How to Clean Gel Nails

Beginner 15 min 18 steps 5647 views Rating: 4.1/5 Published: 2026-01-08

Soak your nails in lemon juice and baking soda to remove discoloration.. Buff the top of your gel manicure to remove the dingy layer.. Apply a layer of topcoat over your manicure after you buff it.

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Steps

1

Soak your nails in lemon juice and baking soda to remove discoloration.

Step 1

Soak your nails in lemon juice and baking soda to remove discoloration.

2

Buff the top of your gel manicure to remove the dingy layer.

Step 2

Buff the top of your gel manicure to remove the dingy layer.

3

Apply a layer of topcoat over your manicure after you buff it.

Step 3

Apply a layer of topcoat over your manicure after you buff it.

4

Use nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to wipe away fresh marks.

Step 4

Use nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to wipe away fresh marks.

5

Spray your gel nail with hairspray to remove stubborn stains.

Step 5

Spray your gel nail with hairspray to remove stubborn stains.

6

Soak your nail in water and tea tree oil for a natural fix.

Step 6

Soak your nail in water and tea tree oil for a natural fix.

7

Visit your nail salon if you can't remove the stain yourself.

Step 7

Visit your nail salon if you can't remove the stain yourself.

8

Use a nail file to remove the glossy sheen from your nails.

Step 8

Use a nail file to remove the glossy sheen from your nails.

9

Cut pieces of aluminum foil to fit around each nail.

Step 9

Cut pieces of aluminum foil to fit around each nail.

10

Place cotton balls soaked in acetone on each nail.

Step 10

Place cotton balls soaked in acetone on each nail.

11

Wrap a piece of foil around each nail to keep the cotton ball in place.

Step 11

Wrap a piece of foil around each nail to keep the cotton ball in place.

12

Let the cotton sit for 10-15 minutes before removing the foil.

Step 12

Let the cotton sit for 10-15 minutes before removing the foil.

13

Push the leftover gel off of your nails gently.

Step 13

Push the leftover gel off of your nails gently.

14

Wear rubber gloves when doing housework.

Step 14

Wear rubber gloves when doing housework.

15

Wash your hands quickly after you apply makeup or facial creams.

Step 15

Wash your hands quickly after you apply makeup or facial creams.

16

Coat your cuticles in cuticle oil to keep them healthy.

Step 16

Coat your cuticles in cuticle oil to keep them healthy.

17

Use lotion to nourish your nails and hands.

Step 17

Use lotion to nourish your nails and hands.

18

Apply a top coat to your nails to keep them from chipping.

Step 18

Apply a top coat to your nails to keep them from chipping.

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