Kayla Young
Acrylic nails are a time-saving, no-fuss way to enjoy long, elegant nails, even if your natural nails are short. Acrylic nails can last for weeks! However, taking care of acrylics is essential to keeping them looking great.
Doing the dishes is one of those chores that has to get done. And it can wreak havoc on acrylic nails.
Do you need to know how to wash dishes with acrylic nails? The good news is you don’t have to run out to buy all disposable plates or hire a housekeeper if you want acrylic nails.
We have some tips on how to do dishes without ruining your acrylic manicure, as well as tips on protecting acrylic nails to keep them looking fabulous.
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Does Hot Water Damage Your Nails?
Now although using acetone is the fastest way to remove acrylic nails, soaking them in hot water is an often suggested, less damaging alternative to acetone.
So, if soaking your fingers in hot water is a commonly used method of removing acrylic nails, then yes, hot water can definitely damage acrylic nails!
So, if soaking your fingers in hot water is a commonly used method of removing acrylic nails, then yes, hot water can definitely damage acrylic nails!
Hot water (and soap) is trouble for essentially all types of fake nails.
Potential Risks of Doing Dishes with Acrylic Nails
Exposing your nails to hot water (or water of any temperature), for an extended period of time, will weaken your acrylics and they may loosen or come off as a result.
Exposing your nails to hot water (or water of any temperature), for an extended period of time, will weaken your acrylics and they may loosen or come off as a result.
Subjecting your acrylic nails to water for extended periods, like when you are swimming, washing dishes, washing your hair, etc., can cause the acrylic nails to lift, allowing water and bacteria to enter between the nail and the acrylic.
If the nail lifts, a nail fungal infection can occur when moisture collects under acrylic nails.
You can also get a bacterial infection in the gap that forms between the two nails, especially if the artificial nail is re-glued before it is thoroughly cleaned out.
If a nail tip starts to loosen, it’s better that it pops all the way off, rather than getting an infection.
If a nail tip starts to loosen, it’s better that it pops all the way off, rather than getting an infection.
How To Wash Dishes With Acrylic Nails
Don’t worry, you can still wash dishes without wrecking your manicure or developing a nail infection. Here are three things to keep in mind to keep your acrylic nails intact while doing dishes:
1. Wear rubber gloves!
Rubber gloves are the easiest and most effective way to protect your acrylic nails while washing dishes. The rubber gloves will not only protect your acrylics from the water, but help prevent fungal and bacterial infections.
2. Wash carefully
Not your nails – the dishes! Bumping or catching acrylic nails on dishes in the sink may accidentally damage or dislodge the acrylic nail, and could lead to a broken nail.
3. See a nail technician right away to fix a damaged acrylic nail
If despite your best efforts to be careful, you’ve reached into the murky dishwater and accidentally caught a nail on something, Do not try to fix an acrylic nail yourself that has broken, chipped, lifted, or come off.
You will likely do more harm than good! And you’ll be setting yourself up for bacterial infection if the nail is not properly cleaned before it’s re-glued. Go to a nail technician and let them fix it for you.
4. Thoroughly dry your nails
You’ve finished the dishes, taken off your gloves, and then turn around, only to notice you’ve missed a glass. As long as you are not soaking your acrylics in water for an extended period of time, you can get them wet.
Just make sure you dry them thoroughly afterward.
What Rubber Gloves Should You Use?
Rubber gloves are a must if you have acrylic nails and dishes to wash. You can pretty much wear any standard rubber gloves, but if you have an especially deep sink, you might want to opt for a longer pair to prevent water from accidentally getting in over the top of the gloves.
SYNRA Dishwashing Gloves – Purpose-built for washing dishes, at 19.5 inches long, these gloves will ensure no water will be getting in, even from the deepest sink. They also feature a no-slip textured surface on the inner palms which double as built-in scrubbers. These gloves also sport a soft cashmere interior lining that keeps hands and arms dry as you wash your dishes.
Elgood Latex-free Dishwashing Gloves – These latex-free dishwashing gloves are made of material that seamlessly weaves PVC and cotton together for a soft, waterproof glove that’s comfortable to wear. They are 16.5 inches long and feature a non-slip, textured palm.
Take Away
You wanted to know how to wash dishes with acrylic nails – now you know!
- Use rubber gloves.
- Be kind to your nails and be careful while washing dishes.
- If you accidentally damage your nails while washing dishes, don’t try to fix it yourself – let your nail technician do it for you.
- If your nails do get wet, dry them thoroughly.
