How to Clean, Disinfect, & Store Your Nail Tools at Home

We as humans carry bacteria on our bodies that when exposed to a cut in our skin, can potentially cause painful or life-threatening infections.  This is why it is required by law for nail salons to follow specific sanitizing and disinfecting procedures with their equipment.  Today’s blog is going to teach you how to take care of your manicure and pedicure tools at home by cleaning and disinfecting them so that you don’t find yourself (or a family member) with an unwanted infection.

How to clean your nail tools

Place your scrub brush into a bowl and pour 70% to 90% Isopropyl Alcohol over it until the brush is completely submerged. Allow your brush to soak for 5 minutes.  Once you know your brush is sanitized, you can use it to clean your other tools.  Add antibacterial soap to your brush and use it to scrub your nail clippers, glass nail files, and callus removing tool. Your goal is to remove the debris build-up.  Once you are done scrubbing, rinse off the tools with hot water until all of the soap is gone.

How to disinfect and store your tools

Place your nail clippers, glass nail files, and callus removing tool into a clean bowl.  Again, using the Isopropyl Alcohol, cover your tools completely.  Allow them to sit in the solution for 30 minutes. If you do not have Isopropyl Alcohol, you can boil your metal tools in water for 20 minutes.  Be sure to wash your hands before picking up the disinfected tools. When soaking is complete, allow them to dry on a clean paper towel.

Always store your clean tools away from other tools and supplies.  Never place them in a plastic bag or storage container as that can create a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria. Instead, keep them wrapped in UV-C LED Sterilizer boxes or UV sanitizer boxes designed specifically for your nail tools.