Sterile Manicure Tools

Using dirty or contaminated maincure tools can put you at risk for infection.

A fresh manicure can improve the appearance of your nails and let you express your personal style by adorning your hands with a fun color of your choosing. Whether getting a professional manicure or doing it yourself at home, a knowledge of sterile manicure tools is important to ensure you don't put yourself at risk of contracting illnesses such as MRSA or staf infections.

Autoclave

An autoclave is a piece of equipment that sterilizes manicure or pedicure tools. After mixing a disinfectant solution, manicure tools are to be cleaned and rinsed. If dirty tools are placed in the autoclave, the disinfectant solution is contaminated. Once the manicure tools are immersed in the solution, the cover of the autoclave is closed. Depending on the machine, an autoclave can sterilize manicure tools in a time span as short as 16 minutes.

Sterilized Single Use Bags

For nail professionals, using sterilized single use bags to store manicure tools can build your credibility with clients. This practice requires your business to either have multiple sets of sterilized tool sets on hand or have each nail technician prepare her manicure tool sets before a day of appointments. Once manicure tools are sterilized, place each tool set into a sterile bag and seal it shut. As the nail technician sits down with her client, she can open the bag in the presence of each client to demonstrate the cleanliness of her manicure tools.

Disinfectants

When choosing a cleaning solution to sterilize manicure tools, the safest decision is referencing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for registering hospital-grade disinfectants. To meet the qualifications of being a hospital-level cleaning solution, these disinfectants must complete the actions of bactericides, or killing of harmful bacteria, virucides, or killing of pathogenic viruses and fungicides, or the killing of fungus. Chemical cleaning solutions that are classified as hospital grade ensure your manicure tools are effectively sterilized.

Sterilizer Jars

Manicure tools can be stored in a sterilizer jar between appointments.

Storing manicure tools in sterilizer jars is an effective way to keep non-porous nail care tools clean. Choose a glass jar with a stainless steel lift and basket for easy removal. Before storing manicure tools in a sterilizer jar that contains an appropriate cleaning solution, it is essential to wash each manicure tool to prevent contaminating the solution in the jar.

References

• At Your Feet: Sterilizing Pedicure Tools and Manicure Tools
• Studio 9 Salon: Nail Services at Studio 9 Salon
• Joint Committee on Administrative Rules: 1175.115 Sanitary Standards