How To Clean Nail Polish From Under Nails

Date Published: June 17, 2021
Author: Kylee Smith

Manicures and pedicures done at home will save you a lot of money; however, this beauty task can be tedious. Make one wrong move, and you have polish under your nails and on your skin. Thankfully, it is rather easy to remove nail polish from under your nails in three easy-to-follow steps.

Nail Polish Removal Supplies

Even the most careful people make mistakes when they are polishing their nails. Fortunately, several things can help remove the nail polish from under your nails and on your skin. After you have gathered your supplies, you will be able to quickly remove the nail polish and have your nails looking amazing.

Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish remover is the most obvious solution for removing nail polish under your nails. Nail polish remover is designed to effortlessly remove all traces of nail polish from under your nails and on your skin.

Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover, Acetone-Free & Non Drying for Regular & Shellac Nail Polishes, 6 Ounce
  • NAIL POLISH REMOVER: This gentle, acetone-free formula easily removes even the darkest shades of nail polish without drying the nail. Helps prep & clean the nail surface to extend the life of color.
  • NON-DRYING FORMULA: Our acetone-free nail polish remover removes shellac polish, regular nail polish, & Mineral Fusion Gel Polishes without stripping or overdrying nails. Not for use with salon gel polish.
  • SMARTER MAKEUP: Improve your complexion & nourish your skin with our line of lip tints, eyeshadows, brushes, foundations, nail polishes, mascaras, primers, eyeliners, moisturizers, face creams & cleansers.
  • NATURAL COSMETICS: We select effective natural ingredients & ensure our products are free of gluten, parabens, talc, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, SLS & phthalates. We NEVER conduct animal testing.
  • HEALTHY BEAUTY: Mineral Fusion offers a wide range of nail polish, hair care, body care & skin care - each formulated to deliver the uniquely beneficial power of minerals. Products made in the USA.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another choice to help remove nail polish from your skin and nails. Rubbing alcohol is great for the sensitive skin around your toenails and fingernails

Amazon Brand - Solimo 50% Isopropyl Alcohol First Aid Antiseptic Spray Bottle, 10 Fl Oz (Pack of 6)
  • Six 10-fluid ounce spray bottles of first aid antiseptic
  • Contains 50% isopropyl alcohol
  • For treatment of minor cuts, scrapes and burns
  • If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll refund the full amount of your purchase. No returns necessary.
  • An Amazon brand

Alcohol Spirits

Believe it or not, your liquor cabinet holds a solution that can help remove nail polish. Look for a bottle of vodka or gin to help you get rid of the nail polish on your skin and under your nails.

Hand Sanitizer

An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used to remove nail polish from under your nails. Softening the nail polish that is on your skin is the key to removing polish under your fingernails or toenails.

Amazon Brand - Solimo Hand Sanitizer, Original Scent, 67.6 fl oz (Pack of 1)
  • 62% Ethyl Alcohol
  • Kills more than 99.99% of common germs * (*Effective at eliminating more than 99.99% of many harmful germs and bacteria in as little as 15 seconds)
  • One 67.6-fluid ounce bottle of hand sanitizer
  • An Amazon brand

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a popular home remedy for removing nail polish. Ideally, you should use a toothpaste that contains baking soda to remove nail polish from under your toenails or fingernails; however, any type of toothpaste can do the job.

Amazon Brand - Solimo Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution USP, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 6)
  • Size 32-fluid ounce bottles of first aid antiseptic
  • First aid to help prevent risk of infection from minor cuts, scrapes and burns
  • Active ingredient: 3% hydrogen peroxide (stabilized)
  • If you like Swan Hydrogen Peroxide, we invite you to try Solimo 3% Hydrogen Peroxide First Aid Antiseptic
  • An Amazon brand

Hydrogen Peroxide & Water

A solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water is another solution that softens nail polish and can help with the removal process. In addition to this, hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant, which is beneficial to your nail health.

Amazon Brand - Solimo Hand Sanitizer, Original Scent, 67.6 fl oz (Pack of 1)
  • 62% Ethyl Alcohol
  • Kills more than 99.99% of common germs * (*Effective at eliminating more than 99.99% of many harmful germs and bacteria in as little as 15 seconds)
  • One 67.6-fluid ounce bottle of hand sanitizer
  • An Amazon brand

Cotton Balls

Cotton balls can be used to directly apply a cleaning/soaking agent to an area. They can also be used to wipe away the nail polish after it has been softened and ready to be removed.

Amazon Brand - Solimo Cotton Balls, 200 Count (Pack of 1)
  • Includes 200 Solimo Cotton Balls
  • 100% Cotton and Hypoallergenic
  • Ideal for makeup application and removal
  • Use with your favorite beauty and skincare products
  • Safe and gentle for baby

Nail Brush

A nail brush can also be used to remove nail polish after it has been softened by a soaking agent. Additionally, a nail brush helps to eliminate dirt and grime under your fingernails and toenails.

Handle Grip Nail Brush, 4 Pieces Hand Fingernail Scrub Cleaning Brushes Kit with 1 Piece Pedicure Brush for Toes and Nails Cleaner Men Women
  • 【High Quality】- The handle of the nail brush is made of high-quality plastic material, which is sturdy and not easy to bend. The bristles are made of flexible plastic, soft and hard moderate, will not scratch your skin. Durable material can use time and time again
  • 【Practical Handle Design】- Handle fingernail brush size is 3.22" x 1.06" x 1.57"; long handle brush size is 5.7" x 0.98" x 0.79". Practical handle designed help you grip the brush easily and comfortably. You can easily hang them on your bathroom hooks with the handle
  • 【Lightweight & Easy to Carry】- The nail scrub brushes are small and lightweight, will not take up much space, easy to take and store, you also can put it in your travel bag or handbag when you travel or on a business trip if you need
  • 【Easy to Use】-The nail cleaning brush set has five different colors which are red, blue, green, purple and pink, which can bring a good mood and help you find out quickly
  • 【Wide Application】- The finger nails cleaner brush is suitable for the kitchen, bathroom, garden shed sinks, which is perfect to remove dirt from hand, fingertip and foot. Nice pedicure manicured brushes can be used for men, women, toddler and kids

Nail Polish Remover Pads

Nail polish remover pads can essentially do the job themselves. Simply wipe the pad underneath your nail to remove any polish, taking care to avoid touching your freshly polished nail with the nail polish remover pad

Diamond Wipes Nail Polish Remover Wipes with Aloe Vera, Acetone Nail Polish Remover Pads, 50 Individually Wrapped Nail Polish Wipes
  • NAIL POLISH REMOVER - Easily and quickly remove nail polish and change nail colors anytime with our acetone wipes. This travel size nail polish remover acetone-infused pads contain Diamond Wipes' original acetone formula, aloe vera, and vitamin E to clear and condition your nails.
  • MOISTURIZING - Our nail polish remover pads, not only clear the nails but also nourish them. Vitamin E and aloe vera have moisturizing properties to keep nails in good condition after use. Perfect for including on your nail care kit.
  • COST-EFFICIENT - One pad for 10 nails. Our nail polish remover pads are potent enough to lift away all the polish on your fingers with a single pad only.
  • CONVENIENT - These nail polish remover pads individually wrapped are easy to carry and use anytime and anywhere. Pack it for your everyday and as a travel nail polish remover.
  • WE KNOW WIPES - We started as a small company in a garage-sized facility, producing individually packaged, microwavable wet wipes ('Oshibori') for restaurants. Diamond Wipes International has since grown and is now the largest wet wipe manufacturer to the West of the Rockies - the choice of a wide range of industries and markets.

Lotion

Lotion is used to moisturize your skin removing nail polish under the nails. If possible, opt for a hand lotion; however, you can use any type of lotion.

Sale
Jergens Sweet Citrus Body Butter Body and Hand Lotion, Moisturizer, 7 Ounce Lotion with Essential Oil for Indulgent Moisturization
  • Hydrates and moisturizes dry, cracked skin for extra dry skin relief
  • Soothes skin for long lasting hydration
  • Infused with Sweet Citrus Essential Oil to lift your spirits and delight your senses
  • From Jergens, a trusted brand for over 100 years

Nail File

A nail file is used when cotton balls are not able to remove 100 percent of the nail polish. Each of the soaking agents mentioned is going to work quite well, but nail polish can be stubborn.

Glass Nail File - Mont Bleu Premium Set of 3 Crystal Nail Files in Pouch - Handmade gifts - Best Glass Nail Files for natural nails - Washable Double Sided nail file - Etched nail files
  • GOOD HEALTH OF YOUR NAILS - Contributes to the good health of your nails by preventing splitting and breakage.
  • GENTLE ON THE NAILS - Velvet smooth surface is gentle on the nails and cuticles.
  • LIFETIME GUARANTEE - Effective filing surface allows precision shaping. Each file comes with a lifetime guarantee which covers the filing surface.
  • EXTREMLY DURABLE - the 198 Mpa stong Czech-tempered glass is hard-wearing and built to last.
  • HANDMADE GIFTS - Mother's Day gifts - birthday gifts for women, gifts for girlfriend, gifts for her

How To Remove Nail Polish from Under Your Nails

Nail polish can be removed in a few easy steps when you have the right supplies. Hopefully, you will some of these supplies on hand since there are so many options. Gather up your supplies, work in a well-ventilated room, and follow these three simple steps.

Step One: Apply Soaking Agent

The exact method used will depend on the amount of nail polish that needs to be removed as well as the location of the nail polish. Apply the soaking solution using a cotton ball and allow it to soften the nail polish.

The fastest method for removing nail polish under the nails is to use nail polish remover. The other solutions will remove the nail polish; however, it will take longer.

If you will be using nail polish remover, you have two choices – acetone nail polish remover and non-acetone nail polish remover. Acetone-based nail polish breaks down nail polish the fastest; however, it is more toxic than non-acetone formulas.

  • Pro Tip: If you are trying to remove gel nail polish, an acetone nail polish remover must be used.

Step Two: Scrub After Soaking

After allowing the cleaning agent to soften the nail polish, use a cotton ball and/or nail brush to gently remove the nail polish. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this can irritate sensitive skin.

Step Three: Wash Your Hands & Use Lotion

Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap, making sure the nail polish has been removed. After thoroughly washing and drying your hands, apply a liberal amount of lotion to remoisturize your skin.

  • Pro Tip: A good hand lotion is designed specifically for your hands.  Hands age quickly. Taking good care of your skin can help it look youthful and radiant.

Final Thoughts

Nail polish remover is the easiest way to remove nail polish under your nails; however, you may be looking for another solution that is gentler on the skin. Many solutions can soften nail polish and help you remove it.

Once the nail polish has been removed, you want to ensure your nails and skin look great. Scrubbing underneath your nails with a nail brush and soapy water will remove any remaining dirt under your nails.

The three steps listed above will have your nails looking amazing in no time flat. Follow them to clean nail polish from under your nails.

Clean It Advisor
CleanItAdvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Copyright 2021 CleanItAdvisor.com All Rights Reserved!