How to Clean and Sanitize Nail Files

Keeping your nail files clean and germ-free is a crucial part of taking care of your personal grooming and hygiene.

Whether you’re a nail professional or just want to keep your nails looking their best, it’s important to understand how to clean and sanitize your nail files.

Correct cleanliness and sanitation will not only keep your nails healthy and free from harmful bacteria and fungi, but it will also help to extend the lifespan of your files.

In this post, I will be sharing how to clean the different types of nail files, including glass nail files, emery boards, and metal nail files.

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Why should I wash my nail file?

There are several reasons why you should wash and sanitize your nail files regularly.

1. Prevents the spread of bacteria. Nail files can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Failing to clean your nail files can result in the spread of harmful germs and fungi, such as nail fungus, from one person to another. This can be especially dangerous in a nail salon setting.
2. Prevents clogging. Dirty nail files can contain nail dust and other debris, which can clog the file and reduce its effectiveness over time. By washing and sanitizing your files, you can ensure that they remain in good working condition and continue to perform as expected.
3. It’s good practice. Maintaining clean and hygienic nail files is simply good practice. It helps to prevent the spread of disease and promotes overall health and well-being, making it an important task for both personal grooming and professional nail care.

What can I use to clean a nail file?

There are a variety of cleaning agents and disinfectants that you can use to clean and sanitize your nail files.

Here’s a rundown of some of the most commonly used nail file cleaning solutions:

Isopropyl alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is a common cleaning agent that is used to clean and sanitize all types of nail files.

It is an effective germicide that can kill bacteria and viruses on contact. It is also relatively cheap and readily available.

Use it to wipe over your nail file, or put it in a spray and spritz after cleaning your nail file with soapy water.

Ethyl alcohol

Ethyl alcohol is another commonly used cleaning agent that can be used to clean and sanitize nail files.

It is less harsh than isopropyl alcohol and is less likely to damage the surface of the file.

Like isopropyl alcohol, use it to wipe over your nail file or put it in a spray and spritz.

Antibacterial soap

Antibacterial soap is a great option for cleaning your nail files.

The soap not only removes dirt and debris, but also provides a thorough sanitization.

It is gentle on the surface of the file and can effectively remove dirt, grime, and bacteria.

How to clean a nail file with antibacterial soap:

1. Rinse the file under warm water to remove any loose debris.
2. Lather up antibacterial soap on a nail brush or your hands.
3. Gently scrub the file, paying special attention to the edges and any hard-to-reach areas.
4. Rinse the file thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap residue
5. Dry the file with a paper towel or let it air dry completely before using it again.

Dish soap

Dish soap provides an effective and affordable solution for cleaning and sanitizing your nail files.

It’s a gentle, yet tough-on-grime option that can effectively remove nail polish, dirt, and nail dust from your nail files.

Dish soap provides an effective and affordable solution for cleaning and sanitizing your nail files.

How to clean your nail file with dish soap:

1. Rinse the file under warm water to remove any loose debris.
2. Lather up dish soap on a nail brush or your hands.
3. Gently scrub the file, paying special attention to the edges and any hard-to-reach areas.
4. Rinse the file thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap residue
5. Dry the file with a paper towel or let it air dry completely before using it again.

Bleach solution

While not recommended for regular use, a diluted bleach solution can be used to clean and sanitize nail files in a pinch.

However, it is important to remember that bleach can be harsh on the surface of the file and can cause damage over time.

How to clean your nail file with bleach:

1. Create a bleach solution by mixing 1 part bleach with 10 parts water.
2. Soak your nail file in the solution for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse the file thoroughly with warm water.
4. Dry the file completely before using it again.

This method isn’t suitable for traditional emery boards and nail buffers, as soaking will ruin them.

How to clean and sanitize a reusable nail file

Whether you’re dealing with glass nail files, emery boards, metal nail files, or glass nail files, there are specific cleaning methods that work best for each type of file.

Here’s a breakdown of how to clean and sanitize different types of nail files:

Glass nail files

Glass and crystal nail files are easy to clean and sanitize.

Simply wash them with warm water and mild soap, and then allow them to air dry completely.

Here’s how to clean your glass nail file:

1. Begin by washing the glass nail file in warm water with a few drops of dish soap to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Rinse the file thoroughly and make sure to remove all soap suds.
3. Once the file is clean, spray a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or an epa-registered hospital disinfectant on the file and let it sit for a few minutes.
4. The isopropyl alcohol will help to kill any remaining bacteria or germs on the file.
5. Allow to dry.

Emery boards and nail buffers

Emery boards are a little more delicate than glass nail files. You won’t want to soak them because they will get damaged.

Here’s how you can clean your emery board nail file:

1. Wet the emery board with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap.
2. Scrub the file with a nail brush to remove any dirt and debris.
3. Rinse the file thoroughly with warm water.
4. Spray the file with isopropyl alcohol or an epa-registered hospital disinfectant and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
5. Finally, air dry the file completely before using it again.

Metal nail files

To clean a metal nail file:

1. Start by washing it with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
2. Scrub the file using a nail brush or a toothbrush to remove any dirt or nail polish residue.
3. Rinse the file with warm water and then let it air dry.
4. After it has dried, spray the file with a disinfectant solution, such as isopropyl alcohol or an epa-registered hospital disinfectant. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the file, including the edges and the metal base.
5. Let the disinfectant solution sit on the file for a few minutes before wiping it off with a paper towel.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use warm water to clean my nail files?

Yes, warm water can be used to clean the surface of your nail files, but it is not a disinfectant and will not kill bacteria or fungus.

It is best to use warm water along with other cleaning agents or disinfectants for best results.

Is isopropyl alcohol safe to use on my nail files?

Yes, isopropyl alcohol is a safe and effective cleaning agent and disinfectant to use on your nail files.

However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and dilute the alcohol according to their recommended ratios.

Can I use bleach solution to clean my nail files?

Yes, bleach solution can be used to clean and disinfect your nail files, but it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and dilute the bleach according to their recommended ratios.

Be sure to rinse your nail files thoroughly with water after using a bleach solution.

Can I use an electric nail file to clean my other nail files?

No, an electric nail file is not recommended for cleaning other nail files.

The abrasive nature of the electric nail file may damage the surface of your other nail files, especially those made of glass or crystal.

It is best to use the right tools for the job, such as a soft-bristled brush or a paper towel, to avoid damage.

How often should I clean and sanitize my nail files?

It is recommended to clean and sanitize your nail files after every use to prevent the buildup of bacteria and fungus.

In a nail salon setting, it is important to follow the task force guidelines and sanitize your nail tools after every client to ensure their health and safety.