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It’s cheaper, saves time, and gives your nails a refresh whenever you want.
But there’s one aspect of home nail care that many people overlook: sanitizing your nail tools.
Stocksy
Clean nail tools are crucial when visiting a salon, but you must also clean them at home.
If your nail tools aren’t sanitized properlyor at allthis can lead to problems like infections and fungus.
Meet the Experts
Nail Files
A common way to cleannail filesis to wash them under hot water.
But there’s one problem: Most nail files are porous and shouldn’t be reused.
Nail Clippers
You have a few options to clean your nail clippers.
“you’re free to also boil your nail clippers in water for approximately 30 minutes.”
Cuticle Pushers
Cuticle pushersshould be disinfected with nail clippers and other tools.
“you’re free to also boil your cuticle pushers in water for half an hour.”
Cuticle Clippers
You should clean cuticle clippers like nail clippers, cuticle pushers, and other tools.
“Nail scissors can be disinfected by soaking with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide,” Lin says.
Nail Buffers
Like nail files,nail buffersare typically porous and shouldn’t be reused.
Reusing porous items like nail files and nail buffers could cause problems with harmful bacteria.
“Any implement used during a service should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized,” Hilton says.
“For example, used nail brushes should always be properly cleaned and placed in a disinfectant solution.
These small brushes are often overlooked.”
“Vinegar, especially white distilled vinegar, has acidic properties that create an inhospitable environment for fungal spores.
This acidity helps break down biofilm and debris that can harbor pathogens, making it effective for sanitizing surfaces.
I recommend soaking tools in vinegar and water for ten minutes before leaving them to air dry.”
“Disposable tools are best for DIYs for sure,” says Nolan.
“It eliminates the risk of improper sanitation or sterilization that can cause harm to your natural nails.
These tools are usually inexpensive and can be bought in bulk.”
But it’s important to note that everyone has their preferences.
Cleaning your nail tools at home is extremely important, but also simple.
You’ll want to be more careful with porous tools like nail files and buffers.
Because these items can hold and spread bacteria, it’s best to use them sparingly if possible.
