How to sanitize nail clippers? Nail clippers are essential tools for maintaining healthy nails. But just like any tool that comes into contact with your skin, they need regular cleaning and sanitizing. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi that can cause infections.
In this article, we’ll cover the steps on how to properly sanitize your nail clippers, along with some tips for keeping them clean.
Why Sanitize Nail Clippers?
Our hands touch countless surfaces throughout the day, picking up germs and bacteria. When you use nail clippers, these germs can be transferred to the clippers themselves. If not cleaned properly, these germs can multiply and potentially cause infections, especially if there are cuts or nicks around your nails.
Regular sanitization helps eliminate these germs and reduces the risk of infection.
What You’ll Need
Here are the supplies you’ll need to sanitize your nail clippers:
- Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Small bowl or cup
- Cotton swab (optional)
- Clean towel
Steps to Sanitize Nail Clippers
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Gather your supplies. Find a clean, well-lit workspace.
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Disassemble your clippers (if possible). Some nail clippers have a hinge that allows you to separate the blades for more thorough cleaning.
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Wash with warm soapy water. Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water and gently scrub the clippers, including the blades, handles, and any crevices. A soft brush can be helpful to reach tight spots.
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Rinse thoroughly. Rinse the clippers completely with clean water to remove all soap residue.
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Dry completely. Use a clean towel to dry the clippers meticulously. Moisture can lead to rust.
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Sanitize with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Once the clippers are dry, pour rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide into the small bowl or cup. Submerge the clippers completely in the solution for at least 10 minutes.
- Tip: If using a cotton swab, you can dip it in the solution and wipe down any hard-to-reach areas.
- Air dry completely. Let the clippers air dry completely on a clean towel before reassembling and storing them.
Additional Tips for Keeping Clippers Clean
Clean your clippers after each use.
This is especially important if you clip the nails of multiple people.
Store your clippers in a clean, dry place.
Avoid damp environments like bathrooms where they can rust.
Sharing nail clippers increases the risk of spreading germs and infections.
Replace your clippers regularly.
Over time, nail clippers can become dull or damaged, making them less effective and potentially more likely to cause nicks or cuts.
Sanitizing your nail clippers is a simple yet important step in maintaining good hand hygiene. By following these steps regularly, you can help keep your nails healthy and reduce the risk of infection.
Methods of Sanitization:
Boiling: Boiling nail clippers in hot water is one of the most effective methods of sanitization. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, then immerse the nail clippers in the boiling water for at least five minutes. This kills bacteria and fungi effectively.
Rubbing Alcohol: Another quick and efficient way to sanitize nail clippers is by using rubbing alcohol. Simply soak a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol and wipe down the blades and handles of the nail clippers thoroughly. Allow them to air dry before use.
Dish Soap and Water: For regular maintenance, washing nail clippers with dish soap and warm water can help remove dirt and bacteria. Use a small brush to scrub the blades and hinges, then rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry completely.
UV Sterilization: UV sterilization devices are becoming increasingly popular for sanitizing personal items, including nail clippers. Simply place the nail clippers inside the UV sterilizer and let it run for the recommended time to kill germs effectively.
Tips for Effective Sanitization:
- Always sanitize nail clippers after each use, especially if they have come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids.
- Consider using separate nail clippers for different individuals to prevent cross-contamination.
- Store nail clippers in a clean, dry place to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Replace nail clippers if they become rusty or damaged, as they may be more difficult to sanitize effectively.
Travel-Friendly Sanitizing Options
If you’re on the go and don’t have access to your usual cleaning supplies, here are two alternative methods for keeping your nail clippers reasonably clean:
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Wipe with alcohol wipes: Look for travel-sized alcohol wipes containing at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. Wipe down the entire surface of the clippers, including the blades and crevices, paying close attention to areas that come into contact with your nails.
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Soap and water scrub: If wipes aren’t available, thoroughly clean your clippers with warm, soapy water. Use a small brush to reach tight spots. Rinse them well with clean water and dry completely with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Remember: These methods provide a basic level of cleaning but aren’t a substitute for the deeper sanitizing methods mentioned earlier. Ideally, use these temporary solutions until you can properly sanitize your clippers with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
Caring for Your Clippers: Maintaining Sharpness and Functionality
While sanitization keeps your clippers germ-free, proper care extends their lifespan and functionality. Here are some tips for maintaining sharp blades and optimal performance:
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Store them properly. Bluntness can occur from improper storage. Keep your clippers in a clean, dry case to prevent them from banging around or coming into contact with other objects.
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Avoid using them on hard surfaces. Clipping extremely thick nails or using the clippers to cut through anything other than nails can dull the blades.
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Oil them occasionally. A tiny drop of lubricating oil, like the kind used for sewing machines, on the hinge can prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
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Sharpen when needed. Over time, even with proper care, blades will dull. Consider replacing them or having them professionally sharpened.
By following these tips alongside proper sanitization, you can ensure your nail clippers stay sharp, effective, and hygienic for longer.
Sanitizing your nail clippers is crucial, but preventing contamination in the first place is ideal. Here are some tips to minimize the spread of germs and keep your clippers cleaner for longer: Wash your hands. Before and after using nail clippers, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This helps prevent germs from transferring from your hands to the clippers.