Cleaning, Disinfecting & Sterilising Your Nail Tools and E-File Bits

Nail and beauty salons work in constant contact with the public. Every single day, multiple clients sit at your desk, place their hands in yours, and trust that your tools are safe.

It’s easy to get comfortable especially with long-term clients or to cut corners when you’re running behind.

But confusing cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation is one of the most dangerous mistakes a Nail Tech can make.

And unfortunately? It’s common.

Let’s break it down properly.

First: Follow UK Legislation

In the UK, you must follow guidance set out by HABIA and all local authority regulations. Each country and state has its own rules and compliance is non-negotiable.

This isn’t about preference. It’s about legal and professional responsibility.

1. Sanitation (Cleaning)

Cleaning is the physical removal of dirt and organic matter.

This is the first step - always.

If debris (even microscopic debris) remains on tools, disinfection and sterilisation will not work effectively.

Why Cleaning Matters

Organic matter like dust, skin cells and product build-up can:

• Shield bacteria and viruses

• Reduce disinfectant effectiveness

• Compromise sterilisation cycles

You cannot skip this stage.

Methods of Cleaning Include:

• Washing hands with liquid soap

• Cleaning tools in warm, soapy water

• Using an ultra sonic cleaner

• Surface sprays and wipes

• Anti-bacterial sprays

• Sanitiser gels and sprays

• Washing towels at minimum 60°C

Both technician and client must wash hands before every service.

Hand sanitiser is a useful backup but it is not a replacement for proper hand washing.

UK guidance states wipes must contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol to qualify as sufficient sanitation. Even then, wipes do not disinfect or sterilise.

Cleaning reduces microorganisms.

It does not eliminate them.

2. Disinfection

Disinfection destroys most pathogenic microorganisms.

It is suitable when skin is not cut or broken.

Disinfection:

• Destroys most bacteria, viruses and fungi

• Works by breaking down cell walls

• Does not kill resistant spores

• Is less effective than sterilisation

Important: Use Disinfectants Correctly

Disinfectants must always be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Approved solutions such as:

• Barbicide

• Mundo

are effective when used properly.

Common Mistake: Storing Tools in Barbicide Constantly

Many techs are told to keep tools permanently stored in jars of solution.

This is incorrect.

Over time, disinfectant solutions:

• Become tacky

• Congeal

• Leave residue

• Damage metal finishes

• Dull blades

Tools should be:

• Fully submerged for the correct contact time

• Removed

• Rinsed (they are not to touch the skin as it is a disinfectant and skin irritant)

• Thoroughly dried

Never leave tools sitting in solution indefinitely.

How To Submerge Properly

• Use a flat disinfection tray

• Ensure the entire tool is submerged

• Avoid jars that only cover the tip

• Place tools on their side to protect blades

• If using a jar, rotate tools halfway through contact time

• Add cotton wool at the base to protect sharp edges

All metal tools and work surfaces must be disinfected after proper cleaning.

3. Sterilisation

Sterilisation eliminates all forms of life.

This includes:

• Viruses

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Spores

Sterilisation is required for metal tools such as:

• Cuticle nippers

• Scissors

• Cuticle pushers

How Sterilisation Is Achieved

Sterilisation can be done using:

• High-pressure steam (Autoclave)

• Heat

• Chemical methods

• Irradiation

• Filtration

Hospital-grade autoclaves are the gold standard.

We personally recommend and use the Enbio autoclave, available in the UK via TAFS.

Only purchase sterilisers from reputable manufacturers and never third-party resellers where performance cannot be verified.

UV Sterilisers – Important Clarification

UV cabinets are storage units.

They are not a substitute for autoclave sterilisation.

Reducing Cross Contamination

To increase safety standards:

• Switch to single-use nail files

• Maintain high-touch surfaces (toilets, keyboards, chairs)

• Keep written protocols

• Train all team members properly

• Record cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation schedules

Documentation protects both your clients and your business.

Why This Matters

Infection control isn’t optional.

It protects:

• Your clients

• Your reputation

• Your team

• Your insurance

• Your licence (if applicable)

Yes, higher standards may increase costs and take longer but the right clients will always pay more for safety, professionalism, and peace of mind.

Cleaning = removes debris

Disinfection = kills most pathogens

Sterilisation = eliminates all forms of life

They are not interchangeable.

When done properly, you are not just providing a manicure.

You are providing a safe, professional environment your clients can trust.