Hygiene advice for keeping tools clean

All nail tools and implements must be properly cleaned and disinfected before coming into direct contact with a client, both for their health and the credibility of your business. “There is absolutely no argument that tools must be disinfected in between every client,” says Nigel Rouse of Mundo Professional. “Total immersion in products such as Mundo Rapid Instrumental & Tool Disinfectant makes the process quick and convenient. Files can also be disinfected with Mundo File & Tool Disinfectant Spray, which can also be used by those who prefer not to carry solutions.

“Mobile technicians may find carrying liquids to be a major inconvenience. A screw top jar can help carrying these solutions and enable a high level of disinfection even when mobile.”

Displaying your high level of hygiene and cleanliness to your clients can make them feel confident that you carry out professional services to a high standard and put their safety first. “I always carry my tools in clear bags which I open in front of my clients so they can see they are safe and clean; I then sterilise at home or in-salon and immediately re-bag ready for use,” says Deborah Mitchell, founder of Heaven by Deborah Mitchell. “I also like to take a closed lid Barbicide disinfectant her with me to use during treatments.”

“There is absolutely no argument that tools must be disinfected in between every client,” – Nigel Rouse of Mundo Professional. 

It is also important to store clean and used tools separately to avoid cross contamination. “I like to store my clean tools in a lined drawer or container (not air tight) so they are kept clean and ready for their next use,” says Gellux expert, Julie-Anne Larivière. “Store your used tools in a separate drawer/container to ensure they don’t contaminate your clean tools.”

In preparation for disinfection, tools should be scrubbed with soapy water to remove any grease or debris, as these will create a barrier to the disinfectant. “Files should be thoroughly scrubbed with a clean brush then sprayed with a disinfecting solution such as Filecide and put in between clean towels to fully dry before reuse,” adds Julie-Anne. “Tools and implements should be scrubbed clean with soap under warm running water to remove all residue and debris, then thoroughly rinsed and dried in between clean towels before submerging into a bactericidal/fungicidal and virucidal disinfectant solution such as Barbicide, then rinsed under running water and dried before storing in a clean drawer.”

If reusable tools aren’t your thing, invest in disposable implements that can be safely thrown away. This can save time and ensure a clean and safe practice, however can prove to be more costly in the long term than investing in reusable tools. “I try to dispose as much as I can in our industry; we have a selection of plastic and metal tools in the salon and of course the files, where I use a hygienic handle on which you can place disposable files,” says Stella Cox, Bio Sculpture educator. “Clients like to see a clean environment and equipment. If you include this in your treatment price you can easily absorb the cost of the treatment including the disposables.”

Complete your kit bag and aid your nail service needs with a roundup of top tools and practical advice in the August issue of Scratch!