Cuticle cleaning typically takes place before a manicure, during the nail-preparation phase. It's an important step to prevent infection and to keep the nails strong and healthy. To start, a metal cuticle pusher is used to push back the cuticle skin. Cuticle nippers are then used to cut any remaining dead skin. Once the cuticles are trimmed, a rounded e-filed is used to smooth the nails. Finally, the nails are cleaned and ready to be manicured.