Back to Practice - Post-Session Sanitation

It takes 10 minutes for many disinfectants to effectively kill pathogens. Given this fact, and the other protocols necessary, we believe it is necessary to allow 15 minutes before your next client. Follow the guidelines of your state board at all times and use the steps below as best practices that may go above and beyond what your state requires.

Station Turnover Sanitation Protocols

  • If you have windows, open them immediately after a client has left and while you turn over your station to get as much air circulation in the room as possible. If you don’t have windows, consider adding a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier to the space.
  • Clean and disinfect all non-porous implements used in the service including nail clippers and cuticle nippers. If you have an autoclave, clean, pouch, and sterilize the implements.
  • Dispose of single-use items such as nail files and buffer blocks immediately.
  • Empty and clean the pedicure bowl if used. Scrub with warm soapy water, rinse clean, and disinfect with an EPA-approved disinfectant. If your bowl has jets, turn on the jets and allow the disinfectant to run through the jets for the designated contact time as specified by the manufacturer.
  • Use hospital grade, EPA-approved disinfectants to clean anything the client came in contact with including your station, chair, rolling carts, table, doorknobs, implements, and any other storage container, etc. Follow more stringent state or regulatory agency protocols as required. Follow the product manufacturer’s directions for contact time (or how long a surface must stay visibly wet before the disinfectant destroys the pathogen). For some products, this can be 10 minutes.
  • Per CDC recommendations, clean all equipment, devices, and surfaces between each client interaction, including product dispensers. This process includes cleaning:
    • Hard (Non-Porous) Surfaces: If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, use EPA-approved disinfectants for use against the virus that causes COVID-19. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, application method, and contact time, etc.  Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
    • Soft (Porous) Surfaces: For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, if the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely. Otherwise, use products that are EPA-approved for COVID-19.
    • Implements: For non-porous implements such as nail clippers and cuticle nippers, etc., clean the item with hot, soapy water to remove any physical debris. Rinse and dry the implement completely. Follow by spray, wipe, or immersing the implement in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the full contact time as stated by the manufacturer’s directions. If disinfecting by immersion, items should be removed at end of contact time, rinsed, and dried with a clean paper towel.
    • Electronics: For electronics such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines, remove visible contamination if present. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products. Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics. If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.
    • Linens, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry: In order to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry. Remove all client draping and towels; fold items in on themselves before putting in a closed bin or hamper. Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items until hot to the touch. All towels and linens should be stored in a closed, covered container.
  • Repeat hand-washing protocol and reset station for next client.

Sanitation Between Clients

  • Continue to wipe down bathroom surfaces (doorknobs, toilet handles, sink areas, light switches, etc.), reception-area countertops, point-of-sale equipment, and chairs (arm rests).
  • Ensure all physical debris is removed from the station, including nail clippings.

Sanitation at End of Day

  • Empty all trash cans (each trash can has a liner), then use cleaning cloths to wipe the inside and outside of the garbage can thoroughly.
  • Do end of day post-client cleaning, and include the phone, keyboard, thermometer, all light switches and doorknobs, as well as the bathroom and any other surfaces clients came in contact with.
  • Remove bagged laundry from dirty bin for washing and replace hamper with new liner.

 

 

 


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