How to Use an Autoclave for Manicurists

Learn how to use an autoclave for manicurists.

Autoclaves are excellent for sterilizing tools. They are very useful for manicurists who need to sterilize their equipment quickly and easily. Autoclaves are more effective at killing microbes and spores than regular boiling. Autoclaves work at high temperatures that are hot enough to sterilize metal materials properly and quickly. There are many different models of autoclaves, so read the instructions that come with your autoclave.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Heat-proof gloves

Instructions

1. Turn the drain valve knob on the bottom of the machine to its closed position. Open the autoclave door and pour hot water inside until it reaches the front reservoir lip. This will be about one gallon of water.

2. Place all manicure tools that need to be sterilized onto the shelf inside the autoclave. Close the autoclave door and push downwards on its long handle to lock it. Adjust the exhaust switch to allow for slow or fast exhaust depending on what materials you are sterilizing. Most manicure materials will require fast exhaust.

3. Set the timer. Small-volume machines need around 15 minutes and larger volume machines need about an hour. Setting the timer begins the autoclave's sterilization cycle.

4. Open the autoclave door once the time and pressure indicator have both reached zero. Keep your hands and face away from where the steam emerges at the top of the door because it can burn you. Put on heat-proof gloves and take out the newly sterilized items.

5. Turn the drain valve knob to the open position. The water will automatically drain through the drainage tube that you set up when you installed the autoclave.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the instruction manual of your autoclave for further instructions.

• Newly sterilized items are very hot so handle them with care.

References

• University of Cincinnati Clermont College: Autoclave Use