Nail brushes are one of the important nail tools used in the nail industry. Brushes are very important and must be treated as such. Because of this, cleaning and properly placing the brush is as important as the manicure and pedicure you want.
Due to the lot of usage of these brushes with chemicals and nail polishes, these nail brushes must be properly cleaned and well kept to accumulate dust or spread contamination during their use. Different cleaning agents can be used to clean these brushes but one of the frequently asked questions is, does Acetone clean nail brushes?
Yes, acetone is a solvent that can be used to clean nail brushes. It is mostly used for cleaning acrylic nail brushes but is not recommended for gel nail brushes. The acetone will dissolve the polish from your brush, and the water helps rinse off any residue.
Also, acetone has properties that can be harsh on the bristle of a natural fiber brush. For this reason, acetone cannot be used for brushes made of natural fiber. However, you can use acetone to clean if the brush has synthetic bristles.
Can I Clean My Gel Brush With Acetone?
No, you cannot clean your gel brush with acetone. Acetone is not a good solvent for gel brushes because it’s too harsh and can damage the bristles. It will also dissolve the glue that holds the bristles in place, which could loosen them and make them fall out. Instead, try using warm water and dish soap to clean your brush.
How To Clean Acrylic Nail Brushes With Acetone
For you to have long-lasting brushes, you need to clean them regularly. This will keep them easy to use and help them stay longer without getting damaged. To clean your nail brushes with acetone, you need to;
1. Set Them Up for Cleaning
Bring out your nail brushes from the box or nag that they are kept in and line them side by side. Put them in hot water one after the other and rinse them off. When you are done, clean them in fresh monomer to rinse off any hidden dust or dirt. If you notice any yellow sign, you should know that your nail brush is contaminated.
2. Clean in Acetone
Get a good glass container and pour your acetone. Soak your brushes in the acetone for a minute or two before washing them with soap. Rinse them clean off with a lint-free wipe.
If you have any brush with stiff bristles, you can dip it in acetone, and it will loosen up, rinse and wipe it off, and that’s all. Acetone should not be used frequently, even on synthetic bristle brushes, to avoid getting dry and damaged.
How To Clean Gel Nail Brushes
1. Soak Your Cotton Pads in Alcohol
Bring out your lint-free wipes or cotton pads and set them down. Pick one and soak it completely in isopropyl alcohol, then lay it flat on your table or work surface. This alcohol and rubbing alcohol are perfect for getting the job done when cleaning off gel polish from your brushes. Gel nail brushes have synthetic bristles, unlike acrylic nail brushes, which are natural fibers. For this reason, it is safe to use alcohol on gel nail brushes.
ALSO READ: How To Get Acrylic Nails Off With Oil
2. Wipe Your Brushes in between Painting
Wiping your gel nail brushes on alcohol-soaked cotton pads after painting a few nails will help to prevent them from accumulating polish. This will also make it easier to use without battling with thick layers of polish. Wipe your brush in a direction for a few seconds, then turn to the other side and wipe again in a direction. This will help your bristles to remain together than using a bit of force.
3. Use Your Soaked Pad to Clean Off Any Sticky Polish on It
When painting your nails, if you notice your brush handle becoming sticky, you can simply pick up your alcohol-soaked pad and use it to wipe down your brush handle until it no longer feels sticky.
4. Clean Your Brushes in Isopropyl Alcohol Once a Day To Clean Your Brushes
Pour some alcohol into a small dish and dip the bristles. Gently move back and forth for about a minute and take them out. After taking them out, gently press the bristles on a dry cotton pad to remove the remaining polish or excess alcohol.
Please keep in mind that if you use your nail brushes to apply glitters, gently deep clean after usage to prevent glitters from hiding on the bristles.
5. Put the Caps Back On Them
After cleaning, gently put the Caps back on the brushes to prevent the bristles from damaging or scattering from their position. You can also get small makeup bags, purses, or brush holders to keep your brushes in. This will prevent damage to your brushes.
Pros Of Using Acetone on Nail Brushes
1. It Removes All the Residual Polish
Acetone helps to remove all the residual polish that has refused to go by using alcohol or monomer. Once the brushes are dipped in acetone, the residual and the thick polish that has accumulated will dissolve, and the brush will be as good as new.
2. It Unclogs Nail Brushes
Acetone helps to unclog nail brushes that have been clogged with polish and are not leaving. Dip your brush in acetone for a few minutes, and it will help unclog your bristles that have been clogged with nail polish.
3. It Makes Cleaning the Brushes East
Using acetone to clean your brushes is a quick, effective way of cleaning your brushes. You only have to dip it repeatedly once it is clean. Just soak for a few minutes, and all the stains are off. Acetone is very effective in removing stains easily, unlike isopropyl alcohol and monomer.
Cons of Using Acetone on Nail Brushes
1. It Can Melt Or Damage Your Nail Brushes
Using acetone on nail brushes, especially your natural fiber bristles, can cause them to dry or even melt. Acetone is very harsh on brushes and should rarely or rarely be used.
2. It Can Spoil Your Brushes If Used Continuously
It will be better to use alcohol or monomer on nail brushes, but if you keep using acetone continuously, it can damage your brushes. Acetone should never be used on your brushes unless it is necessary. Using acetone to clean your nail brushes will damage them over time, even the synthetic ones.
Conclusion
Acetone is a chemical that can be used to clean nails. It is mostly used to clean acrylic nail brushes. Acetone is also useful for removing dried nail polish from your skin and nails, but it should not be used on gel nail brushes. However, ensure you don’t use it frequently with your acrylic nail brush.