Acrylic nails can add a touch of glamour to any outfit, but it’s essential to keep them clean for aesthetic and health reasons. Unfortunately, cleaning underneath acrylic nails can be challenging due to the length and thickness of the artificial nail. However, it is vital to do so regularly to prevent dirt, bacteria, and other debris buildups. Here are five ways to effectively clean underneath acrylic nails.
How to to Clean Underneath Acrylic Nails
Whether you’re new to wearing acrylics or have been doing so for a while, these tips will help you keep your nails looking their best
Soak in Warm Water and Dish Soap
Soaking your acrylic nails in a mixture of warm water and dish soap is a simple and effective way to clean them. To begin, fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. You can use any dish soap, but liquid soap works best as it will readily mix with water.
Next, soak your acrylic nails in the mixture for a few minutes to allow the warm water and soap to loosen any dirt and debris trapped underneath the nails. This will make it easier to scrub the dirt and debris with a toothbrush or nail brush.
After the nails have soaked for a few minutes, use a toothbrush or nail brush to scrub underneath the nails, paying extra attention to the area where the acrylic nail meets the natural nail. The brush’s bristles will help remove any dirt and debris that the warm water and soap have loosened. Be sure to scrub thoroughly to remove as much dirt and debris as possible.
Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the nails thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue to avoid any irritation or drying of the skin.
Use a Cotton Swab and Nail Polish Remover
A cotton swab and nail polish remover is a gentle yet effective way to clean underneath acrylic nails. Nail polish remover is a powerful solvent that can effectively remove dirt, debris, and any excess nail polish or acrylic residue underneath the nails.
To use this method, dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover and use it to clean underneath the nails gently. You can also use a cotton pad or ball if you prefer. Be sure to pay extra attention to where the acrylic nail meets the natural nail, as dirt and debris are most likely to accumulate.
Be gentle when cleaning underneath the nails to avoid damaging the acrylic or natural nails. Use light pressure and clean thoroughly to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Nail polish remover can be drying, so it is essential to rinse the nails well and follow up with a moisturizing hand cream to keep the skin hydrated.
Use a Cotton Ball and Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria and remove dirt and debris underneath the nails.
To use this method, soak a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol and use it to clean underneath the nails. Make sure you focus extra on cleaning the area where the artificial acrylic nail connects to the natural nail since this spot tends to accumulate the most dirt and other particles.
Rubbing alcohol effectively kills bacteria and removes dirt and debris but it can also dry the skin. It is essential to follow up with a moisturizing hand cream after using this method to keep your skin hydrated and prevent any irritation.
This method effectively cleans and disinfects your acrylic nails and can be done regularly to keep them clean and healthy.
Use a Cuticle Pusher or Orangewood Stick
A cuticle pusher or orangewood stick can gently scrape dirt and debris underneath acrylic nails. These tools are designed to push back the cuticles and remove any dirt and debris trapped under the nails.
To use this method, hold the cuticle pusher or orangewood stick with the pointed end facing toward the acrylic nail. Gently scrape the tool underneath the nail to remove any dirt and debris trapped there. Be sure to pay extra attention to where the acrylic nail meets the natural nail, as dirt and debris are most likely to accumulate.
Be gentle when using a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to avoid damaging the acrylic or natural nails. Use light pressure and scrape thoroughly to remove as much dirt and debris as possible.
This method is effective for removing larger bits of dirt and debris from underneath acrylic nails, and it can be done regularly to keep your nails clean and well-maintained. Just be sure to be gentle to avoid damaging the nails.
Use a Nail Vacuum
A nail vacuum is a specialized tool that uses suction to remove dirt and debris from underneath acrylic nails. These devices are designed specifically for cleaning underneath acrylic nails and can keep your nails clean and well-maintained.
To use a nail vacuum, hold the device’s nozzle over the area you want to clean and turn it on. The device will use suction to remove dirt and debris underneath the nails, leaving them clean and debris-free.
It’s essential to follow the instructions provided with your nail vacuum to ensure proper use. Some devices may have multiple settings or attachments that can be used for different cleaning purposes.
This method is an effective, albeit more expensive, option for cleaning underneath acrylic nails. It is a quick and easy way to keep your nails clean and well-maintained, and it can be done regularly to maintain cleanliness.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning underneath acrylic nails can be challenging, but it is essential to do so regularly to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection. There are various methods to choose from, including soaking in warm water and dish soap and using a nail brush and nail.