After every use
- Wipe off most of the oil or serum with a tissue or soft cloth.
- Wash the tool in lukewarm water with a drop of mild, fragrance-free soap, using your fingers or a soft cloth.
- Rinse well, so no soap film is left on the surface.
- Dry it completely with a clean cloth, including the notch and any ridges.
- Check the edges for chips before you put it away.
For a roller, wash the stone parts but keep the metal frame and the joints as dry as you can. Don't soak a roller, because water can sit in the joints and some frames rust.
What to avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Hot or boiling water | Sudden temperature changes can crack stone, especially if the tool came from the fridge. |
| The dishwasher | Heat, strong detergent and knocks against other items can chip or crack the tool. |
| Bleach and strong household cleaners | They can dull a polished surface and leave residue you then rub on your face. |
| Scouring pads and abrasive powders | They scratch the polish, and scratches make an edge feel rougher. |
| Long soaks | Not needed, and hard on roller joints and on any dyed or treated stone. |
A deeper clean
Many people also wipe their tools now and then with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton pad, then rinse and dry. Steel handles this well, and quartz generally does too. Dyed, treated or softer stones may not, so follow the care note that came with your tool, and if there isn't one, stick to soap and water. Let any alcohol evaporate and rinse the tool before it touches your face.
Keep tools personal
Treat a gua sha tool like a toothbrush and don't share it. If someone else has used it, give it a thorough wash and an alcohol wipe where the material allows before you use it. Skip your tool altogether while you have a breakout with open spots, a cold sore or a skin infection, and clean it well before the next session.
When to replace a tool
Stone tools last a long time if they aren't dropped. Replace a tool when:
- A working edge has a chip you can feel with a fingertip.
- A crack runs through the stone, even a fine one.
- The polish has worn rough in places and the tool drags.
- A roller squeaks, wobbles, or has rust on the frame.
A chip on the back or the very edge of a handle is less of a worry, as long as it never touches skin. Once the tool is clean and dry, see how to store it.