Stains from substances such as grease, dirt and dye transfer become easily embedded under fingernails. The area between the fingernail tip and nail bed is the perfect location for particles to collect. Left unattended, stains underneath fingernails invite germs and bacteria to grow, leading to the possibility of sickness or the spread of germs to others. Regular washing helps prevent stains under your nails, but techniques and supplies safe and effective for use on skin remove the stain-causing particles altogether.

Scrape accumulated debris from beneath fingernails with the pointed tip of a nail file to remove dirt and other materials.

Mix 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. table salt in a bowl to make a solution to remove grease. Rub the oil and salt mixture over hands, between fingers and under nails to loosen grease. The table salt acts as a mild abrasive to help lift the grease as it's broken down by the olive oil.

Wet a nail brush with warm water and add two or three drops of liquid soap to the nail brush. Gently scrub underneath your nails to remove remaining stains. Rinse your hands with warm water.

Fill a bowl with undiluted lemon juice. Soak fingernails for three to four minutes to remove color stains from berries or other foods. Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry with a clean hand towel.