Getting your under nails cleaned is a way to make your nails look healthy and beautiful because one of the most open areas in our body for harbouring hundreds of thousands of bacteria and most likely some viruses as well is the undersurface of your nails, so how can you clean your under nails without a brush?
All you need are some household materials, and you can carry out your cleaning exercise. You don’t have to worry, as cleaning under the nails without a brush is a tested DIY with a great result.
So this article will give answers to your question on how to clean under nails with household material, as I have done this several times and also seen people doing this. Read to the very end to get the full gist and how to care for your nails.
- 4 Steps To Clean Under Nails Without Brush
- Alternative To Clean Under Nail Without Brush
- What Is The Best Way To Clean Underneath Your Fingernails?
- How Often Should You Clean Under Your Nails?
- Benefits Of Cleaning Under Your Nails
- What Happens If You Don’t Clean Under Your Nails?
- Why Do I Always Get Dirt Under My Nails?
- Frequently Asked Questions
4 Steps To Clean Under Nails Without Brush
Cleaning under your nails is a task you have to carry out regularly, and as soon as you notice dirt or debris under your nails, however, you might find yourself in a situation where your nail brush is not available or not in the right condition to be used.
If you find yourself in this situation, you can follow the steps below to clean under nails without a brush.
Step 1: Soak in lukewarm water
The first step to get rid of the dirt under your nails without using a brush is to soak your nails in a bowl of soapy warm water for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will work well to loosen any dirt and debris that may be stuck underneath your nails.
Step 2: Gently scrape dirt out
After soaking, you can use either an orange stick or cotton swab to gently scrape away any visible dirt and debris under your nail. Ensure you do this gently to prevent any damage to your nail bed.
Step 3: Scrub gently in warm soapy water
After you have removed the loose particles and debris, use cotton balls wrapped around your fingertips, dip them in warm soapy water, and gently scrub your nails beneath the soapy water to thoroughly clean them.
Gently scrub each nail one at a time, starting from the tip of the nail and towards the base, as this will help get rid of any remaining debris.
Step 4: Rinse nails with warm water
Now, using cool water, rinse off any soapy residue on your nail. Once you’re done with cleaning each nail, then use a soft towel to pat your hands dry. Now you have clean and dry nails free from bacteria and viruses.
Alternative To Clean Under Nail Without Brush
if you don’t have a nail brush to clean under your nail, here are some household materials you can use as tool to clean your nails;
1. Using a toothpick or floss
A toothpick or a piece of dental floss can be gently inserted under your nails to remove dirt and debris. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the nail bed.
2. Using a cuticle stick or orange stick
A cuticle stick, typically used for pushing back cuticles during manicures, can also be used to clean under your nails. Gently slide the rounded end of the stick along the edges of your nails to dislodge dirt.
3. Using a soft cloth or towel
Wrap a soft cloth or towel around your fingertip and gently rub the cloth under your nails. This can help remove surface-level dirt and debris.
4. Applying olive oil or cuticle Oil
Applying a small amount of olive oil or cuticle oil to the area under your nails can help loosen and lift dirt. After applying the oil, use a toothpick or cloth to clean the area.
5. Using a paperclip
Carefully straighten a paperclip and use the rounded end to clean under your nails. Be cautious not to use too much pressure to avoid injuring your nail bed.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Underneath Your Fingernails?
There is really no way to clean your nails that can be referred to as the best; you just have to consider the tools available for you to use and choose a method to clean up your nails. However, the steps I have discussed earlier can be described as the easiest and most effective way to clean up your nails without damaging their nails.
How Often Should You Clean Under Your Nails?
The frequency of cleaning under your nails can depend on your daily activities and lifestyle. If you engage in activities that expose your hands to dirt, grime, or contaminants, you may need to clean under your nails more frequently.
However, generally, you should clean under your nails every day or every few days. This routine helps prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, and regular handwashing, especially before meals and after using the restroom, also contributes to overall nail cleanliness.
Benefits Of Cleaning Under Your Nails
1. Prevent bacterial growth
One of the primary benefits of cleaning under your nails is the prevention of bacterial growth. When dirt and debris accumulate underneath your nails, it creates an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive. Regular cleaning helps eliminate these breeding grounds, reducing the risk of bacterial infections.
2. Enhance nail beauty
Cleaning under your nails enhances their visual appeal. Removing dirt and debris prevents nails from looking discoloured or dull, ensuring that your manicure or natural nails remain attractive.
3. Promote hand hygiene
Another benefit you enjoy when cleaning under your nails is that it promotes the general hygiene of the hands. Keeping this area clean reduces the transfer of bacteria and contaminants from your nails to your mouth, eyes, or other surfaces you touch, thereby helping prevent the spread of germs.
4. Prevents odour
Dirt and debris under your nails can contribute to an unpleasant odour. Regular cleaning helps eliminate these odour-causing particles, keeping your nails smelling fresh and clean.
5. Maintain your nail overall health
Neglecting to clean under your nails can lead to various nail problems. Dirt accumulation can cause nails to become brittle, discoloured, or develop ridges. By keeping this area clean, you contribute to the overall health and appearance of your nails.
6. Improve your self-esteem and confidence
When your nail is clean and free from dirt and stains, you will be more confident to fluent your manicure, and you won’t have to hide them when you are in the midst of people or when you want to shake hands with someone.
7. Reduce the risk of ingrown nails
Excess dirt and debris can contribute to the development of ingrown nails, where the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Regular cleaning helps prevent this by maintaining a clean space beneath the nails.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Under Your Nails?
The undersides of your nails should be cleaned frequently as they provide a conducive environment to harbour dirt and germs and can contribute to the spread of some infections, such as pinworms.
Therefore if you leave your nails without cleaning, apart from the fact that you won’t be confident about yourself, you also are at high risk of getting an infection in the long run.
Why Do I Always Get Dirt Under My Nails?
Some common reasons why you might get debris or dirt below your nails include
- Engaging in everyday activities like gardening, cooking, cleaning, and manual labour can expose your hands to dirt and debris.
- Inadequate hand washing when you are done with any task can lead to dirt accumulation under your nails.
- Longer nails provide more space for dirt and debris to become trapped.
- Not wearing gloves during activities that expose your hands to dirt increases the likelihood of particles getting trapped under your nails.
- Neglecting regular nail trimming and cleaning can result in dirt buildup.
- The habit of using your nails as tools and nail-biting or picking can introduce dirt and bacteria under the nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it important to clean under nails?
Yes, cleaning under your nails is very important, and it is best to do it on a regular basis.
Does washing hands clean under nails?
Regular hand washing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.
Does brush damage nails when cleaning?
A nail brush won’t damage the nails except for the situation where you are using a hard or cohesive brush, and you are using them to clean with force. This is why it is usually recommended to use a soft or old toothbrush to clean your nails gently.
Conclusion
Cleaning under your nails is an essential aspect of maintaining proper hand hygiene. If your daily activities and lifestyle involve getting your nails dirty or stained, a general guideline is to wash your nails every day after your activities or clean them once a day.
It’s especially important to clean your nails after outdoor activities, manual tasks, and during regular nail maintenance routines. By following these practices, you can help prevent the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and debris, promoting overall nail health and cleanliness.
