28 Sep, 2022

Can you disinfect nail files?

Microbiological examination of cosmetic files

Written and researched by ABA Group

Article and research by ABA Group. I cannot take any credit for the content.

For the original article and source in Polish by ABA Group click here. I have translated this into English to share the knowledge and research.

For the full report (in Polish), visit here.

INTER GROUP commissioned a microbiological test of the nail files after use to see how many pathogens there were. You can find the test results below.

Purpose of research

The aim of the study was to check the amount of bacteria and fungi on the file used, but also to identify the microorganisms on them. Two types of files were used in the test

- First: used for a cosmetic treatment, without additional cleaning,

- Second: the file is disinfected with a broad-spectrum agent 2-3 days after the treatment and 14 days after the treatment.

To show the growth of the microorganisms, a visualization was also made showing the growth of filamentous fungi after 10 days.

The tests showed that the number of bacteria and fungi was the same in the case of a file disinfected with cleaning agents, as well as a used file that was not disinfected. In this case, the number of microorganisms was very similar even after incubation for several days.

Both in the case of the file used for the treatment, but not subjected to disinfection, and the disinfected version, pathogens that can often be found on the skin have been confirmed:

- cocci of the genus Staphylococcus - S. borealis and S. hominis,

- Micrococcus luteus,

- Rothia koreensis.

In the case of mushrooms, found:

- Penicillium expansum,

- Penicillium brevicompactum.

Conclusions

Laboratory tests confirm that disinfecting the file with disinfectants does not work and therefore cannot be used as a means of repeated use of the file. Due to the construction of the tool and its roughness, it is not possible to clean it 100%. In addition, a file sprayed with this type of agent will swell and start to sticky, making it impossible to use. One method of cleaning the file that can come to mind is autoclaving. This is also not a good idea, because the high temperature and water vapor will effectively break the file and make it folded - it will not be possible to use it.

The file cannot be cleaned 100%, therefore it is undeniably a disposable tool. Use the file only once!