Nail and beauty businesses interact with a high volume of clients daily, which highlights the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. However, it can be easy to overlook the effectiveness of sanitation, disinfection and sterilization practices, especially when dealing with long-time clients or during busy periods.To avoid any dangerous oversights, it's crucial for nail professionals to understand and utilize the correct methods for ensuring cleanliness and safety.
Unfortunately, a lack of education in this area can lead to common mistakes in salons. One common misconception, for example, is the belief that storing tools in Barbicide or similar solutions, constantly is the best practice for disinfection, which can damage the tools. It's essential to stay informed and up to date on the guidelines set forth by professional organizations and governments. Please note these steps are a general guideline, and each state board and country will have their own legislations so it is critical to follow these, as they may vary.
Sanitation (Cleaning)
Sanitation involves the physical removal of organic matter to reduce the presence of bacteria and viruses. This process is essential before moving on to disinfection or sterilization, as debris left on tools can interfere with the effectiveness of subsequent disinfection or sterilization steps. Methods of sanitation include hand washing, using cleaning sprays or wipes, washing tools in warm, soapy water and utilizing antibacterial sprays and sanitizers.
It is crucial to clean nail tools and e-file bits between every use. Therefore, it is good practice to use more than one set of tools, so you can clean one while you are using another on a client. Debris should be removed from e-file bits with a wire brush and then cleaned in warm soapy water to remove further debris. Metal nail tools such as pushers, curettes, nippers and scissors should be cleaned in warm, soapy water with a stiff cleaning brush to remove debris and ensure thorough sanitation. When cleaning tools such as cuticle nippers and scissors, it is essential to remember that dust and debris will build up in between the hinges, so it is crucial to open these up fully.
Disinfection
Disinfection is crucial for controlling microorganisms on surfaces and tools, especially when there are no cuts or breaks in the skin. Disinfectants work by destroying pathogens and removing viruses, spores and fungi. It is important to use approved disinfection solutions according to manufacturers' instructions.
Tools should be fully submerged in the disinfection solution, preferably using a tray rather than a jar to ensure proper disinfection. If you are using a jar, place a round of cotton wool at the bottom to prevent blunting of your tools. It is vital to disinfect all parts of the tool, so you may need to do this process twice by turning the tool around. Brands such as Barbicide and Lucacide offer free training courses in the use of their products.
Sterilization
Sterilization is the process of eliminating all forms of life, including viruses, bacteria and fungi, from tools and surfaces. This is particularly necessary for metal tools like pushers, scissors and nippers.
Methods of sterilization include using autoclaves, UV sterilizers and other hospital-approved equipment. It's vital to purchase sterilization solutions from reputable manufacturers to guarantee effectiveness.Colored tools or e-file bits have a coating that can fade or discolor under repetitive use in an autoclave.
Autoclaves are not mandatory in some countries, such as the UK, but may be required by a state board or the government in some regions. If your state board or government requires the use of an autoclave, avoid discoloration from repetitive autoclave use by using stainless steel tools.
Preventing Rust When Cleaning Tools
Rust occurs on nail tools when water (or moisture) and oxygen comes into contact with iron or steel for a certain amount of time.When you clean, disinfect and sterilize nail tools, they naturally come into contact with water. This is why it is critical to follow the correct protocols throughout to prevent moisture residing on your tools and causing the chemical reaction which presents as rust.
This can also be caused by the environment of where your tools are kept, such as a humid or damp room. This will leave moisture and water on the tool, which will develop into rust over time.
Manufacturer Guidelines
Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is essential for success and longevity with your tools. These precise instructions are carefully composed for a reason; they follow comprehensive manufacturer research, trials and tests to guarantee the suitable uses and care for the product. This includes the amount of time that the tool is submerged into disinfectant solution.It is important to recognize that it is not the solution or the tool itself that causes premature breakdown; it is the incorrect use.Many techs pick up the habit of keeping tools submerged in cleaning liquid continuously against manufacturer’s instructions and advice. Again, these instructions were created to prevent issues, and if you go against them, issues will arise.
Manufacturer directions state that tools should only be placed in the solution for a specific time frame, usually around 10 minutes, but this can vary from brand to brand and solution to solution. Not only is this the tested and required time needed to kill any bacteria or fungus that the solution has been designed to, but it prevents damage to your nail tools.Almost as essential as the correct submersion time is what happens when the tools are removed from this solution. Correct drying of the tools is paramount to prevent rusting and damage. When removed from the solution, take a soft tissue or cloth or low heat hairdryer and thoroughly dry the implements, including any crevices.
Knurling
Reuse Vs. Throw Away
Many items are designed for single use, but there can be confusion in the nail industry. Items such as nail files, orange wood sticks, cotton wool and sanding bands are single use and should be thrown away after each use. Not only should they not be reused, but they should not be saved for the same client for their next appointment.
Nail files are porous and are not suitable to be sanitized or disinfected in between uses. The cost of these single use items should be factored into your pricing. To avoid waste with nail files, consider cutting these in half to gain more uses out of one product.
Protection During Cleaning
When it comes to working with biocidal products, ensuring compliance with state board and government regulations is paramount. From wearing the appropriate PPE during handling to following guidelines for storage, use and disposal, adherence to regulatory standards is crucial. Each brand of biocidal products will come with its own set of instructions, adding to the complexity of regulatory requirements set by governments.
It's essential to recognize that biocidal products, like all chemical substances, have the potential to irritate the skin. Manufacturers often label these products as irritants and advise against skin contact. Therefore, it is imperative to take precautions to prevent skin contact and potential irritation for both you and your clients. This includes thoroughly rinsing tools exposed to biocidal solutions to eliminate any residue that could come into contact with the skin. Additionally, wearing the appropriate PPE when handling these solutions is critical to minimize risks to you.By following proper sanitation, disinfection and sterilization protocols, you can create a clean and safe environment for everyone.
