Why It’s Important to Clean Your Gua Sha Tool

Think of a gua sha the way you would any other tool or applicator you use on your face regularly. Product buildup is unsanitary. “Properly cleaning your gua sha tool is extremely important,” says licensed esthetician Taylor Nicole. “Just like your sponges and brushes, gua sha tools can harbor bacteria and dirt, which can cause skin conditions such as sensitivity, irritation, and breakouts.”

5 Easy Ways to Clean Your Gua Sha Tool at Home

1. Use What You Have at Your Sink

Cleaning your gua sha tool doesn’t have to require any special purchases. Nicole recommends using your favorite facial cleanser or a gentle antibacterial soap. Using a damp sponge or towel, she gently scrubs her gua sha for at least 20 seconds in a bowl of lukewarm water. Bankson echoes this tip, adding, “Make sure that you use an antibacterial wash versus a dish soap, because not all dish soap is antibacterial.” 

 2. Spray With Alcohol

Once the initial washing process is complete, Nicole dries off her gua sha tool with a clean towel, and then sprays it with isopropyl alcohol if she’s concerned about excess bacteria. Bankson seconds this approach, adding that you can quickly dunk your gua sha in rubbing alcohol or an antibacterial oil spray as a standalone cleaning method.

 3. Use a UV Light Cleaner

UV light cleaners became increasingly popular at doctor’s offices at the height of COVID-19. Bankson personally recommends these for sterilizing everything from cell phones and car keys to, yes, your gua sha tool. “They really are the best for cleaning items that can harbor tons of dirt and bacteria,” she says.

 4. Put Your Gua Sha in Boiling Water (If Metal)

While gua sha tools most commonly come in the form of glass-like stones, they are occasionally made of metal. If this is the case with your tool, Bankson says you can put it in boiling water the same way you would clean tweezers. “But do not do this with any of the stone or resin variations,” she says. “Additionally, make sure that you are using tongs to remove the metal tool from the hot water—metal holds on to heat and you don’t want to burn yourself!” 

 5. Place It in a Ziploc Bag 

To prevent additional bacteria from coming into contact with your tool, Nicole suggests placing it in an airtight bag in your regular fridge or a skincare fridge. If not in the fridge, make sure to store your tool in a cool, dry place.

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