Caleb Foster
Keeping your nails clean is an essential part of maintaining your hygiene and can make you look and feel good. However, dirt can accumulate in the subungual region, the space under the nails, which resists washing and remains dark. This can be a site for bacterial growth, so it is important to clean this area. There are several methods to clean under your nails, including using an orange stick, a nail brush, or a mixture of natural products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Cuticle/orange stick, nail brush, toothbrush, nail pick, manicure brush, washcloth, loofah, sponge, baby wipe, hand wipe, cotton swab, toothpick |
| Soaking solutions | Warm water, apple cider vinegar, baking soda and peroxide paste, nail polish remover, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice and fine salt, olive oil and fine salt, sugar and makeup remover, acetone, bleach |
| Cleaning products | Mild, natural soap, dish soap, job-specific hand soap, toothpaste, moisturiser, cuticle oil, coconut oil, aloe, cocoa butter, tea tree oil |
| Other | Keep nails short, wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in warm water
Soaking your nails in warm water is a great way to soften them and make it easier to remove dirt from underneath them. It is recommended to soak your nails in warm water for about three minutes. You can add soap to the warm water, which will help to soften your cuticles and loosen dead skin, dirt, and dust.
To soak your nails effectively, fill a shallow bowl with warm water. You can add a few drops of mild, natural soap to the water to avoid making your nails brittle. Submerge the tips of your fingers, not your whole hands, and let your nails soften.
After soaking your nails, you can use a nail brush, manicure brush, or soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the tops of your nails and underneath them. Dip the brush in water regularly to clean it and add more soapy water. You can also use a nail pick or an orange stick to carefully clean out the dirt from underneath your nails. Be careful not to prod too deeply beneath the nail to avoid injury.
In addition to soap, there are other ingredients you can add to your warm water soak to enhance its effectiveness. For example, you can add lemon juice and honey to soften your cuticles, make your nails whiter and stronger, and boost hydration. Alternatively, you can mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water and soak your fingertips for 20 minutes for squeaky-clean nails.
Remember, it is important to pay attention to your nails when you wash your hands. Always follow your cleaning efforts with a moisturizer to prevent overdrying.
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Use a nail brush
Using a nail brush is an effective way to remove dirt from deep under your nails. Nail brushes are small handheld brushes that resemble a toothbrush. They are specifically designed to target the hard-to-reach areas under your nails.
Before using a nail brush, it is recommended to soak your nails in warm, soapy water for about three minutes. This softens the nails, making them more pliable and less likely to chip or break during the cleaning process.
When using the nail brush, dip it into warm, soapy water and angle the brush downwards towards your hand. Scrub your nails from side to side, focusing on the areas underneath your nails. Remember to rinse the brush in clean water before changing fingers.
If you do not have a nail brush, you can use a new toothbrush instead. It is important to keep your nail brush clean and dry when not in use to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
For extra cleaning power, you can add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your nail brush. Work the toothpaste into the brush bristles for an even application. Toothpaste contains whitening agents that can help clean and brighten the area under your nails.
In addition to using a nail brush, maintaining good nail hygiene includes keeping your nails short and trimmed. This makes it less likely for bacteria and dirt to accumulate. Daily hand washing and removing dirt and oil from under your nails are also essential for maintaining clean and healthy nails.
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Try an orange stick
Orange sticks are a great way to clean deep under your nails. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to carry around, making them a convenient option for nail care on the go.
The sticks are usually made of wood, but can also be made of metal, and are typically around 4 inches (10 cm) long. They are called "orange sticks" because they were traditionally made from orange wood, which was chosen for its durability and smooth texture.
To use an orange stick, start by gently pressing the edge of the stick under your fingernail. Be careful not to separate the skin from the nail, as this can create a haven for dirt and bacteria. Then, slide the stick under your nail from one corner to the other, pushing out any dirt and debris. Wipe the grime onto a napkin and repeat until the stick comes away clean. You may find it easier to use the pointed end of the stick to remove grime, but be careful not to accidentally break the skin.
It's important to keep your orange stick clean and sterile to prevent infection. If you're using a wooden stick, it's best to throw it away after one use, as it can be difficult to remove bacteria and germs from the wood. Metal sticks should be thoroughly cleaned and soaked in an antibacterial solution after each use.
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Apply a whitening paste
Whitening toothpaste isn't just for your teeth—it can be used to whiten your nails, too. To use this method, start by applying a small amount of toothpaste to your nail brush or an old toothbrush. Then, gently scrub the toothpaste into your nails for one to two minutes. You can also use your fingers to rub a small dollop of toothpaste into your nails and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat this process for a few days if needed to get rid of stubborn stains.
Alternatively, you can create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply this paste to your nails and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water and mild soap. You can also add lemon juice to the paste for extra whitening power, but be careful to keep it away from any cuts or hangnails as it will sting.
Another option is to use hydrogen peroxide, a natural lightening agent. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and soak your nails in the solution for about 15 minutes. Rinse well and repeat daily until your nails are whiter. If using for longer than three to four days, use sweet almond or coconut oil to seal in moisture and prevent your cuticles from drying out.
Finally, you can try using a whitening nail pencil or colour-correcting nail polish to treat discolouration. These options offer a fast, temporary solution to whiten your nails.
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Moisturise your nails
Keeping your nails moisturized is an important step in maintaining healthy nails. Nails that are not moisturized can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage and infection.
Nails are made up of layers of keratin, a structural protein also found in the skin and hair. The nail is 1000 times more permeable to water than the skin, which means that everyday activities like washing dishes or handwashing can weaken the nail's structure, compromising its ability to retain hydration. Nails that are not moisturized can become dry and brittle, making them more susceptible to breakage and infection.
How to Moisturize Nails
- Wear gloves: Protect your nails by wearing gloves when doing dishes or any other activity that involves water exposure.
- Apply moisturizer: After your nails are exposed to water, apply moisturizer immediately. Look for products designed to moisturize hands, cuticles, and nails, or use natural oils like coconut oil, which is great for hydrating nails and making your manicure last longer.
- Exfoliate: Just like the skin, nails can benefit from exfoliation to remove dead nail cells and allow moisturizer to penetrate better. Consider using products containing glycolic acid or urea to exfoliate your nails once a week.
- Seal in moisture: After exfoliating, apply moisturizer to your nails and hands to seal in the moisture.
- Use a base coat: If you use nail polish, consider applying a smoothing and strengthening base coat to help your nails stay strong and smooth underneath the polish.
- Avoid harsh products: Ingredients in nail polish, such as formaldehyde, and nail polish removers with acetone can dry out your nails. Opt for more natural and hydrating alternatives whenever possible.
By incorporating these steps into your nail care routine, you can achieve healthier, stronger, and more moisturized nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some methods to remove dirt from under your fingernails:
- Soak your hands in warm soapy water for 3-10 minutes, then use a nail brush to scrub your nails.
- Use an orange stick to gently push out dirt from underneath your nail.
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Soak your fingertips in the mixture for 20 minutes.
Here are some products that can help remove dirt from under your nails:
- Nail brush
- Orange stick
- Toothpick
- Baby wipe or moist hand wipe
- Nail pick
- Toothpaste
- Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
- Lemon juice and fine salt
- Sugar and makeup remover
- Salt and olive oil
Here are some methods to remove dirt from under your toenails:
- Wash and scrub your feet with soap and water. You can use a loofah, sponge, or washcloth to clean around the toenails.
- Try a foot soak. Soak your feet in lukewarm water and soap to help dislodge dirt underneath your toenails.
- Trim your toenails after a bath or foot soak.
