Alternatively, use a wet wipe wrapped around a manicure stick or an eyelash spoolie to clean under your fingernails. You can also use a cuticle pusher or a clean toothpick, but they are harder to use than the orange stick. [1] X Research source

Turn your hands so that the water runs over the underside of your nails. Pull back your fingers and work the soap under your nails using the pads of your fingers. Pat your hands dry when you finish. It will be hard to use an orange stick if your hands are wet.

You may find it easier to use the pointed end to remove the grime under your nails; however, it is riskier to use the pointed end because you may accidentally break the skin.

You can use a nail brush daily in the shower instead of doing a full cleaning. [6] X Research source You can use a clean toothbrush instead of a nail brush. [7] X Research source

You can brush under each nail individually or across all four nails of your index finger through your pinky finger at one time. Brushing them individually takes more time but gets them cleaner. You can also brush the front side of your nails for extra cleaning.

Continue brushing under each fingernail until all of them are clean. Rinse the brush in the water before changing fingers. It’ll be easier to clean under your fingernails after a bath or shower, as the warm water will have softened the debris.

Choose a whitening toothpaste. It’s okay to add more toothpaste if you want.

You will just need enough lemon juice to soak your fingertips. You can find pre-squeezed lemon juice in the grocery store.

If you accidentally put in too much water, it’s ok to add some more baking soda to thicken the paste.