Last Updated on August 16, 2023
Cleaning under acrylic nails is like a game of hide-and-seek: you’re looking for dirt and debris lurking in places you can’t even see. But just because it’s tough to find doesn’t mean it isn’t there. That’s why it’s important to know how to properly clean under your acrylics, both during and after a fill. With the right technique – and a few helpful tips from an expert – cleaning under your acrylics doesn’t have to be so daunting. It can actually become something of an art form, if done correctly. So let’s explore the ins and outs of keeping those spaces between your real nails and their artificial counterparts sparklingly clean!
After washing your hands, apply a light moisturizer over your cuticles and let it soak in before drying off completely. This will help protect them from damage caused by frequent hand washing while still allowing them to breathe beneath the acrylics. With these tips in mind, you can maintain neat and tidy nails without having to worry about dirt building up underneath your acrylics! And with minimal effort too – what more could you ask for? Moving forward we’ll discuss how dirt affects acrylics and how to prevent damage due to improper cleaning methods.
Dirt and Acrylics
Not sure what to do when dirt gets stuck in your manicure? Can’t figure out how to get around those pesky acrylics? Don’t worry, there’s a way! Dirt can accumulate under acrylic nails just like it does with natural nails. However, when dealing with dirt and acrylics, it is important to be careful not to damage the artificial nail or chip any of the surrounding nail polish. The best approach is to use a combination of soapy water and clean water along with an orange stick or other soft tool to delicately remove the dirt without harming your manicure. If you find yourself having difficulty removing dirt from underneath your acrylics, it may be best for you to consult a professional nail technician or even consider switching over from acrylics to gel nails as they are less prone to accumulating dirt between the artificial nail and natural fingernail. Being mindful of regular cleaning habits can help you keep up with keeping both natural and artificial nails looking healthy, fresh, and free from dirty buildup. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be well on your way towards maintaining beautiful nails no matter what type of manicure you choose! By taking some precautions and exercising caution while cleaning around your acrylics, you’ll be able to ensure that all dirt will eventually leave your fingertips – leaving behind only beauty.
Methods for Cleaning

No matter the manicure, getting rid of dirt doesn’t have to be a chore – just follow these helpful tips and you’ll be good to go! To start off, make sure your hands are clean. You may want to use a nail brush or an old toothbrush for any tough-to-reach areas between your natural nail and the acrylic. Next, fill a bowl with warm water and put in some mild soap or cleaning product if desired. Use a cotton ball to soak up some of the soapy solution and gently rub it around the area where the acrylic meets your nail bed. Continue this process until all dirt is removed, then rinse off with warm water and dry with a towel.
Once all debris is removed from under your acrylic nails, it’s important to moisturize them regularly as well as properly care for them between fills. This will help ensure that they remain healthy while looking their best! It’s also important to remember that nails need time away from acrylics every once in awhile; take breaks when needed so you can give your natural nails time to breathe before reapplying new ones. With these simple steps in mind, you can keep your acrylics looking fresh without having to worry about dirt buildup over time. Transitioning into proper care between fills is essential for maintaining beautiful nails!
Caring Between Fills
Keeping your nails in top shape between fills doesn’t have to be a hassle – just follow some simple steps and you’ll have them looking gorgeous! To keep your acrylic nails clean, use a cotton swab or soft-bristled nail brush to remove any dirt or debris that accumulates on the surface. Also, make sure to push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher and remove any nail polish residue with a non-acetone remover. Regularly soaking your nails in warm soapy water can help prevent fungal infections and keep the skin around the nails healthy, too. Additionally, it’s important to avoid vigorous activities that can cause cracks or breakage of both real and acrylic nails. By taking these steps daily, you’ll ensure your acrylics stay beautiful until they need their next fill! With proper care, you can enjoy having perfect manicured nails without regular visits to the salon.
Real Nails and Acrylics
You can make your real nails look just as beautiful as your acrylics with some simple care! Fingernails are usually prone to dirt collection and infections, but regular manicures and nail files can help keep them healthy and strong. Nail beds should be washed at least once a week with a mild soap for two to three minutes before activities. For extra color, you can use a soft-bristle toothbrush gently on the nail bed for five minutes every other day.
To prevent infection, it’s important not to cut or trim your cuticles, as this can create pathways for bacteria to invade the skin around the nail bed. Additionally, avoid using sharp objects such as needles or tweezers when cleaning underneath acrylic nails. Instead, use specially designed tools like manicure sticks or gentle brushes that won’t damage the natural nails.
Finally, moisturizing is key for keeping nails healthy and hydrated. Use an oil-based moisturizer on the top of each nail after every manicure and wash hands regularly throughout the day with lukewarm water and mild soap. By following these steps you’ll soon have beautiful, glossy fingernails – no matter if they’re real or acrylic! With proper hygiene habits in place, we can move onto looking at helpful tips on how to clean under acrylic nails without damaging them.
Hygiene Tips
You can’t cut corners when it comes to taking care of your acrylic nails – you have to put in the elbow grease to keep them looking their best! To ensure proper hygiene, here are a few tips:
- Soft toothbrush and white soap: Use a soft toothbrush with a mild white soap solution to clean any dirt or debris from around the edges and underneath your acrylic nails.
- Lukewarm water and nail clipper: Soak your hands for 10 minutes in lukewarm water. After that, use a nail clipper carefully to trim away any excess nail glue. Keep the nails shorter than usual as this will make it easier for you to maintain them.
- Special attention and preventive measure: Pay special attention when cleaning under your acrylic nails with cotton bud soaked in vinegar or paste of hydrogen peroxide. This will help prevent any infection and also whiten the skin beneath the acrylics if needed. Use cuticle oil regularly on the area around your nails for hydration purposes, as well as polish remover before reapplying gel coating or nail glue after professional treatment. Finally, keep your hands dry at all times and moisturize them regularly with lotion to keep them hydrated.
Common Mistakes

Maintaining acrylic nails can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes like over-trimming and failing to moisturize will help keep them looking their best. One mistake many people make is filing unpolished nails when trying to shape the acrylics. Doing this can cause your natural nail to split or weaken, so it’s important to have a professional nail tech file them instead. Another mistake is not cleaning under the tips of nails often enough. This can lead to whiter nail tips due to bacterial infection that accumulates over time. To clean underneath, use a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol and gently rub around each nail until you don’t see any dirt or bacteria on the pad. Make sure you dry with a clean towel or paper towel after using rubbing alcohol or any other cleaning solution! Lastly, leaving your hands wet for too long after washing them can cause bacteria growth which could infect your nails. Always use a clean towel or paper towel and make sure you dry off completely before going about your day! Doing these things will ensure that your acrylics stay healthy and looking great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular nail polish on acrylic nails?
I’m sure we’ve all been there; you get a set of fabulous, glamorous acrylic nails to complete your look, and then a few days later you spot the beginnings of dirt gathering beneath them. What do you do? Can I use regular nail polish on acrylic nails? Well, let me tell you my friends, that is a big fat no-no! Acrylic nails require special treatment. You need to use an acetone-free nail polish remover and cotton pads to gently clean away the dirt without damaging your gorgeous manicure.
Is it safe to use an electric nail file on acrylic nails?
I often wonder if it’s safe to use an electric nail file on acrylic nails. The short answer is yes, but you need to be careful and take your time. When using an electric nail file, move slowly and carefully around the edges of the acrylic nails so as not to chip or damage them. Make sure to keep the file moving continuously in one direction without stopping or pressing too hard against the surface of the nail. Applying too much pressure can cause cracking or splitting in the acrylic nails, so don’t rush when filing them down.
What type of products should I use to maintain my acrylic nails?
Maintaining acrylic nails is important to keep them looking their best. To ensure they stay healthy and strong, it’s important to use the right products. I recommend using a nail-strengthener that contains protein or calcium for a long-lasting hold, and also an oil-free cuticle cream to keep my cuticles hydrated. Additionally, make sure your nail polish remover is acetone free so it does not damage the acrylics. Lastly, always use a quality plastic filing block when filing my nails to prevent breakage and splitting of the acrylics.
Conclusion
I’ve had a lot of questions about how to keep your acrylics clean. It can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. With the tips and tricks I shared in this article, you can keep your nails looking amazing and stay hygienic between fills.
But here’s the thing: cleaning isn’t enough. You need to take care of your real nails too! Keep them hydrated with lotion or cuticle oil, and make sure not to over-file them when prepping for a fill. Taking care of both your acrylics and natural nails is key for long lasting beauty.