How to Sanitize Tweezers

Tweezers are a handy tool for removing splinters, ticks and facial hair, but they can harbor germs and bacteria. It's important to sanitize tweezers thoroughly after they come into contact with blood, bugs or anything else that may lead to the spread of bacteria. Rinsing tweezers under water isn't enough to do the job. Be more aggressive in your sanitizing measures to ensure that the tweezers are clean and won't transmit germs and bacteria from one person to the next.

A woman is plucking her eyebrows with tweezers. (Image: Christopher Robbins/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Step 1

Fill a small pot with water. Place it on the stove and bring the water to a boil.

Step 2

Rinse the tweezers under clean running water to remove extra dirt and debris.

Step 3

Place the tweezers carefully into the boiling water so they're completely submerged. Leave them in the boiling water for at least five minutes.

Step 4

Use a pair of tongs to remove the tweezers from the hot water. Lay them on a clean cotton cloth for a few minutes until they cool down.

Step 5

Wipe the tweezers with the clean cotton cloth to dry them thoroughly.

Step 6

Place the tweezers into a clean bowl and cover them with rubbing alcohol for an alternative way to sanitize them. Let them soak for 15 minutes, then wipe them dry with a clean cotton cloth.

Things You'll Need

• Small pot

• Tongs

• Clean cotton cloth

• Bowl

• Rubbing alcohol

Warning

Do not touch the tweezers for several minutes after removing them from the boiling water. They will be hot and can cause injury to the skin.