Fingernails are actually like a magnet that attracts dirt and grease, especially in tiny crevices that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Because of their structure with many grooves, nail cleaning is often neglected, even though this is where bacteria most easily reside.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, the concept of personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, has become more familiar than ever. And if you have ever wondered how can i clean my nails effectively, here are some simple, easy-to-apply methods to keep your nails clean and healthy.
Simple ways to clean nails
Clean dirt under nails
A common question when it comes to nail care is how can i clean my nails when they are often covered with dirt? To solve this problem, use nail clippers to trim off long and dirty nails.
=> Check out our guide on how to clean nail clippers.
To avoid damaging the skin, do it in a well-lit place. In case you are growing long nails, you can also use a warm towel to remove dirt under the nails. A small brush can also help you clean your nails gently without causing any damage. You can also refer to our detailed guide on how to clean under your nails quickly and easily.
Use warm water and mild soap
If you are wondering how can I clean my nails in a simple yet effective way, this lies in the way you wash your hands every day. Washing your hands properly with warm water and mild soap will help you clean dirt or bacteria that cannot be seen with the naked eye. You should prioritize using natural soaps.
In case you cannot wash your hands with water, you can use hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean. Although it is a basic habit, this is often not paid attention to by many people, leading to improperly cleaned nails.
Soak your nails in warm water
Soaking your nails in warm water is a great way to begin cleaning them gently and thoroughly. When you soak your hands in water with a moderate temperature, the skin and nails will become softer, making it easier to remove dirt or residue without damaging your nails.
In addition to the relaxing effect, softening your nails also limits the possibility of nails breaking or chipping when scrubbing. This is a small step but is prioritized by professional nail salons. If you are wondering how can I clean my nails without damaging your nails, start by soaking your hands in warm water.
Remove nail polish, if necessary
Regular nail polish is the main cause of weak nails. If you notice that your nails are dry and weak, stop painting them. Use a specialized nail polish remover to clean and sanitize your nails.
To do this, use a soft cotton pad soaked in the solution and gently wipe off the remaining nail polish. Then, wash your hands with warm water and dry them with a clean paper towel. This is also the time for your nails to regenerate their strength from the inside, instead of always being covered by a layer of nail polish.
Ways to Deeply Clean Your Nails
Clean and whiten with baking soda
If your nails are yellow after many coats of paint, a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be an extremely effective nail brightener. Mix about 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Next, spread the mixture evenly over your nails and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with water.
Although effective, you should only apply this method once a week to brighten your nails, avoid applying it too much because it can easily damage your nails. In addition, you can use toothpaste instead because it also has similar whitening properties.
Improve nails with functional foods
Not all folk remedies are effective when it comes to nail care. For example, applying garlic to your nails or increasing your protein intake are often cited as ways to strengthen nails, but there is little scientific evidence to support this.
Instead, biotin supplements are a B vitamin that has been shown to improve nail thickness and strength over time. In addition to being good for nails, biotin also supports hair and skin health. If you are experiencing weak, brittle nails, consulting a nutritionist about appropriate supplements will be a much more effective internal support solution than topical tips.
Clean yellow nails with natural medicine
Yellow nails are a common problem that can be caused by smoking, frequent use of dark nail polish, or even fungal infections. Cases involving medical conditions will require more intensive treatment, but if you are looking for how can I clean my nails and improve nail color at home, the following natural ingredients can help.
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antiseptic, very effective in fighting nail fungus. Just apply a few drops to yellow nails, leave for about 5 minutes, then rinse. With lemon juice or lemon essential oil, the natural citric acid in lemon will help brighten the nail surface, restoring a gentle shine to the nails.
In addition, apple cider vinegar is also a reliable "assistant". Thanks to the malic and acetic acids, apple cider vinegar has the ability to clean, whiten nails and prevent fungus. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio, soak your nails for about 15–20 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Clean nails with glass cleaner
A rather new but very effective solution to clean nail polish is to use glass cleaner. The reason why glass cleaner can also remove nail polish is because it contains mild detergents.
The usage is similar to nail polish remover; you just need to drop a small amount on a cotton pad and wipe gently to clean. This is a quick tip that you can do when you don't have a specialized remover.
Conclude
Keeping your nails clean not only helps you look neat but is also an important step to protect your health every day. From washing your hands properly, soaking your nails, to moisturizing and applying natural tips, all are simple steps but bring surprising results.
If you have ever wondered how can I clean my nails properly without going to the salon, hopefully the suggestions in this article will help you confidently take care of your nails at home. To help your nails be cleaner and stronger, you can refer to nail care products at NghiaNippers.
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