How to Clean Toe Nails

Medically reviewed by Mark Co, DPM

Last Updated: June 2, 2021 References Approved

Cleaning and maintaining your toenails is an integral part of proper foot care. Since your feet are often out of sight and out of mind, it is easy to ignore the buildup of dirt and grime under your toenails. Establishing toenail grooming habits is an important aspect of your overall hygiene. It will also help you prevent toenail-related healthcare issues and increase your level of comfort.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Washing Your Feet and Toenails Daily

1
Wet your feet. Wash your feet and toenails every day to help prevent odor and fungal infections. You can do this as part of your normal hygiene routine, such as while you are taking a shower or bath. Start by wetting your feet and toenails with warm water.
2
Scrub feet as you would any other body part. Use your regular soap or body wash to wash your feet. You might also want to use a pumice stone or loofah to scrub away dry, dead skin. A washcloth also works well.^{[1]
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Research source} Just be careful not to scrub too hard because this can cause damage.
- Apply some soap or body wash to your wet feet and then work it into a lather using your hands or a sponge or washcloth. Make sure to run the sponge or washcloth over your toes and toenails as well.
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3
Rinse off the soap. After you have washed all surfaces of your feet and nails. Rinse away the soap completely under warm water or by immersing them in a tub of clean water.
4
Dry your feet completely after washing. Use a clean, dry towel to pat your feet dry after you wash them. Make sure to dry your toenails and get in between your toes as well.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using a Foot Soak and Scrub to Clean Toenails

1
Soak your feet in warm water. Soaking your feet in warm water can help to loosen dirt and make it easier to clean them thoroughly. It will also soften your toenails, making them easier to clip. To soak your toenails, you can simply use lukewarm water. You can also add essential oils or a small bit of sea salt if desired. Soak your feet and toenails in the water for about 15 minutes.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
2
Exfoliate the skin around your toenails. Once you get done soaking your toenails, exfoliate the skin around the nails. Exfoliation is the act or removing dead skin cells from a particular area of the body. This helps rid your feet of dead skin and cleans and revitalizes the area surrounding the toenails.
- Use an exfoliating scrub or a nail brush to scrub your toenails.^{[3]
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- Some people soak their feet in Epsom salt mixed with warm water to soften their skin. This is a great option if your feet are a little sore.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mark Co, DPM
  Podiatrist
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- There are some beauty store scrubs that come with exfoliating micro beads, but such substances have received some criticism for being bad for the environment and do not necessarily work better than natural textured substances.
- Gently massage your toenails and feet with your chosen substance. You might have to use some force to get the skin cells to loosen. Once you are done, rinse your feet off in cool or lukewarm water and dry them thoroughly.^{[5]
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3
Rinse away the soap and exfoliant. After you finish scrubbing and exfoliating your toenails and feet, dip them back into the water basin to rinse them. If the water is very soapy, then you may need to change it first. Rinse your feet until all of the soap is gone.
4
Dry thoroughly. Your nails and toes need to be dried completely after washing them. Damp feet, especially when placed in shoes and socks, can encourage the growth of fungus. Dry your feet completely with a clean, dry towel. Then, let them air dry for a few minutes before putting on shoes or socks.^{[6]
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Mayo Clinic
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Go to source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Removing Stains, Moisturizing, and Trimming Your Nails

1
Remove any stains. If you have any stains on your toenails, you may be able to remove or prevent them. Certain common household products may be effective in removing stains on toenails. If you still have stains on your nails after cleaning them, then try using one of these methods:
- Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove stains on toenails. Mix one part peroxide with three parts water. Then soak your nails for 10 minutes and then rinse.^{[7]
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- Lemon juice has also worked for some to remove stains. Dab a few drops of lemon juice on each nail, let sit for a few minutes, and then brush off with a washcloth.^{[8]
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- If you paint your toenails, applying base coat before adding polish can help prevent stains in the first place.^{[9]
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2
Apply moisturizer. After your feet are dry, you may also want to apply a moisturizer. It's also a good idea to moisturize your feet daily because feet dry out easily. You can use your regular moisturizer or purchase a special foot moisturizer.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- Make sure to apply some moisturizer to your toenails and cuticles as well.
3
Cut your toenails straight and moderately short. Trim your toenails straight across, but not too short. Cutting your toenails too short or at an angle can lead to ingrown toenails. Keeping your nails at a moderate length can also prevent the development of fungus and other kinds of damage, such as lifting the nail off the nail bed if it gets caught on something.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- Always use good, quality nail clippers to trim your nails.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do I take care of my feet and toe nails?

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist
Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco's "Top 3 Podiatrists" in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).

Mark Co, DPM

Podiatrist

Expert Answer

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Washing your feet when you shower is great. Trim your toenails regularly by trimming across in a straight line instead of around at an angle to avoid ingrown nails. If your feet are ever sore, just stretch your calf muscles out or soak your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salt. Moisturize your feet if they're dry using a lotion designed specifically for your feet.
Question

How do I cut toe nails to avoid ingrown toe nails?

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist
Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco's "Top 3 Podiatrists" in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).

Mark Co, DPM

Podiatrist

Expert Answer

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Make sure you cut your toe nails straight across. Cut them a little short, but make sure you don't cut them too short. If your toe nails are cut very short or at an angle, it increases the chances of getting an ingrown toe nail.
Question

Is putting lotion on your feet bad?

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist
Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco's "Top 3 Podiatrists" in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).

Mark Co, DPM

Podiatrist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

No! You can moisturize your feet. Apply moisturizer regularly to keep your feet hydrated and feeling comfortable.

Warnings

Keep in mind that anyone with diabetes should take special care with their feet, especially cutting toenails.^{[12]
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Research source} If you have diabetes, then seek guidance from podiatrist or physician for proper foot care.

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If you have a toenail-related medical problem, such as thickened or ingrown toenails, see a podiatrist or qualified healthcare provider.

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