Knowing how to clean and store nail tools is as much a part of nail care as filing and polish. Tools pick up skin cells, nail dust, oil and microbes every time they are used. Left damp in a drawer, they rust and become a source of infection. A simple routine after each manicure keeps them safe, sharp and long-lasting.
Why it matters
- Bacteria, fungi and viruses, such as those that cause warts, can survive on tools.
- Small cuts around the nails give them a way in.
- Debris dulls blades and clogs files.
- Moisture causes rust.
Three levels of clean
| Level | What it does | How |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Removes visible dirt and debris | Soap, water and a brush |
| Disinfecting | Kills most germs on a clean surface | Alcohol or another suitable disinfectant, for the full contact time |
| Sterilizing | Destroys all microbes | Heat and pressure in an autoclave; salon and clinic equipment |
At home, cleaning followed by disinfecting is the goal. Disinfectant does not work properly on a dirty tool, so always clean first.
Metal tools: clippers, nippers, scissors, pushers, tweezers
- Brush away debris with a small, clean brush, such as an old toothbrush kept for the purpose. Pay attention to hinges and the insides of blades.
- Wash with warm water and soap.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towel.
- Disinfect. Wipe all surfaces with 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol on a cotton pad, or soak the tool in it for the time recommended on the bottle, then let it air dry.
- Dry completely before storing.
Do this after every use if the tool has touched broken skin or an infected nail, and at least after every full manicure otherwise.
Glass and crystal files
Wash with soap and warm water, scrub gently with a brush, rinse and dry. They can also be wiped with alcohol.
Emery boards, foam buffers and orangewood sticks
These are porous. They absorb moisture and cannot be disinfected properly.
- Tap off the dust after use.
- Keep them for your own use only.
- Replace them when they look worn or dirty, and after use on an infected nail.
See Nail Files and Buffers: How to Choose the Right Grit for file types.
Pumice stones and foot files
- Scrub with a brush, soap and warm water after each use.
- Rinse well.
- Let them dry fully in the open air, not in the shower.
- Replace pumice stones every few weeks to months. Metal or glass foot files can be disinfected like other tools.
Brushes
- Nail art brushes: clean with remover and reshape. See Nail Art Tools: Brushes, Dotting Tools, and Accessories.
- Nail scrubbing brushes: wash with soap, rinse and stand them bristles down to dry.
Bowls, toe separators and mats
Wash with hot, soapy water after each use and dry. Foam toe separators are porous and should be replaced regularly.
How often to clean
| Tool | When |
|---|---|
| Clippers, nippers, scissors, pushers | After every use: wipe; after every manicure: wash and disinfect |
| Glass file | After every manicure |
| Emery boards, buffers | Replace regularly |
| Pumice stone | After every use |
| Storage case | Wipe out monthly |
Storing tools
- Dry first. Never put a damp tool away.
- Use a clean, dry container: a pouch, roll or box with a lid. Avoid sealed, airtight storage for anything that might be slightly damp.
- Keep them out of the bathroom if it is steamy.
- Close blades and cover sharp tips with caps.
- Separate clean and used tools.
- Keep toenail tools apart from fingernail tools.
For product storage and hygiene more widely, see Makeup Hygiene: How to Store and Handle Products.
Preventing rust and keeping tools sharp
- Buy stainless steel.
- Dry thoroughly, and put a tiny drop of oil on hinges now and then.
- Replace clippers and nippers when the blades no longer meet cleanly, or have them sharpened professionally. See Nail Clippers vs Scissors: Which Tool Fits Your Needs?.
- Discard any tool with rust that does not wipe away.
Sharing tools
It is best not to share. In a household where tools are shared, wash and disinfect them between people, and give anyone with a fungal nail infection, warts or athlete's foot their own set. See Nail Fungus: Signs and Why Diagnosis Matters.
Taking your own tools to a salon
Many people do. Carry them in a clean pouch, and wash and disinfect them when you get home. See Nail Salon Hygiene: What to Check Before Your Appointment.
Safety
Rubbing alcohol is flammable. Use it away from flames, and store it out of reach of children. Do not boil tools with plastic parts, and do not mix cleaning chemicals.
Related on ArniSun
- Nail Salon Hygiene: What to Check Before Your Appointment
- Nail Files and Buffers: How to Choose the Right Grit
- Nail Clippers vs Scissors: Which Tool Fits Your Needs?
- Nail Fungus: Signs and Why Diagnosis Matters
- Makeup Hygiene: How to Store and Handle Products
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
How do I disinfect nail clippers at home?
Wash them with soap and water, scrub with a brush, dry them, then wipe or soak with 70% rubbing alcohol and let them air dry.
Can I wash an emery board?
No. Cardboard files absorb water and fall apart, and they cannot be disinfected. Replace them regularly.
How often should I replace nail tools?
Metal tools last for years with care. Replace emery boards, buffers, orangewood sticks and pumice stones regularly, and any tool that is rusty, blunt or damaged.