While many people spend hours in the nail salon getting artificial fingernails put on and painted there are more people out there who neglect their nails in a most atrocious manner.

You can also use lemon as a primary cleaning agent. Lemon has an antiseptic content, which helps clean the nails without the stress on your nails. Simply apply lemon before you go to a professional manicurist. You can also use half of the lemon for soaking the fingertips or twisting it inside the lemon to clean the nails and cuticles.

Before you apply color to the nails, they must be cleaned and the easiest way to do this is with cotton buds. Dip the cotton buds into nail polish remover and then rub over the surface of the nail. Remove any creamy creamy residue. When none remains, your nails are ready for polishing.

If you want to start your own home manicure, you do not really need a grand set of equipment. The only things that you need are soap, cuticle oil remover, hand lotion, towels and cuticle pusher. Soak hands in liquid soap and water mixture for a couple of minutes. When cuticles have softened, dry your hands and apply cuticle oil. Use the cuticle pusher to remove cuticles.

Fragile nails are very common problem that are mainly due to iron deficiency. Iron should be taken in sufficient amounts. Foods rich in iron are liver, lean red meat, seafood, beans, soy beans, lentils, whole grains, spinach, turnip greens, tofu, vegetables, asparagus, parsley, watercress, chicken and turkey, nuts, blackstrap molasses, egg yolks, dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, dates and apricots.

Protect your carpet from water as much as possible. In case, if water or some other liquid like tea or coffee gets spilled on it, use an absorbent pad to soak excessive liquid. Immediately use a stain remover to eliminate the blot and vacuum clean if required.

Lay one or two thick layers of old rugs with a plastic sheets under your carpet. This will provide a better under footing and improved life of the carpet. The rugs lying under carpet help absorb dirt in them and protect the carpet from wearing out soon.

Keep a home manicure and pedicure kit handy at home. Orangewood sticks, nail clippers, file with a minimum 240 grit, nail brush, manicure and pedicure bowl. These will help you get decent nail maintenance at home and keep your nails healthy.

Wear gloves when washing the dishes or the kitchen floor.Do not use your nails as tools. They aren't meant to scrapethe price stickers off your new picture frame. Be sure to

apply sunscreen all the way down to the tips of your nails.Sun damage affects nails, too.

Always plan your care of nails ahead of time. For instance, coloring your nails just an hour before you sleep will result to a messy nail polish. More often, nail polish peels after taking a bath when you wake up in the morning. If there is a stubborn nail polish on the skin, you can easily remove it using warm water and soft towel.