How to Clean Under Toenails Without Causing Pain
If the skin around your toenails feels tender, your nails look packed with lint or debris, or you’re tempted to “dig” under them with whatever tool you can find… pause. Cleaning under the toenails is important, but when it’s done the wrong way it can lead to soreness, swelling, and long-term nail problems. When it’s done the right way, it becomes part of a soothing, restorative pedicure that keeps your feet comfortable and your nails looking neat.
I’m Lori Halloway, The Meticulous Manicurist. I’ve spent decades working on thick, curved, and neglected toenails, and I’m going to walk you through a gentle step-by-step method so you can clean under the toenails at home without causing pain.
Why It Hurts When You Clean Under Toenails
Most people were never taught how to care for their toenails; they just copy what they’ve seen. Pain usually happens because:
- You’re using sharp or incorrect tools that jab the skin.
- You’re “digging” too deep into the nail groove and sidewalls.
- The nails and skin are dry, tight, and not prepared.
- There’s already pressure from thick or curved nails.
The goal is not to scoop out every speck until it’s squeaky clean. The goal is to gently release compacted debris, relieve pressure, and keep the nail area tidy while respecting the skin and staying within safe, cosmetic care.
Step 1: Soften Everything With a Warm Foot Soak
Never start cleaning under toenails when they’re dry and rigid. A warm foot soak is the foundation of a painless, restorative pedicure. Soaking:
- Softens the debris packed under and around the nails.
- Relaxes tight skin in the sidewalls and nail folds.
- Makes it easier to slide a tool under the nail without scraping.
You can use a small pedicure tub at home with comfortably warm water for 10–15 minutes. In my Restorative Pedicure Kit, I pair soaking with targeted products and professional tools to make this process easier and more effective.
👉 Shop the Restorative Pedicure Kit
Step 2: Choose Safe, Gentle Tools
The wrong tools cause most of the pain. Avoid:
- Sharp metal picks.
- DIY “digging” tools from around the house.
- Anything that feels like it’s scratching or stabbing.
Instead, use tools designed for detailed toenail work, like:
- A smooth, rounded sidewall cleaner or similar professional pedicure tool.
- An orangewood stick or gentle implement with a soft point for light surface cleaning.
- A fine stainless-steel file for smoothing edges after you clean.
If your nails are thick or curved, this step becomes even more important. The more pressure the nail is already putting on the skin, the more respectful you must be with your tools.
Step 3: Work in the Right Direction (No Digging!)
After soaking and gently drying the feet, you’re ready to clean under the toenails.
Here’s the technique I teach:
- Support the toe so your hand is steady—don’t let it flop around while you work.
- Start at the very edge of the nail, not deep in the center.
- Slide your tool in at a shallow angle, almost parallel with the nail, not straight down.
- Use tiny, controlled movements to lift out soft debris—think “glide and lift,” not “stab and scoop.”
- If you feel resistance or the person pulls back, stop and reposition. Pain is feedback.
You should never see the skin blanch, scrape, or bleed. If you’re pressing so hard that the toe turns white or the person jerks away, that’s too much.
Step 4: Clean the Sidewalls and Nail Folds
A lot of discomfort comes from compacted debris and pressure in the sidewalls (the grooves along the sides of the nail). This area can feel like the nail is “digging in,” even if it isn’t fully ingrown.
To gently relieve this:
- Angle your tool so it follows the natural curve of the nail edge.
- Stay on top of the debris—never try to go under the skin.
- Lift out softened material slowly, a tiny bit at a time.
You are not trying to change the nail’s shape here. You are simply reducing pressure and giving the nail a little more breathing room in its natural groove.
Step 5: Smooth the Edges to Prevent Future Irritation
Once the underside and sidewalls feel clean, use a gentle file to smooth any sharp edges or rough corners on the nail. This helps prevent the nail from catching on socks or scraping the skin later.
- Lightly file the free edge in one direction.
- Round just the tips of the corners—don’t dig into the sides.
- Feel with your fingertip; if it feels sharp, keep smoothing until it feels soft and even.
This step is simple but powerful: a smooth edge is far less likely to cause pain as the nail grows out.
Step 6: Finish With Clean, Dry Skin and Restore A Nail
After cleaning under the toenails and smoothing the edges:
- Rinse away any loosened debris.
- Dry very well between the toes and around the nails.
- Apply a drop of Restore A Nail to the toenail to hydrate the nail and surrounding skin (never between the toes if skin is prone to moisture problems).
In my restorative system, I always pair mechanical work (like cleaning and filing) with gentle, supportive products and a routine that clients can continue at home. That consistency is what creates real, visible change over time.
When to Stop and Seek a Medical Professional
Everything I’m sharing here is for cosmetic, non-medical foot and toenail care. If you notice:
- Severe redness, heat, or swelling.
- Active infection, drainage, or significant pain.
- A health condition that affects circulation or healing.
That is your cue to stop and consult a medical professional. A nail technician or at-home routine is not a substitute for medical care, but it can be a powerful partner in ongoing, safe maintenance when you’re cleared to receive it.
Make It Easier With a Restorative Pedicure Kit
If you’re tired of guessing which tools are safe and which products actually help, I created a restorative pedicure system so you don’t have to piece it all together. It includes the professional-quality tools and targeted products I use in my own services, along with education to help you feel confident, not fearful, when caring for your feet.
👉 Click here to explore the Restorative Pedicure Kit
Watch Me Clean Under Toenails Step-by-Step
If you learn best by watching, come spend some time with me on YouTube. I share real-life restorative pedicures, toenail transformations, and gentle techniques for thick, curved, and problem nails so you can see exactly how I work under the toenails without causing pain.
👉 Meticulous Manicurist Nail Tutorials on YouTube
Use this video education together with the right tools and a calm, patient approach, and you’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable and confident you feel caring for your own feet—or the feet of the people you love.
