How Do I Clean Nail Clippers?

by Krissi Maarx

Overview

Nail clippers can harbor fungus and bacteria from use on infected nails and they may also become contaminated with blood from cuts or hangnails. Keep a set of nail clippers for your personal use only, if possible, but disinfect nail clippers between uses if your family shares them or if your nails are undergoing treatment for fungal infection.
Cleaning Products

Use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, a solution of 10 percent bleach or hospital-grade disinfectant to clean nail clippers, as recommended by the International Nail Technicians Association. Hospital-grade disinfectants will vary in proper procedure and disinfectant timing, so read the label thoroughly for complete instructions. Other disinfectants will require 10 minutes of contact with the clippers, after proper cleaning.

Cleaning Nail Clippers

Use a clean toothbrush and ordinary soap, such as dish detergent, to scrub the nail clippers beneath a running faucet of hot water. This removes any debris from the clippers and cleans them prior to the sterilization process.
Sanitize Nail Clippers

Wear latex gloves to protect your hands, and submerge your nail clippers into a bowl of your chosen disinfectant. Allow them to soak for a short time--the clippers may rust if you leave them submerged for hours. Rinse the disinfected clippers in running water from your faucet, and dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Allow them to air dry on the sink or counter to remove any remaining moisture.

Overview