How To Clean A Glass File
The nail community was turned on its head when people started making the switch to glass nail files!
After years of using emery boards, it was mind-blowing to discover a tool that not only lasts forever, but is also kinder and gentler to your nails.
With a glass nail file lasting as long as it does, it’s essential to know the best way to clean it.
A clean file will do its job more effectively than a worn one, and it will lengthen the lifespan of your tool overall.
There are numerous ways to approach this, but some methods are far more effective than others.
So, how do you clean a glass file?
The best way to clean a glass file is with hot running water. If you notice buildup, you can wash your file with a cleaning agent, such as soap, but this isn’t necessary after every use. Proper sanitization should also be kept in mind, which can be achieved using a cotton ball and alcohol.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to clean, sanitize, and store your glass file, as well as some improper cleaning methods you should probably avoid. Ready? Let’s dive in.
When To Clean Your Glass File
For those of us who have used nothing but a good old-fashioned emery board to shape our nails.
You may be unaware that your glass file requires a bit more attention from you to be in its best shape.
Unlike traditional nail files, glass and crystal files need regular cleanings to maintain their grip and filing capabilities.
Your fingernails harbor a lot of bacteria, even if you maintain an uber-clean lifestyle.
Because of this, you will want to clean your glass file after every use.
That may seem like a lot of maintenance, but it’s the best thing you can do for the health of your nails and your file!
While you can skip out on cleaning your file every once in a while, don’t expect your tool to last as long as it should.
It’s essential to remember that cleaning is a crucial part of maintaining glass and crystal files.
This is especially true if you’re filing down nails that are brittle, yellowed, or recovering from fungal infections.
With conditions like these, proper cleansing after use will help prevent germs from spreading and keep them from reappearing.
Glass files are beloved for their cleanliness and gentle nature, so keeping them in optimal condition is vital!
Methods To Clean Your Glass File
Hot Water
After your nails are all dressed up and dry, it’s time to turn your attention to your file.
The best cleaning method for glass files is straightforward and takes less than 2 minutes to complete, making it easy to keep your glass file looking its best.
Lay out a towel (a paper towel is also acceptable) on the counter, turn on the hot water, and wait until it becomes steamy.
From there, run the water on both sides of your file, working it into the grit and making sure all the nail dust is accounted for.
Then, please give it a quick shake to remove the excess water, and lay it flat on the towel.
At this point, all you have to do is wait until your file is all dry so you can store it.
That’s it! Super simple, and you just added some time to your file’s lifespan – definitely a win/win in our book!
Hot Water and Soap
Sometimes, you’ll notice a little more build-up on your file than usual.
This is normal and usually occurs after a week or two of use, or it may be due to a comprehensive filing session.
Whatever the reason may be, hot water won’t be enough to bring your glass file back to health! Additionally, we’ll be adding a dollop of antibacterial soap or dishwashing detergent.
Use the same method we mentioned above, getting both sides of your file wet with hot water.
Then, add a little bit of soap to both sides and work it in well, making sure to get the free edge and the area near the base of the tool.
Try to be as thorough as possible, ensuring that the soap reaches all the grit you can.
Rinse with hot water, and continue to be as thorough as possible.
Accidentally leaving soap behind is a surefire way for your tool to harbor bacteria and germs, so make sure you rinse until the water stops bubbling. From here, air-dry as usual!
Dishwasher
You may be thinking, “I didn’t know my glass file could go in the dishwasher!” Here’s the thing: not all glass files can be washed in the dishwasher.
When you purchase your glass file, the package will clearly state whether it can be popped in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning session.
Then, and only then, should you even consider placing your nail tool in the machine.
If you’re not quite sure whether your tool is machine-safe, it’s better to err on the side of caution and stick to handwashing it!
Putting an incompatible glass file in the dishwasher can break and damage your file, as well as ruin any designs or crystals adorning the surface!
For those with dishwasher-safe files, please note that this method should be performed no more than once a month.
It’s just a way to get into all the nooks and crannies you may have missed during your regular washes.
Sanitizing Your Glass Nail File
After your file is clean, the next step is to sanitize it. Sanitizing your glass file prevents the buildup of bacteria and germs while it is stored, and takes even less time than cleaning.
A quick sanitization is also a great option if you’re not feeling up to cleaning your file.
Though you should always take the time to clean your tool, sanitizing your file is better than storing it fresh from buffing your nail edge.
For a quick sanitization, spray some alcohol on both sides of your file and let it air dry, or wipe it down with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball.
For serious sanitization (such as after using it on an infected nail), you can boil your glass nail file in water.
Please put it in the pot once the water has reached a rolling boil, ensuring it’s completely submerged, and let it simmer for 30 minutes to get nice and clean.
After using either method, let your tool air dry.
How To Store Your Glass Nail File
Once your glass file is all clean and sanitized, the last thing you want to do is dirty it up with improper storage!
When you buy your glass file, it likely came in a carrying case already or had a storage pouch alongside it.
This is to protect the grit of the file and ensure it doesn’t get worn while moving around in your manicure kit.
Consider the included storage as your file’s home – it should always be there when it’s not in use!
You should only store your file when it’s clean and dry.
Storing a dirty or wet file is a surefire way to invite germs to play.
If the storage container is dirty and germ-filled, your tool will get contaminated whenever you store it, which is the opposite of what we want to occur!
Related Questions
Can you resurface a glass file?
Glass files are built to last, and unlike traditional nail files, their grit doesn’t wear down in the same way as a classic emery board. They stay sharp, throughout wear and wash!
That being said, if you notice your board not having the same grit as it used to, or that it doesn’t file your nails in quite the same capacity, the only option you have left is to toss your tool.
Unfortunate as it may be, resurfacing your file isn’t easy, nor is it time- or cost-effective; you’re better off buying a new tool altogether!
How long does a glass nail file last?
With proper cleanings, sanitization, and storage, your glass nail should last a lifetime, making it one of the most money-saving nail tools you can invest in.
Of course, this depends on the quality of the file you buy. We really like this Crystal Nail File; it’s double-sided, professional-grade, and will last you use after use!
If you neglect proper upkeep and maintenance, the longest your file will last is 6 months.
Although that is quite a bit longer than the traditional emery board, it’s not ideal for a high-quality nail tool.
Do glass files work on gel or acrylic nails?
Unfortunately, glass nail files aren’t compatible with gel and acrylic nails.
The polymers, monomers, and gels used are relatively thick and take longer to break down than your natural growth.
Glass nail files are low-grit and designed to be gentle, preventing damage to the keratin seal on your free edge.
Using a glass file on fake nails will wear down both your nail and the file, so it’s better to stick to a disposable file with a higher grit count.
Related Articles
Best Nail Files For Thick Toenails
