Salon Cleanliness: Tips for keeping your space sanitary.

A nail tech's main priority should be their clients safety.  Are you doing the bare minimum? Do you have a cleaning schedule or list of safety procedures? How often do you sit on the other side of the table and look around from the client's viewpoint?

Salons are bustling spaces where clients come to relax and beautify themselves. Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is crucial to ensure the well-being of both clients and staff. Here are some tips to help you keep your salon space clean and hygienic.

Cleaning: removes dirt and impurities.  It involves using soap and water, and an action like scrubbing to physically remove visible dirt from the surface of an object.  Not really effective in killing germs.

Sanitizing: reduces the amount of germs on surfaces to levels considered safe. Diluted bleach solutions, wipes, and sprays are your common go-to's. Not effective for removing dirt, grease, nor killing viruses or harmful organisms found in bodily fluids.

Disinfecting: uses chemicals to kill most germs. Lowers the risk of spreading disease. Look for EPA registered products. 99% Isopropyl Alcohol is a great everyday option.  But in the salon you may also want something like Barbicide, Lucas-Cide, or equivalent quats. Be sure to follow all directions for proper use and disposal accordingly.

Sterilizing: this process completely eliminates all bacteria, viruses, fungi, germs, etc.  Autoclaves or UV cabinets can be used for tools and implements. Otherwise wetting the entire surface for 10 minutes with a product like Barbicide also works. Again, be sure to follow all directions on the label, and your states regulatory agency.