How to Get Clear Toenails

Hands are always on display so discolored fingernails are usually noticed and treated promptly. Feet, however, can be neglected when they are hidden all winter, and discolored toenails may be ignored. When warmer weather comes, you may want to ditch the heavy boots and reveal your feet in sandals. This means you'll want to show off clear healthy toenails. Toenails can become discolored from a number of causes, including surface staining, injury or a disease like toenail fungus. While injuries and diseases should be treated by a medical professional, surface stains can usually be removed at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton balls
  • Non-acetone nail polish remover
  • Soap
  • Nailbrush or toothbrush
  • Fresh lemons
  • Hydrogen peroxide
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any old nail polish from your toenails with a cotton ball soaked in a non-acetone based nail polish remover. Change cotton balls frequently so you are not redepositing pigment on the toenails.

    • 2

      Wash and dry your toenails with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime. Use a nailbrush or an old toothbrush to get grime out of the nail ridges.

    • 3

      Rub a cut lemon on any surface stains then wash and dry toenails to remove the lemon juice.

    • 4

      Combine three capfuls of hydrogen peroxide with 1/3 cup of water. Soak your toenails for two minutes to remove any remaining stains. Scrub nails with a nailbrush or an old toothbrush if soaking alone doesn't remove the stains.

    • 5

      Treat your nails with a cuticle oil containing vitamin E after all the soaking and scrubbing. Remove the oil with a non-acetone nail polish remover before applying a clear base oil to your clean nails.

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