The condition of your nail file is something that never really crosses people’s minds, but apparently it should be.

According to some recent cosmetics research, “nail problems compose about 10 percent of the conditions dermatologists treat,” and “fungal infections cause about half of all nail disorders.” That sounds like many issues are created by nails full of germs, but this is only the dermatological part of this situation.

Most nail and dermatological issues are easily avoidable by using fungal and bacterial prevention on our hands, but unfortunately, washing our hands after using the restroom is not enough. Ensuring that your nails have good sanitation could save you many trips to the doctor.

A very good place to start is with the nail tools that are frequently used, or in other words, your old nail file. Unclean nail files house hundreds of germs, and think about it, those things are never washed! Filing abrades the tips of nails, so after each use, the file comes into contact with exposed and fresh nail. If bacteria accumulates in your nail file, which it does, you will be contaminating new layers of nail every time you use that file. Sharing a nail file could also mean potentially spreading fungal infections from one person to the next.

So, what’s the good news in this situation? Keeping your nail file clean is very simple. However, if you prefer using cardboard nail files, then you’re going to have a lot lying around because those are meant to be disposed after every use. The reason for this is because they cannot be cleaned with soap and water like other nail files.

Are you the owner of a crystal, metallic or acrylic nail file? If so, then you’re in luck as they have a long life and they can be cleaned often. Here’s how you do it:

- Fill a bowl with hot water and add some antibacterial soap.
- Put your nail file in the mixture.
- Apply some more antibacterial soap directly to the file and scrub it with an old toothbrush.
- Rinse and let the file dry completely before using it again!

What are you waiting for? Get scrubbing and avoid any nasty fungal infections.