Your Epilator Sanitary And Ready For The Next Use
Epilator manufacturers suggest cleaning and sanitizing your epilator after each use.
You can actually find that information on their instruction manual (yep, the one you probably threw away – I know I did, but not without reading it.).
And this is more for you to experience its optimal performance and results with each session (which is briefly explained on the next bullet point).
It Maintains Your Epilator’s Performance
Epilators work by having little steel plates open and close at each rotation, creating a tweezing motion that pulls hair from the roots.
Over time, hair, dirt, dead skin cells and lint (from your clothes or furry pets) can build up in between the tweezers affecting its performance. You may notice your epilator being less efficient that you actually have to go over one spot more than once or have to slow down to make sure that there are no leftovers.
Before you throw your epilator away and buy a new one, give it another chance by thoroughly cleaning it. Who knows, maybe after a good brushing it’ll start working like new!
It Prolongs The Life Of Your Epilator
Cleaning keeps your epilator in tip-top shape and optimal performance enough to last you years and years of usage (mine is 6 years and counting – but let’s not jinx it).
It Lessens Your Chance Of Getting Skin Irritations
Remember the things that can get caught in between the tweezers of your epilator? Now, let’s throw in some bacteria and viruses into the mix. Scary right?
These microscopic creatures can wreak havoc on your freshly epilated and sensitive skin upon contact. Dermatitis? We don’t know her! So, clean your epilator stat!
How to Clean an Epilator (and an Epilator Head)?
If you have already thrown out your epilator’s user manual, do not worry because chances are there’s probably an online version of that somewhere.
Got no time to search? That’s where I got you covered!
The first thing to do is to identify the type of epilator you have because the steps would differ between a wet/dry use vs. strictly for dry use. Take your pick below!
For Wet/Dry Epilators
1. Ensure The Unit is Turned Off and Unplugged
You don’t want to be electrocuted, do you?
2. Detach the Epilator Head and Any Attachments from The Epilator Body/Handle
(such as the massaging rollers, precision covers, etc.)
The attachments vary from one epilator brand to another. Unless you’re a certified electrician, never disassemble your epilator piece by piece just to clean it.
There’s no need for that. If you can’t easily remove an attachment by hand, then that means it’s not meant to be removed (just being clear guys!).
3. Using a Brush, Carefully Remove Trapped Hairs on The Detached Parts of The Epilator
Most epilators come with a mini brush for cleaning. If yours didn’t or if you misplaced it, you can always use an old toothbrush to brush the hair and dirt off the epilator head and its attachments.
Tip: When cleaning the epilator head, it’s ok to keep rolling it downwards to ensure that every tweezer is thoroughly cleaned.
4. Wash The Epilator Head and Its Attachments Under Running Water
This is the main difference between a wet/dry use and a dry-use epilator. Wet/Dry epilators with a detachable head can be cleaned under running water and dried with a towel.
You can also soak the epilator head in a mixture of mild dishwashing soap and water, rinse, pat dry and let it air dry thoroughly before reattaching to the main device.
Warning:
- If using non-detachable wet/dry epilator head that is directly wall powered, follow the process for dry-use epilators instead.
- Do not wet the main device/epilators body. You can only wet the head and attachments.
5. Sanitize Your Epilator
How? By lightly spraying the brush with alcohol and brushing it over the epilator head gently.
I prefer this method over wetting a cotton ball with alcohol and using that to wipe the epilator head as cotton balls have strands that may get caught in between the tweezers.
Again, you may roll the epilator mechanism downwards to sanitize all the tweezers.
For Dry Use Epilators
- Ensure The Unit is Turned Off and Unplugged – Safety first girls!
- Detach The Epilator Head and Any Attachments from The Epilator Body/Handle – Same note as above!
- Using a Brush, Remove Trapped Hairs on The Detached Parts of The Epilator – Try to get as much hair and dirt off of every nook and cranny of your epilator head and its attachments.
- Wash The Non-Motorized Attachments with Soap and Water – Attachments such as massaging rollers and precision windows can be cleaned with soap and water before allowing it to air dry. Never wet the dry-use epilator head with water or any liquid.
- Sanitize by Lightly Spraying The Brush with Alcohol and Brushing It Over The Epilator Head Gently – Bye dermatitis and folliculitis!
FAQs
Q: Can You Use Witch Hazel Instead Of Rubbing Alcohol To Clean An Epilator?
A: Due to its antimicrobial property, it’s understandable why people thought witch hazel could be a good alternative to alcohol (another alternative I heard is using vodka).
I’d rather stick to what the manufacturers say on their manual if my goal is to prolong the use of my epilator.
I’m a black and white type girl (no gray areas) when it comes to gadgets/tools, I follow manuals to a T. So for me, stick to plain rubbing/isopropyl alcohol girls!
Q: Can You Clean An Epilator With Water If It Is For Dry Use Only?
A: Big NO! Never clean a dry-use epilator with water. You can wash the non-motorized attachments with water but never the epilator head nor the main unit.
Dry brushing and air cleaning using compressed air pump are the best for dry-use epilators.
Putting It All Together
We all want good quality, lasting products. Sometimes, the longevity of these products relies on how we use and take care of it.
Cleaning your epilator after each use can prolong its life, giving you back your money’s worth and years of smooth and hair free skin.
Following the steps above will ensure that your epilator is fresh, clean and working like the first time you bought it. If after cleaning, it still doesn’t work the same as before, then maybe it is really time to have it replaced.
If you need ideas on which epilator to purchase next, my article on the best epilators out there will help you in making that decision.
Want to stay hair free longer or semi-permanently? Go check my article on the best laser hair removal devices.
It’s always a pleasure helping you out with your period or unwanted hair problems, do reach out if you have additional questions, comments, and suggestions.
Hope you find this article on how to clean an epilator helpful. Have a good one!
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
