Disinfection of manicure tools is one of the significant processes that guarantee the provision of the appropriate level of purity in the facilities of beauty salons, and the fight against infections is also effective in their conduct. In handling many clients, there is a likelihood of being in contact with many disease-transferring agents including fungal and bacterial infections if non-sterile tools are used. This is why instrument handling has emerged as one of the critically significant tasks for those in this profession.
Since we work with people, extra sanitation precautions will be required for the exemption of the risk of cholera or any other easily transmittable diseases such as the flu. It should be the norm, so to speak, in most practitioners’ practice routines and the kind of work that professionals should be accomplishing. A daily handling of instruments, cleaning, and use of sterilizers are ways used to minimize risks and enhance client confidence which is vital when one’s service is nail treating. Finally, aspects like sterilization and infection control are important more so with avoidance of any compromises to the health of everyone involved.
Why is the Sterilization of Manicure Instruments Relevant?
It carries with it severe repercussions when practicing with unsanitized tools. Probably one of the severest effects of this is that one is prone to contracting skin infections that cause inflammation, allergies, and other skin-related ailments. This not only puts the client off but also has legal consequences for the technician or salon should the client take legal action.
Beauty salons do not provide accommodation, but sanitary regulations require compliance with the rules of hygiene. This includes sterilization of all manicure tools also by frequently washing these tools. Breaking these rules attracts fines, business fold-up, and loss of reputation among other consequences. In effect, there should be a record of any sterilization conducted together with documentation of all the tools that should pass through the various stages of processing.
The main types of sterilization of manicure instruments are as follows
Mechanical cleaning
Disinfection
The next step is the disinfection of manicure instruments, by which most pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed. For removing nail polish, a biologically safe remover should be used while for sterilization of the manicure tools, alcohol, solution of chlorine, or sp, sp specialized disinfection solutions should be used. Instruments should be soaked in a disinfectant solution for some time (alcohol – from 10 to 30 min, depending on instructions). To get the optimum effect the concentration of the solution and the period that it lasts is critical to observe.
Sterilization in a dry oven
The dry heat method of sterilization is one in which instruments are exposed to heat in a dry cabinet. This method accomplishes itself at the temperature of 160-180 °C, and the time of its accomplishment ranges between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the types of the instruments.
This method is suitable for metal instruments, and the high temperature is affected in the destruction of germs. The advantage is that such dishes do not corrode, but they need great temperature and time control.
Autoclave sterilisation
Hot air sterilization is a sterilization process that is carried out by use of moist heat under pressure. The method is regarded as one of the most effective ones because steam reaches even hidden areas and kills all pathogenic microbes. Sterilization pressure normally ranges from 15 to 30 pounds per square inch, and the sterilization temperature is 121 degrees Celsius. Autoclaving is only applicable to metal instruments and substances that may bear high heat and humidity. The disadvantage of this solution is the necessity to use specialized equipment and its constant control.
Chemical sterilization
Chemical sterilization is used particularly for instruments that cannot undergo heat sterilization. This method uses special chemical solutions such as Glutaraldehyde or hydrogen peroxide etc.
Instruments can remain in the solution for a certain time, often between 10 to 30 minutes, and turn sterile. However it should be pointed out that chemical methods are less effective against certain forms of microorganisms, thus their application demands certain precautions and should be administered only in compliance with all the guidelines.
Pyroelectric stages of sterilization of manicure instruments
Step 1: Mechanical cleaning
- Contamination removal: Scrap it off easily with a brush or immerse it in an ultrasonic washer to clean off the observable debris.
- Rinsing: This is done to ensure all structures of the instrument are clear of the contaminant and the detergent.
Step 2: Disinfecting
- Preparation of the solution: As intended by the manufacturer, dilution of the disinfectant solution is necessary.
- Immersion: Make sure the instruments are completely submerged in the solution.
- Dwell time: Adhere to the recommended time (often takes 10 to 30 minutes).
- Drying: With regard to the instruments, wipe with a clean towel or leave the air dry.
Step 3: Sterilisation
- Choice of method: It is now time to assess which sterilization technique is appropriate for the instruments – dry storage or use of an autoclave, or chemicals.
- Preparation: If required or desired, enclose the instruments in sterile bags designed to be used during sterilization.
- Sterilization: Perform the sterilization process depending on the selected procedure (time and temperature).
Step 4: Sterile instrument storage
- Containers: Always put instruments that are used on the patient in a sterile bag or container, to avoid any form of contamination.
- Storage conditions: Store instruments in areas free from dust and other contamination or even in well-aired and dried places.
Which sterilization process is suitable for use and which sterilization process should not be used?
The choice of sterilization depends on the type of instrument, how often it is used, and in what conditions it is stored. To the specialists working in the salons autoclaves or dry cabinets are appropriate, as they ensure rather a high level of safety and effectiveness.
For beginners or those who do manicures at home, it might be possible to use chemical sterilization although it must be understood that this method is rather delicate and requires a certain amount of respect and following the given instructions. It is also necessary to dwell on the frequency of the tools’ application. For instance, more reliable methods of sterilization are desirable in the case of instruments that are used more often, using instruments that are used sparingly may be disinfected.
Conclusion
Practical hygiene and correctly carried out disinfection of implements used during manicures is the key to safety for both masters and clients. Sterilization not only preserves the non-spread of infections but also introduces sanitary requirements, which are mandatory to work in the beauty industry. Thus by adhering to the use of recommended procedures of sterilization of instruments and proper selection of methods of instrument processing, you can guarantee quality services and effective manicures.
