Cleaning vs Disinfection: Nail Tool Hygiene Guide

In nail industry terminology, cleaning and sanitation are used interchangeably, and the real distinction that matters is between cleaning/sanitation and disinfection.

In the nail industry, the biggest confusion isn’t between cleaning and sanitation.

It’s between cleaning (sanitation) and disinfection.

They are not the same thing and understanding the difference is essential for professional nail tech standards.

If you use e-file bits, cuticle scissors, pushers or metal tools, this matters.

What Is Cleaning (Sanitation)?

Cleaning - also referred to as sanitation is the physical removal of visible debris.

For nail technicians, this includes removing:

• Gel residue
• Acrylic dust
• Cuticle debris
• Natural nail particles
• Oils and product build-up

Cleaning does not kill bacteria.

It removes the organic material that bacteria can live in.

Think of it as preparing the surface so disinfection can work properly.

How to Properly Clean Nail Tools & E-File Bits

There are two professional methods.

✔ Warm Soapy Water and Firm Cleaning Brush

This is effective and simple.

• Use warm (not boiling) water
• Add a mild detergent
• Use a firm-bristled brush
• Scrub grooves thoroughly
• Rinse completely
• Dry fully

This is especially important for:

• Carbide e-file bits
• Diamond drill bits
• Cuticle pushers
• nippers and scissors

Manual brushing ensures debris is physically removed from grooves.

✔ Ultrasonic Cleaner and Water

An ultrasonic cleaner uses cavitation (microscopic bubble energy) to dislodge debris from tiny crevices.

This method:

• Reaches inside deep bit grooves
• Reduces aggressive scrubbing
• Provides consistent debris removal
• Protects cutting edges

Important:

Ultrasonic cleaning is still cleaning (sanitation).

It does not disinfect.

What Is Disinfection?

Disinfection is a chemical process.

It kills bacteria, fungi and viruses (excluding spores) using an approved disinfectant.

Disinfection requires:

• Correct dilution
• Full immersion
• Exact contact time
• A clean surface

Disinfectant cannot work properly if debris is still present.

If gel or acrylic remains in your e-file bit grooves, microorganisms can remain protected inside that debris.

That is why cleaning must always come first.

The Professional Order for Nail Tools

For e-file bits and metal nail tools:

Step 1 Cleaning (Sanitation)

Use:

• Warm soapy water and firm brush
  OR
• Ultrasonic cleaner and water

Purpose: Remove all visible debris.

Step 2 Rinse (if required)

Step 3 Disinfection

Fully submerge in approved disinfectant for the full manufacturer contact time.

Step 4 Sterilise

If your budget allows or your countries regulations mandate it: sterilisation should be carried out using a hospital grade approved Autoclave such as Enbio.

Step 5 Dry & Store Correctly

This separation ensures:

✔ Effective microbial kill

✔ Compliance with hygiene standards

✔ Tool longevity

✔ Client safety

Why This Matters for E-File Bits

E-file bits have:

• Deep grooves
• Precision edges
• Surface coatings

If debris is not fully removed:

• Cutting efficiency drops
• Heat increases
• Friction increases
• Client discomfort increases

If disinfection is skipped or rushed:

• Cross-contamination risk increases
• Salon compliance is compromised
• Professional reputation suffers

The Key Difference

Cleaning (sanitation) removes debris.

Disinfection kills microorganisms.

You cannot disinfect properly without cleaning first.