Cleaning leg nails, commonly known as toenails, is an important part of foot hygiene. Based on professional techniques, cleaning involves removing built-up debris and managing nail thickness.
Essential Steps for Cleaning Toenails
Keeping toenails clean prevents discomfort and potential issues. A key part of a thorough clean involves directly addressing compacted material and managing nail thickness.
According to professional cleaning methods shown in some demonstrations:
- Remove Compacted Material: Carefully pull out all of that compacted material from the sides and underneath the toenail. This built-up debris is a common source of dirt and potential odor.
- Reduce Thickness: Professionals often have to use the electric file to reduce the thickness of the toenails. Thick toenails can be harder to clean under and around, and reducing thickness helps in accessing and cleaning the nail bed and edges effectively.
While professionals may use specialized tools like electric files, regular cleaning at home typically involves gentler methods to achieve a similar outcome.
At-Home Toenail Cleaning Tips
For daily or weekly maintenance, consider these steps:
- Soak Your Feet: Soaking your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes can soften toenails and the surrounding skin, making cleaning easier. You can add a small amount of mild soap.
- Clean Underneath: Use a nail brush or a nail cleaner tool (like a cuticle pusher with a pointed end, or a specialized toenail cleaner) to gently scrape out dirt and debris from underneath the free edge of the nail. Be careful not to push too deeply under the nail, as this can lift the nail from the nail bed.
- Clean the Surface and Sides: Use a nail brush with soap and water to scrub the top and sides of the nail, reaching into the nail grooves.
- Trim Nails Correctly: Trim toenails straight across to help prevent ingrown nails. Use sharp nail clippers.
- Maintain Thickness: While an electric file is a professional tool, you can use a manual nail file or emery board to gently file down the surface of thicker nails if needed. Be cautious not to thin them too much.
- Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, dry your feet and toes completely, especially between the toes and around the nails, to prevent fungal growth.
Regular cleaning and proper trimming are fundamental to maintaining clean and healthy toenails.
