Over time, the clipper retains residues of dirt that give it an unprofessional appearance and, above all, are unsanitary. Bacteria and invisible fungi can easily transfer from foot to foot right through this dirty tool - you should therefore disinfect it regularly to avoid such a risk. The safest means of sterilizing it is heat, but you can also use a disinfectant and practice some hygiene rules to make sure the tool is ready to use.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Heat Sterilize
Step 1. Prepare the sterilizer
The process involves exposing the clipper to a temperature that is high enough to kill bacteria and microorganisms. Quartz autoclaves or sterilizers with microspheres are special machines built for this purpose.
- Each device is different, so you should follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
- You could also use the oven; in this case, place the nail clipper in an ovenproof dish that can withstand high temperatures and "cook" it at 170 ° C for an hour.
- If you have opted for the latter solution you should extract it very carefully, because at the end of the process it will be hot.
- Plastic nail clippers or those you fear won't be able to withstand heat should be sterilized using another method.
Step 2. Rub it
Use a clean cloth or paper towel to scrub the nipper thoroughly before sterilizing it; Doing so can loosen the bits of dirt and organic material that have accumulated. Pay particular attention to the ridges and contours, as these are the areas that hold the greatest amount of impurities.
- When finished, you should wash or throw away the rag or sheet of paper to avoid spreading bacteria and microorganisms.
- You can use a little water or some cleanser for a deeper action.
- If you wet the blades during the procedure, remember to dry them completely before sterilization, especially if you are using a quartz bead machine, as these can stick to the wet nail clipper.
Step 3. Wait for the sterilizer to warm up
Depending on the method you have chosen, the time it takes for the instrument to reach the correct temperature may vary; many quartz sterilizers, for example, only need 15-20 minutes.
Be careful when using heat; very high temperatures can easily cause burns
Step 4. Sterilize the nail clipper
Some methods take longer than others to complete the procedure. Generally speaking, a metal tool must be exposed to a temperature of 170 ° C for at least an hour before being free from any pathogen, but with some machines it takes just 1 minute.
- Metal is a good conductor of heat, so you must use gloves or a pot holder every time you handle freshly sterilized items.
- When using the quartz device the beads sometimes stick to the nail clipper, in which case be careful as they are extremely hot.
Method 2 of 3: Sanitize with a Disinfectant
Step 1. Purchase an appropriate disinfectant
Look for a specific one for hospital use that you can find in most stores, as it is much more effective against a wide range of bacteria than common products; it is usually sold in a concentrated formulation that must be diluted.
If you can't find this solution, you can use a blend of 80% ethanol, 5% isopropyl alcohol, and 15% distilled water
Step 2. Dilute it if necessary
If you have found a ready-to-use product, you don't have to put it in water; however, this type of substance is generally sold in concentrated formulations that must be mixed with distilled water. The proportions may vary according to the specific brand of disinfectant - read the instructions on the package for best results.
- On the label you should find different dosages for dilution; use this information to know how to proceed.
- Impurities and additives (such as fluoride) present in tap water can alter the effectiveness of the disinfectant; for this reason, use only distilled water to dilute the substance.
Step 3. Pour the sanitizing solution into a suitable container
You are going to use a very strong product and a plastic container may not be strong enough; a simple glass or glass mug is perfect for your purpose.
The liquid level should be high enough to completely submerge the cutting edge of the cutter
Step 4. Wait the time indicated on the package for a complete disinfection
The different products act at different times; to make sure that the clipper is perfectly sanitized, let it soak for as long as indicated on the label.
At the end, dry it with a clean and dry cloth (or with some sheets of kitchen paper) to eliminate the excess humidity; alternatively you can wait for it to air dry. Now the nail clipper is ready to use
Method 3 of 3: Remove Stubborn Fouling
Step 1. Use a toothpick
Small bits of dirt get encrusted on the instrument and sometimes accumulate in a crevice. These unpleasant impurities can remain even after a careful disinfection or sterilization process; use a toothpick to extract them.
- Some residues can remain on the nail clipper even after having scraped off the major deposits; Rub the affected area with a dry cloth to get rid of these residues.
- Sometimes it is best to use a stiffer object, such as tweezers or a paper clip, to remove this extremely stubborn dirt.
Step 2. Soak the tool
By leaving it immersed in a detergent or disinfectant solution you can move or dissolve the impurities; usually, the more you keep it in the liquid, the greater the effectiveness of the latter.
To better manage your time, set a timer and periodically check your clipper to see if you need to let it soak a little longer
Step 3. Rub it
You may be surprised at how effective it is to simply scrub the clipper with a stiff bristle brush; often changes direction and angle of movements during the procedure.
- By changing the inclination and direction of movement, you "attack" dirt from all sides, increasing the chances of getting rid of it.
- Since scale tends to accumulate in crevices and crevices, you should use a small brush, such as a toothbrush, to access these small spaces.
Warnings
- Use common sense when handling chemicals such as hospital disinfectant; these are dangerous products for small children and must be kept in safe places.
- Be very careful whenever you use heat to sterilize an item; very high temperatures are needed to eliminate any pathogens and you could burn yourself severely.
