How to Make Nail Clipper Sanitizers

Sanitize your nail clippers to avoid infections.

Proper hygiene for your fingernails and toenails consists of many practices, such as cleaning and trimming your nails on a regular basis. You must also avoid the temptation to bite or chew your nails, as well as tearing or biting off hangnails. To prevent against bacterial or fungal contamination, it is important to clean and sanitize your nail clippers, especially if they are shared within a household or used commercially. Using unsterilized clippers can cause infections, which, if left untreated, may need the attention of a physician. You can create your own sanitizer solution with some simple household ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Small saucepan (optional)
• Liquid dish soap
• Hot water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towels
• Cotton swabs
• Tongs (optional)

Instructions

Sanitizing Option 1

1. Pour 1 cup of hot water into a small bowl. You can draw the hot water from your tap, or boil it on the stove in a small saucepan.

2. Add one to two drops of liquid soap. Stir to make the water sudsy.

3. Submerge the clippers in the water and soak for 10 minutes, swirling them in the water occasionally. This will release any dirt or other particles from the clippers.

4. Remove the clippers from the bowl and rinse under cool running water.

5. Moisten a paper towel with rubbing alcohol and thoroughly wipe the clippers. The alcohol will disinfect the clippers for your next use.

6. Wipe the clippers dry with a fresh paper towel to ensure rust does not form

Sanitizing Option 2

1. Pour 1 to 2 cups of water in a small saucepan, or enough to completely cover the nail clippers.

2. Heat the water almost to boiling, and then remove from the stove.

3. Add two to three drops of liquid soap, and fully submerge the nail clippers. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Remove the clippers from the water (you may need to use tongs if the water is too hot) and dry them thoroughly with a fresh paper towel.

5. Moisten a cotton swab with alcohol and clean both sides of the blades to sanitize the clippers. Dry thoroughly with a fresh paper towel to ensure rust does not form.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Nail Hygiene
• Nail Care Hub: How to Clean Nail Clippers