Don't Toss Them! How to Clean and "Revive" Your Press-On Nails for Infinite Reuse
You’ve invested in a gorgeous, handmade set from TsukiNails. You wore them for a stunning event, and now you’ve safely removed them. But looking at the back of the nails, it’s a mess—clumps of dried glue or a ball of sticky jelly tabs.
Does this mean the set is ruined? Absolutely not!
The main difference between drugstore plastic nails and our artisanal gel nails is durability. With the right cleaning method, you can restore your set to "like-new" condition in minutes. Here is how to remove that stubborn residue.
1. Scenario A: Removing Jelly Adhesive Tabs (The Easy Way)
If you are Team Tabs, cleaning is a breeze.
The Tool: The wooden cuticle stick (included in your kit).
The Method:
Wait for the tab to cool down (if it's warm from your finger, it's stretchier).
Use the slanted end of the wooden stick to lift the edge of the jelly tab.
Twirl the stick like you are twirling spaghetti. The jelly tab will roll off the nail in one piece.
Pro Tip: If it's sticky, pop the nails in the fridge for 5 minutes. Cold tabs lose their grip and pop off easier!
2. Scenario B: Removing Dried Nail Glue (The Pro Way)
This is trickier. Warning: Never use Acetone to clean the press-on nail itself! Acetone will melt the design and the plastic structure.
Method 1: The Warm Soapy Soak (Gentle)
Soak the loose nails (not your hands) in a bowl of warm water with a little dish soap and oil for 15-20 minutes. This softens the glue bond. Use the wooden stick to gently scrape the softened glue away from the edges.Method 2: The E-File / Sanding Pen (Best for Hard Glue)
If you plan to reuse nails often, invest in a cheap, portable electric nail drill (E-file).
Use a fine sanding band or a small ceramic bit.
Set the speed to LOW.
Gently buff away the dried white glue on the back of the nail until it is smooth again.
This is the secret method used by nail artists to keep sets perfect for years.
3. Restoring the Shine
After cleaning the back, the front might look a little dull from handling.
Step 1: Wipe the nail surface with an alcohol pad to remove finger oils.
Step 2: (Optional) If you have a UV lamp, apply a thin layer of top coat and cure it. If not, a simple wipe-down usually brings back the sparkle of our high-quality gel.
Conclusion
A little maintenance goes a long way. By spending 5 minutes cleaning your nails after removal, you're not just saving money—you're building a wardrobe of nails that are ready to wear whenever you are.
