How to Disinfect Salon Equipment and Maintain Salon Hygiene

All salon owners need to establish regular cleaning procedures to maintain a high standard of salon hygiene. Putting tools and products away, wiping down, sweeping, moping and disinfecting surfaces should all be part of the daily agenda. The wrong impression is created by dirty surfaces and disorder, which can accumulate quickly. 

Maintaining a clean and hygienic salon is essential for the health and safety of both your clients and staff. Proper disinfection of salon equipment not only protects against the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, but it also ensures compliance with legal regulations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for disinfecting salon tools and equipment, highlight key products you should have in your salon, and explain how to select the right disinfectant products. We’ll also discuss advanced sterilisation methods and provide tips for staying on budget while maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Salon Hygiene

In the UK, salons must adhere to strict hygiene regulations to ensure the safety of clients. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides detailed guidelines for salons, focusing on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and the need for proper sanitation and disinfection.

• Cleaning and sanitising surfaces and equipment after each use.
• Proper disposal of single-use items to prevent contamination.
• Staff training on hygiene protocols and safe handling of products.
• Maintaining accurate records for compliance purposes.

You can learn more about these requirements through the HSE’s website or the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) health and safety guide for salons.

Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitising, Disinfecting, and Sterilising

Understanding the different processes involved in maintaining salon hygiene is essential. Here’s a quick guide to help you distinguish between these terms:

How to Choose the Right Disinfectant Products

When selecting disinfectant products, consider the following factors:

• Active Ingredients: Look for disinfectants that contain powerful germ-killing substances, such as quaternary ammonium compounds or hydrogen peroxide.
• Contact Time Requirements: Ensure you know how long the product needs to be on the surface to be effective.
• Safety Considerations: Always review safety instructions and ensure the disinfectant is suitable for the surfaces and tools you intend to use it on.

Disinfection Products Every Salon Needs

To ensure your salon equipment remains safe and hygienic, you’ll need the right products for disinfection. Here are some of the most important items you should have:

Barbicide Solutions and Jars

Barbicide is a trusted brand for disinfecting hairdressing tools. The solution kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Simply soak combs, scissors, and razors in Barbicide for the recommended time to ensure they’re properly disinfected.

• Kills harmful pathogens
• Easy to use and effective
• Suitable for combs, brushes, scissors, tweezers, and more

Barbicide solution is sold as concentrates that must be diluted with water. After washing with soap and water, soak salon equipment in the prepared barbicide cleaning solution for ten minutes. To clean manicure and pedicure tools thoroughly, use a scrub brush or a toothbrush and warm soapy water before immersing them in the barbicide solution. Rinse items after soaking and then dry them with a paper towel before storing them in a clean, disinfected and airtight container. 

For any electrical salon equipment, such as heated styling hair tools and electronic facial machines, observe the manufacturer’s handbook. Do not try to use water or any other liquid cleaning ingredient when the manufacturer specifies that only dry sanitation is suitable.

Professional Disinfectant Sprays

Our Active Decontamination Disinfectant Spray is a fast-acting solution designed to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces. This spray is ideal for treating workstations, chairs, and countertops.

• Hospital-grade effectiveness
• Quick drying
• Ideal for surface sanitisation

Sanitising Wipes and Hand Sanitisers

Sanisafe Surface Wipes are ideal for cleaning high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, and equipment that comes in contact with skin. SalonServe Hand & Nail Antiseptic Spray offers a convenient way for your staff to maintain hygiene while working.

• Convenient and portable
• Kills 99.9% of germs
• Gentle on hands and nails

Sterilising Jars and Equipment

For tools that require thorough sterilisation, we recommend sterilising jars. These are essential for killing all microbial life, making them ideal for metal tools like scissors and tweezers.

• Effective for metal tools
• Easy to maintain
• Safe for repeated use

Methods of Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilisation Used in Salons

Various salon hygiene practices and procedures can be used to ensure your salon is a safe place for your clients and your staff. Below are some of the most effective ways to sterilise and disinfect your salon equipment, furniture, and surfaces.

Salon Furniture

The majority of salon chairs, stools, and beauty couches are covered with PVC or vinyl fabric, making them relatively straightforward to keep sanitised. To avoid damaging the chairs, you must use the proper product. Avoid using cleaning agents that contain ethanol because they may cause the material to break down.

To get rid of microorganisms and germs, clean and disinfect salon furniture on a regular basis. For your salon beauty couches, don’t forget to use couch rolls before every treatment to provide an extra barrier for germs and debris and protect the surfaces. Make sure you always change the roll after every client.

Salon Surfaces 

To prevent infection, you need to wipe down all work surfaces at least once a day. It’s also a good idea to wipe surfaces after treatments or regularly throughout the day. This can also significantly enhance the way your salon comes across to clients. Use a disinfectant spray to clean your work surfaces and to make sure dirt as well as bacteria are removed. 

To make it quicker and easier to sanitise plastic trolleys and carts, use alcohol-free disinfectant wipes. Additionally, disinfectant wipes can be used to wipe off keyboards, phones and cash registers where bacteria can grow. 

How to Disinfect Different Salon Tools

Properly disinfecting each type of tool is crucial to ensure that your clients are protected. Here’s a breakdown of best practices for cleaning common salon tools:

Metal Tools (Scissors, Tweezers, Clippers)

• Clean: Wipe off hair, oil, and residue with a clean cloth.
• Sanitise: Use Barbicide or a professional disinfectant spray to disinfect the tools.
• Sterilise: Use a UV sterilisation cabinet or sterilising jar for maximum safety.

Salon Brushes and Combs

• Clean: Remove hair from brushes and combs after each use.
• Sanitise: Soak in Barbicide or wipe with disinfectant wipes.
• Sterilise: UV sterilisation cabinets can be used for deeper sterilisation.

Electronic Equipment

For items like hairdryers, straighteners, and clippers:

• Clean: Wipe down surfaces and cords regularly with a damp cloth.
• Sanitise: Use professional disinfectant sprays that are safe for electronic equipment.
• Sterilise: Certain items can be kept in a UV sterilisation cabinet for thorough disinfection.

Elevate Salon Hygiene with UV Sterilisation Cabinets

Elevate Salon and Spa Hygiene with UV Sterilisation Cabinets – In the ever-evolving world of beauty and grooming, maintaining a hygienic salon is a cornerstone of success.

Salons, barbershops, and spas serving a multitude of clients, necessitate stringent disinfection practices to uphold pristine standards. UV sterilisation cabinets emerge as a cutting-edge solution for ensuring optimal tool hygiene in these environments.

Let’s explore why integrating a UV sterilisation cabinet in your salon is essential:

Prioritising Client Safety

Upholding client safety is fundamental for any reputable salon. Improperly disinfected tools can harbour harmful microorganisms, posing risks of infections or skin concerns. UV sterilisation cabinets use ultraviolet light to eliminate a broad spectrum of microorganisms, guaranteeing thorough tool disinfection.

Professionalism

A clean and hygienic salon not only safeguards client well-being but also elevates the salon’s professional image. Presenting tools retrieved from a UV sterilisation cabinet highlights the salon’s commitment to hygiene and meticulous care, fostering client trust and loyalty.

Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly

While there are multiple methods of sterilisation available, UV cabinets stand out as a cost-effective investment. Requiring minimal maintenance and eliminating the need for consumables like chemical disinfectants, UV sterilisation proves to be an eco-friendly alternative aligning with sustainable practice.

Extended Tool Lifespan

Maintaining the quality of salon tools is paramount. Harsh chemical exposure can compromise tool integrity over time. UV sterilisation offers a gentle yet effective method that preserves tool quality, ensuring prolonged durability.

Time Efficiency

UV sterilisation is a swift process, with most cabinets disinfecting tools within minutes. This efficiency allows for quick turnarounds, enabling seamless workflows in busy salon settings.

Tips for Utilising Your UV Sterilisation Cabinet

• Pre-Sterilisation Cleaning:

Ensure tools are thoroughly cleaned before placing them in the UV sterilisation cabinet to remove any dirt, debris, or product residue. Organic matter-free surfaces improve the effectiveness of UV light disinfection.

• Proper Tool Arrangement:

Arrange tools within the cabinet to ensure UV light reaches all surfaces successfully. Avoid overcrowding to facilitate thorough disinfection of each tool part.

• Regular Maintenance:

Regular upkeep of the UV sterilisation cabinet is crucial for its continued efficacy. This includes cleaning the interior and adhering to UV bulb replacement recommendations from the manufacturer.

Integrating UV sterilisation cabinets into your salon not only enhances client safety and professional image but also provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective tool disinfection solution.

Common Disinfection Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Dilution Ratios: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing disinfectants.
2. Insufficient Contact Time: Not allowing the disinfectant to sit for the recommended time reduces its effectiveness.
3. Cross-Contamination Risks: Never use the same cloth or tool to clean multiple surfaces without cleaning it in between.
4. Poor Storage Practices: Store disinfectants properly, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

Infection Control Techniques in a Salon

Salons are high-risk environments for spreading germs, and following proper infection control techniques in a salon is crucial. Here are three key pieces of cleaning equipment that will make it easier and faster to maintain salon hygiene.

1. Salon Sterilisers and Autoclaves

In the salon setting, sterilisers and autoclaves are crucial since they are the only proven techniques for eliminating bacteria from metal equipment and tools. Always remember to thoroughly wash everything to make sure that all debris has been eliminated before putting them inside an autoclave or steriliser.

2. Floor Cleaning Machines

Maintaining a safe, healthy, and welcoming salon environment requires clean floors. They can enhance the quality of the air, decrease the transmission of germs and bacteria, keep the area looking spotless and protect against floor damage. 

With little exertion, an electric floor scrubber can thoroughly clean your salon safely and hygienically — unlike a mop and bucket, floor cleaning machines will not harbour bacteria and will leave floors dry and streak-free. In comparison to relying on a mop and bucket, floor scrubbers can leave your floors incredibly dry and streak-free, reducing the chance of accidents as well as improving the overall look of your salon.

3. Steam Cleaners 

The best infection control equipment is steam cleaners because steam is a very effective way of sterilising surfaces without the use of chemicals, destroying 99.9% of bacteria and germs. Additionally, there is no potential for antimicrobial resistance, which is more likely when chemical cleaning solutions are used.

Budget-Friendly Salon Equipment Disinfection Tips

Maintaining high hygiene standards doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips for saving money on disinfectant products:

• Bulk Purchases: Consider buying disinfectants and sanitation supplies in bulk for savings.
• Efficient Usage: Use products according to the recommended amounts to avoid wastage.
• Long-Term Investments: High-quality sterilisation equipment like UV cabinets may have a higher initial cost but can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for disposable products.

At SalonServe, we understand that maintaining a clean and professional environment is crucial for your business, which is why we offer high-quality disinfectant products and equipment to help you achieve the highest hygiene standards.

By following these guidelines and using the right products, you can maintain a clean and safe salon environment. For all your disinfectant and hygiene product needs, visit SalonServe and explore our range of professional tools designed to keep your salon spotless.

The Take Away

In a salon, even the smallest things can have a significant effect. Even though it might seem obvious, it’s also important to keep the retail space clean and tidy. Products should be facing the correct way, and shelves should be wiped down every day. In addition to keeping your salon looking its best, organising shelves can increase the amount of retail products you can display and sell. 

At the end of each day, you should ensure that each item is in its correct location and that the toilets are spotless. Buy in bulk to ensure you always have the supplies and save money in the long term.

Remember to use the 10% discount code you’ll receive when you join our mailing list. Save money on our own brand products and outlet salon furniture when you shop at SalonServe. You can also order branded products with your own logo that will help your salon reach new heights. 

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