Sterilising nail tools

[SuzieL84]

Hello
I am recently qualified in Level 2 Beauty Therapy & I have a room set up at home so that I can provide treatments whilst still being around for my young children.
I would like to do everything professionally & like I was taught in college, to ensure the health, safety & hygiene for myself & my clients.
So I am looking for advice on sterilisation please
In college we washed tools in soapy water after use to remove any debris, then dried. Before each use they were placed in a glass bead steriliser & then placed in Barbicide for the duration of the treatment.
We did get taught that an Autoclave is the most efficient form of sterilisation, but that using the glass bead steriliser is enough.
I have since come across articles that state that glass bead sterilisers aren’t 100% reliable - but I cannot afford an Autoclave.
I’m hoping for some thoughts, advice, experiences etc?
Thank you x

 

[Dolly_Day_Dreamer.]

Im still training and im sure someone else may comment but, I was told that by washing your tools with soap snd water will remove 99% of pathogens. Leave them to dry, once dried spray over with disinfectant and then leave to dry again.
I THINK she said that there is no need for anything further like an autoclave but to chuck away any files that have come into contact with blood etc x

 

[The beauty lady]

Have a look at the sunuv if box. Might be worth a try

 

[RosieR]

My method:-

Wipe any debris off tools with IPA or surgical spirit.
Wash tools in hot detergent then dry
Place into barbicide until next use.
Have 3 sets on the go and there is never any question of being unprepared for the next service

Disposable files are essential, however I do use a glass file for fine filing and obviously it gets treated the same as all metal equipment.

Hope that helps

 

[JulesT]

I would probably add baracide plus for sharp tools, and all tools should be fully immersed in solution for appx. 10 minutes with the new barbicide plus formula which now is more pastel blue with a stronger distinct smell but is tuberculocidal, fungicidal, virucidal, bactericidal. All disinfectants should have these four for complete disinfection.
Uv isn't a substitute but does help after disinfection and should not be used as a way to ensure sterilization or disinfection.
Autoclaving is best for sterilization but is expensive ultrasonics can help add a little ummph to disinfection though but I dont feel as though it is necessary. Photo bottom right.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-...Ultrasonic-Cleaner-Heater-Timer-/331392967852 https://images.app.goo.gl/jMEPUjoyi1dYBNRZ9
Steam sterilization works for sterilization kinda like a pressure cooker and would recommend it along with baracide plus (prior) then dry heat. See photo above left and this link many, many other videos too. This is the best for nail techs, overall for cost effectiveness and quality with the least expense. It is very inexpensive extremely inexpensive and is worth it.
These days with so many people being diabetic it is well worth ensuring that you get get your tools sterilized(everything destroyed) as opposed to disinfected (not everything like spores). By doing this it sure puts your mind at ease and clients I recommend .

I would also like to add that yes soap and water (sanitizing) is one of the many most important steps to remove pathogens. Antibacterial soap can help eliminate many pathogens. 1. sanitize/decontaminate 2. disinfect 3. sterilize
Sharps-High level disinfectant like barbicide plus fully immersed
reusable and non sharp- low level like barbicide (same company different line) or ship shape fully immersed
Also they have come up with a new high level and low level disinfectant with hydrogen peroxide called rejuvinate, https://www.universalcompanies.com/...MIsfXQme3y5QIVchitBh2Scw7OEAYYASABEgL78vD_BwE .
I hear its great and I am looking forward to using it.
The glass bead sterilizer is highly controversial and I do not recommend it it is not completely immersed for one and the temperature is not always accurate. Over here it is not FDA approved way of sterilization due to possible potential exposure. As you can see in the nails mag. link here: https://www.nailsmag.com/392791/do-glass-bead-sterilizers-really-work

Seriously important info dont put yourself at risk or others!

 

[Abbiegolland95]

When doing my course and watching alot of youtube videos all I see them use is Barbicide or Mundo in a sterilising Jar

 

[Ongen]

I can see the need for sterilisation if tools come in contact with blood, but during a regular nail service you use so many tools and products that cannot be sterilised and definitely are in great risk of cross contamination unless one changes gloves and disinfect between each new tool and touching the client, even using the same brushes for different clients.
There are so many other steps than using tools that can be sterilised, with tools and materials that can’t be, I wonder how much difference sterilisation actually does?

I use hot water and soap, air dry, then baridez. I have a glass bead steriliser but am highly suspicious about the temperature being as high as stated.

 

[JulesT]

The thing is is that anything that has been in contact with the client needs to be either disposable, reusable with a way to decontaminate, sanitize and disinfect anything else needs to be thrown away. For instance why we have non-porous desks etc to make it easier to disinfect. Implements that are sharp and reusable need to be disinfected! The difference between sterilizing and disinfection is a critical thing to understand. Sterilization is like implements are ready for surgery. Disinfection is for everything else because it doesn't kill everything. Nowdays with MRSA, diabetes, etc it is critical to protect ourselves and others.

 

[RosieR]

I agree with the information provided by JulesT
Just to clarify on clients with diabetes from the perspective of them being able to have a treatment provided by me.
I do not perform any treatment of any kind to a type 1 diabetic ever. It is a no no from me and I am sure almost every other tech /therapist follows the same . Type 2 diabetics that have been coming to my salon for 20 years plus, will have at some stage come unknown to them with the condition developing and thus have not declared it on arrival.
However , once they are aware of the condition, they seek the advice from the diabetic specialist whom checks their feet for sensation, general health and it is then that I may still continue with their pedicure for instance with the permission from their health care provider. Clients needing to be referred to a podiatry service then cuts out my service and that becomes out of my job description if you like.
A client arriving that is feeling generally unwell is usually starting with a cold, never in my day have I has someone with active MRSA arrive even wanting a treatment.
I do not use any sharps during my service, like blades etc so I don't draw blood. That is not my job.
I use sensible health authority means of safe handling and hygiene , we are not performing surgery nor dental work on clients that are ill or at risk anyway.
We are more prevention of cross infection, from viruses,hepatitis,bacterial,pseudomonas,fungal, etc. To clients in good health with a healthy immune system.
Clearly ,other countries have their own regulations regarding treatments so look at your up to date information provided by your college and you shouldn't go wrong. Has your college ever used a UV cabinet ? That may be an extra step to take that will not cost the earth. PJS salon supplies do one at a reasonable price. and a hot air model around twice the price...temperatures range from 50 to 200 degrees.
Good luck Suzie you will love being near your children, at home. Bliss.
RosieR

 

[Ongen]

The thing is is that anything that has been in contact with the client needs to be either disposable, reusable with a way to decontaminate, sanitize and disinfect anything else needs to be thrown away. For instance why we have non-porous desks etc to make it easier to disinfect. Implements that are sharp and reusable need to be disinfected! The difference between sterilizing and disinfection is a critical thing to understand. Sterilization is like implements are ready for surgery. Disinfection is for everything else because it doesn't kill everything. Nowdays with MRSA, diabetes, etc it is critical to protect ourselves and others.

I understand, and do agree with you. I just wonder where that line is drawn, to the need of sterilisation or enough with just disinfecting. Returning to the brushes (again, my mind got stuck on that! ) they’d need to be basically disinfected between each time they go between the client and the pot?

I hope I don’t come across as argumentative, that’s not my intention at all. I used to be a body piercer trainee a long time ago with rather extreme hygiene routines, so tend to be a bit square and perhaps “all or nothing” in my way of thinking

 

[SuzieL84]

Thank you all so much for your advice, experiences & opinions on this matter, I really do appreciate all of the help. I find this forum so helpful, I’m so glad I joined. Love to everyone xxx

 

[JulesT]

No, no you dont come across that way at all. I forgot to mention brush stuff. Anything that comes into contact with blood is contaminated and brushes are not ever going to make it through the disinfection process so its a goner.
Technically, it is said that the reason why we dont need to replace the brushes is because nothing can live in monomer,alcohol, acetone, nail polish (although that I question sometimes).
I agree with sharps ex blades etc.. but nippers are still considered sharps, and toenail clippers, fingernail clippers, bits. Which then needs to be treated as though it can puncture the skin. Unfortunately, the best way is to think that everyone is contaminated or contagious to a certain extreme (it just helps me perform the best).
I also agree with the precautions with people with diabetes. For me, I get referrals from clients Doctors before I work on them for toenail work. Although, it is a different story when it comes to nails and enhancements. It can be hard to justify to them that I wont do it when the competition here is fierce and income is required. Diabetes is a huge epidemic that has our population where I am outnumbered and some clients will lie and not say that they have any issues.
MRSA is also a problem in my area and people are embarrassed about it. Sometimes they will try to cover it up or also lie. In the end I follow if it is swollen, presence of pus, anything that looks contagious or out of my scope it is referred to a podiatrist which here most people cannot afford but it cannot be avoided.
SO I understand the extreme hygiene routines. And quite frankly it is the best route to go. The nail industry has changed so much and so has our clients lifestyles. It is said now that sterilization is pretty much mandatory. Over here now if you can do it you can make much more money, and advertise it hardcore! But it comes with the cost of the type of clients it will bring in which will more likely be Diabetics, because they are being pushed to go to salons that offer sterilization.
In the end this is my two cents on what is happening around my parts and how things have evolved just like making sure chairs are big enough for bigger people, now sterilization whats next lol!

 

[JulesT]

When doing my course and watching alot of youtube videos all I see them use is Barbicide or Mundo in a sterilising Jar

Yeah, the thing is is that once you start youtubing everyone does disinfection/sterilization inconsistently, it can be a definite rabbit hole because there is no accountability. I personally love all of youtube nail stuff but I cannot take anything seriously lol.
The other thing is is making sure to use standard precautions and personal protective equipment.
For example the most common mistakes with sanitation and disinfection I find are the following:
Implement not fully immersed.
Not using High level disinfectant for implements that can draw blood. And drum roll....no sanitation. Meaning that the item used gets plopped into high level disinfectant as is with debris and with no rinsing after the appropriate time period. Or the other big sanitation issue is that no proper hand cleaning is commenced or proper sanitization of work area or for that matter any disinfection.

 

[JulesT]

Ive noticed we spell sterilize/sterilise different. It must be spelt differently there.

 

[Ongen]

No, no you dont come across that way at all. I forgot to mention brush stuff. Anything that comes into contact with blood is contaminated and brushes are not ever going to make it through the disinfection process so its a goner.
Technically, it is said that the reason why we dont need to replace the brushes is because nothing can live in monomer,alcohol, acetone, nail polish (although that I question sometimes).
I agree with sharps ex blades etc.. but nippers are still considered sharps, and toenail clippers, fingernail clippers, bits. Which then needs to be treated as though it can puncture the skin. Unfortunately, the best way is to think that everyone is contaminated or contagious to a certain extreme (it just helps me perform the best).
I also agree with the precautions with people with diabetes. For me, I get referrals from clients Doctors before I work on them for toenail work. Although, it is a different story when it comes to nails and enhancements. It can be hard to justify to them that I wont do it when the competition here is fierce and income is required. Diabetes is a huge epidemic that has our population where I am outnumbered and some clients will lie and not say that they have any issues.
MRSA is also a problem in my area and people are embarrassed about it. Sometimes they will try to cover it up or also lie. In the end I follow if it is swollen, presence of pus, anything that looks contagious or out of my scope it is referred to a podiatrist which here most people cannot afford but it cannot be avoided.
SO I understand the extreme hygiene routines. And quite frankly it is the best route to go. The nail industry has changed so much and so has our clients lifestyles. It is said now that sterilization is pretty much mandatory. Over here now if you can do it you can make much more money, and advertise it hardcore! But it comes with the cost of the type of clients it will bring in which will more likely be Diabetics, because they are being pushed to go to salons that offer sterilization.
In the end this is my two cents on what is happening around my parts and how things have evolved just like making sure chairs are big enough for bigger people, now sterilization whats next lol!

Thanks for the thorough reply, I am LIVING for this and sorry Suzy for hijacking your post! I hope you still find it useful

It definitely seems to differ between different countries (and, the spelling too ) but it’s great it’s taken so seriously where you’re at! I think over here, people would probably find an “extreme routine” a bit scary. However, that assumption is made only upon friends, acquaintances and gut feel as I haven’t been able to work up a full clientele. They’re almost shocked by the fact I’m wearing gloves, but of course it’s different when it’s someone you know
Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to explain! This information is absolutely invaluable for someone like me who’s just about to start out.

 

[SuzieL84]

No need to apologise Ongen, I’m glad to know that other people find my questions useful. We are all here to help & support each other I do love this site!

I have been wondering though.....how do I answer questions that other people have? I have asked so many questions & received so many wonderful responses with helpful advice, I would love to be able to return the favour. But I can’t seem to figure out how to see other people’s questions unless they pop up when I do a new search of my own

I do apologise if I am being extremely dozy, I have never been very good at gadgets/computers/social media etc ‍

Thanks again everyone! X

 

[Ongen]

No need to apologise Ongen, I’m glad to know that other people find my questions useful. We are all here to help & support each other I do love this site!

I have been wondering though.....how do I answer questions that other people have? I have asked so many questions & received so many wonderful responses with helpful advice, I would love to be able to return the favour. But I can’t seem to figure out how to see other people’s questions unless they pop up when I do a new search of my own

I do apologise if I am being extremely dozy, I have never been very good at gadgets/computers/social media etc ‍

Thanks again everyone! X

Yes it really is a true gem this site
Thank you for being understanding

If I got your question right, you go to the main menu and chose “forums” and then nails (if that’s what you want to view ). Then you will see everyone’s posts! Xx

 

[JulesT]

Thanks for the thorough reply, I am LIVING for this and sorry Suzy for hijacking your post! I hope you still find it useful

It definitely seems to differ between different countries (and, the spelling too ) but it’s great it’s taken so seriously where you’re at! I think over here, people would probably find an “extreme routine” a bit scary. However, that assumption is made only upon friends, acquaintances and gut feel as I haven’t been able to work up a full clientele. They’re almost shocked by the fact I’m wearing gloves, but of course it’s different when it’s someone you know
Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to explain! This information is absolutely invaluable for someone like me who’s just about to start out.

Wearing gloves is the best for us nail techs. I want to start wearing them when I do nails, but havn't gotten to that point yet. But for toes I wear gloves all the way. When I first started I didn't but after awhile the exfoliant starts to wear on your skin and in hindsight in posed a way for contaminants to get on my skin which is not good if you already have microabrasions from the exfoliant. If clients are funny about it I tell them that after all day of using harsh chemicals it would wear my skin to the bone I dont need all that exposure! They usually understand.

 

[Ongen]

Wearing gloves is the best for us nail techs. I want to start wearing them when I do nails, but havn't gotten to that point yet. But for toes I wear gloves all the way. When I first started I didn't but after awhile the exfoliant starts to wear on your skin and in hindsight in posed a way for contaminants to get on my skin which is not good if you already have microabrasions from the exfoliant. If clients are funny about it I tell them that after all day of using harsh chemicals it would wear my skin to the bone I dont need all that exposure! They usually understand.

I don’t do feet but if I did I’d be dead serious with gloves! Using gloves for doing extensions are nearly impossible when using forms :/ I try to use them at least during prep and for all filing. For regular polish, no problem, but the forms do make it super difficult..

 

[ice cream]

The first pic is my old sterilizer. It works so long for me.
The second pic is the new machine, I bought it in January. So far so good.
PS: I agree with Onger's opinion "For regular polish, no problem, but the forms do make it super difficult. "