To sterilize toenail clippers for fungus, first clean them with soap and water, then disinfect by soaking in 70% isopropyl alcohol for at least 10 minutes (or 30 for thoroughness), or use a professional disinfectant like Barbicide as directed, followed by a thorough rinse and complete air drying to prevent rust and recontamination. This prevents transferring fungal spores to other nails.
If you don't have nail fungus, a wart, or other infection on your hand or foot: Disinfect with 70% rubbing alcohol. Either wipe off or soak the nail clippers. If you soak, leave the nail clippers in the rubbing alcohol for 5 minutes. Remove the nail clippers and let them air-dry.
You can soak nail clippers in hydrogen peroxide for about 10 minutes after each use or wipe them down with a peroxide-soaked cloth. This kills the fungus on the clippers, keeping your tools safe to use.
Alcohol soak: This can be an effective method for most nail tools. Dip your clippers and other tools in a container filled with at least 70% of isopropyl alcohol solution. Ensure the tools are completely covered, and let them soak for about 30 minutes or more.
One of the easiest ways to spread a toenail infection to those around you is by sharing nail clippers and files. You should always disinfect these utensils after each use. Even if you don't share these tools with others, you can spread the infection back to yourself, so you should still disinfect them.
Fungal spores can live on all kinds of surfaces, including metal toenail clippers for months. When you cut your fungal nail with your clippers, you can easily transmit the fungi to your other toenails or reinfect yourself. In fact, the CDC recommends properly disinfecting all nail tools before every use.
What is the 1-minute sock trick for fungus? This viral remedy involves soaking socks in a diluted vinegar or antifungal solution before wearing. It may offer some relief, but it's not a substitute for medical treatment.
The Best Treatments to Kill Toenail Fungus Instantly
Oral Antifungals (like Terbinafine or Itraconazole) – These work from the inside out, attacking the infection at its source. Topical Antifungal Solutions – Prescription-strength treatments penetrate the nail for faster and more effective results than OTC options.
Bacteria can build up quickly, so it's essential to clean your nail tools properly. Use rubbing alcohol or boiling water to disinfect items like nail clippers, scissors, and tweezers.
Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash—Original Flavor
“This mouthwash can be used to treat nail fungus,” Dr. West says. “While it's not particularly effective, some patients want to try something less aggressive, which is reasonable.”
Soaking your foot in peroxide can, in some cases, help get rid of toenail fungus. However, because it is difficult for hydrogen peroxide to reach all of the areas of the toe where the fungus can grow, such as under the nail, in the nail bed, it can be difficult to completely treat advanced fungus with peroxide alone.
Can You Scrape Out Toenail Fungus? No. You may be able to scrape a bit off the top of or from under your nails, but that won't cure the infection.
Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.
We strongly urge you to wear at least a pair of socks at all times, even at night. It's too easy for your fungus-infection toes to cross over to the other side of the bed and contaminate your partner. It would help to consider wearing shower shoes until your infection completely clears.
In professional salons, the most common method of sterilization is using an autoclave, a machine that applies high heat to kill microorganisms. If a tool that comes into contact with blood cannot be autoclaved, it must be discarded.
Fungus is already a difficult infection to get rid of, and what surprises many people is that fungus can live in your shoes for up to 20 months. Thus, continuously treating your shoes throughout treatment is essential. There are many ways to treat shoes including Lysol, anti-fungal mists and UV shoe cleaning devices.
For best results, repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment daily or a few times a week until the infection clears up. Be consistent and patient, as it may take weeks or months to see results. Keep an eye on the affected nail(s) for signs of healing, such as less discoloration or thickening.
Tips for Preventing Toenail Fungus Recurrence
Fungal nail infections are not contagious.
FALSE. They can be transmitted from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact and via towels, clothing, socks, shoes, nail clippers and moist surfaces.
Eating foods and oils that improve your gut health is a great way to ward off toenail fungus. Doing so also improves your immune system. Try to eat fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, garlic, onions, and asparagus.
“Each evening, patients go to a bathroom or other place with a vinegar-resistant floor, don old cotton socks, pour a few spoons of plain or apple-cider vinegar and a few spoons of water over the toes, and sit and read for 10-15 minutes. They then doff the socks, apply topical antifungals, and go to bed.
Vicks Vaporub for Toenail Fungus
And, while this may sound like a crazy idea, this study actually suggests that applying the over-the-counter product has a positive healing effect. Still, within the study, completely clearing the fungus took 48 weeks when using topical Vicks products.
It's also important to note that socks can retain fungal spores even after washing. So if you've had athlete's foot, wearing the same pair again – even if it looks clean – could trigger reinfection. The safest approach is to wear fresh socks daily and allow your shoes to dry out completely between wears.
Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, dry the nails completely to prevent any residual moisture, which can promote further fungal growth. Apply Directly (Optional): Some people choose to apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to the affected nails using a cotton ball, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
Toenail fungus is tough to kill permanently, but the most effective treatments are prescription oral antifungal drugs (like terbinafine), followed by strong topical antifungals, often used together, while laser therapy and sometimes nail removal (surgery) are options for persistent cases, though home remedies rarely provide a complete cure and professional help is key for lasting success.