Dirty nails can ruin your appearance. Whether you've just finished cleaning or feel like your nails need some extra care, the undersides of your nails do sometimes need to be cleaned. If your nails look dull, you can treat and clean them with an orange wooden stick and nail brush, and bring them back to their original white color.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning with an Orange Wooden Stick
Step 1. Prepare the orange wooden sticks
This stick is made of wood that is tapered at one end and thin horizontally (similar to a flat-blade screwdriver) at the other end. You can find these tools at beauty stores in the nail care area.
You can also use a clean cuticle pusher or toothpick. However, both of these tools will be more difficult to use than an orange stick
Step 2. Wash your hands
Start by cleaning the dirt and oil on your hands. Rub both hands under warm running water, especially under the nails. Remove as much dirt as possible on your hands with soap and water.
- Turn your palms so the water can run through the sides of your nails.
- Pull your finger back and rub the soap under the nail with the pad of your finger.
- Pat your hands dry with a towel when you're done. Orange sticks are difficult to use while your hands are still wet.
Step 3. Push the tip of the orange stick under the nail
Gently press the stick under your nail, but be careful not to hurt your skin. You should press the stick as far as possible without letting the skin layer off the nail. If the layer of skin gets separated from the nail, bacteria and dirt can enter it.
You may find it easier to remove dirt from under your nails using the pointed end of an orange wooden stick. However, the pointed tip is more risky because it can injure the skin
Step 4. Slide the orange stick under the nail
Starting at one corner of the nail, slowly insert the tip of the orange stick. Press the stick down until it catches your finger.
Step 5. Push dirt and other debris out from under the nail
Slide the orange stick from one side of the nail to the other. Collect the dirt that comes out with a tissue then repeat until clean.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Nail Brush
Step 1. Prepare a nail brush
A nail brush is a small rectangular tool with fine bristles. This brush is similar to a toothbrush, but is larger in size and does not have a long handle. You can find these brushes in the beauty tools area of most convenience stores.
- You can use a nail brush every day in the shower instead of just cleaning your nails completely.
- You can also use a toothbrush instead of a nail brush.
Step 2. Mix soap and warm water
Pour the soap into a bowl of warm water and stir until evenly distributed. You can use any kind of soap, but liquid soap is better as it will mix more easily.
Step 3. Dip the nail brush in the soapy water
Soak the nail brush so the bristles are exposed to the water. The bristles of this brush must be wet in order to clean the nails.
Step 4. Point the nail brush down
Place the hand holding the brush up while directing the brush down. Press the bristles of the brush against the underside of the nail.
- You can brush your nails one at a time or 4 fingers (index finger to little finger) at a time. Brushing your nails individually may take longer, but the results will be cleaner.
- You can also brush the front of the nail for a cleaner result.
Step 5. Brush from right to left and vice versa
Brush under the nails to get rid of stubborn dirt. Dip the brush back into the water periodically to clean the brush and get some more soapy water.
- Keep brushing under your nails until they are completely clean.
- Rinse the nail brush with water before switching to another nail.
Method 3 of 3: Restore White Nails
Step 1. Pour the toothpaste on the nail brush
Pour a small amount of toothpaste into the nail brush and then spread it all over the bristles.
- Choose a whitening toothpaste.
- You can add more toothpaste if you want.
Step 2. Rub the toothpaste under the nails
Just like when you clean your nails with a brush, scrub the underside of your nails with toothpaste. Make sure there is a thin layer of toothpaste stuck to the bottom of the nail.
Step 3. Let the toothpaste sit under the nails for 3 minutes
Toothpaste takes time to whiten nails. After 3 minutes, rinse the toothpaste off your nails.
Step 4. Pour the lemon juice into a bowl
Squeeze 2 lemons to extract the juice, or use bottled lemon juice. Do not add water to lemon juice.
- You only need enough lemon juice to cover your fingertips.
- You can buy ready-made lemon juice at convenience stores.
Step 5. Soak your hands for 10 minutes
Let your fingertips soak in the lemon juice in the bowl to whiten the nails. After 10 minutes, rinse your hands with clean water.
Step 6. Make a baking soda paste
Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of baking soda into a bowl. Add enough warm water to form a paste.
If you accidentally add too much water, you can add more baking soda to thicken the paste
Step 7. Apply a baking soda paste
Spread the baking soda paste under your nails. Leave it for 5 minutes before rinsing with water.
Step 8. Wash your hands and apply lotion
Use soap and water to remove any residue from the ingredients used to whiten your nails. After drying your hands, apply a moisturizing hand cream.
