Germs, Germs, Everywhere! A Quick Guide to Cleaning, Santizing, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing

Oh fall, how I love your cool nights, crisp air, and the onset of cold and flu season.... Wait, that's not right! I HATE the onset of cold and flu season! But it is one of those things that come with the changing of seasons and cooler weather.

Obviously, cold and flu season is not the only time you should think about cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing in your spa or salon, but it is a great time to review your practices and make sure your salon or spa is protecting you, your employees, and your clients.

But wait. Cleaning... sanitizing... disinfecting... sterilizing... Aren't those just fancy words that mean the same thing? If you thought that, you thought WRONG! In your business, you need to make sure you are addressing ALL of the above!

Let's define each (according to Ultronics, a leading disinfectant manufacturer in the health and beauty industry):

Cleaning: removal of debris from the surface. An essential first step to disinfecting or sterilizing.
Sanitizing: lowering the number of microorganisms on non-living surfaces.
Disinfecting: chemical process that eliminates most microorganisms on non-living surfaces and implements.
Sterilization: a process that completely destroys all microbial life

Large surfaces, including chairs, beds, nail tables, styling stations, nail dryers, etc. should be disinfected between each client. Wiping these items down with a hospital-grade disinfectant such as Ultracare Disinfectant or Citrus II Germicidal Cleaner will help prevent the spread of germs from client to client.

Implements should be cleaned (to remove surface debris) and completely immersed in a hospital-grade disinfectant such as Barbicide for at least 10 minutes after each use.

**Don't forget to thoroughly clean all towels, sheets, and linens between each use!**

Pure Spa Direct offers a wide variety of sanitizers, disinfectants, and sterilizers to meet all of your needs. We also have a huge selection of cleaning and janitorial supplies, and many other "Back of the House" office supply items to keep your business running smoothly.

Remember, cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing surfaces and implements in your salon or spa is required by law! If you are unsure about your state's regulations concerning sanitization and disinfection, contact your State Board today to ensure you are compliant!