Sterilization of manicure instruments

Sterilization of instruments is an important procedure that is performed before a manicure. About 10 thousand bacteria, various viruses and fungi settle on the hands. The skin protects the carrier, but when it is traumatized, the risk of infection increases. Bacteria remain on the surface of the devices, which provoke the development of various diseases. That is why every master should know and adhere to the rules for sterilizing manicure instruments.

What instruments need to be sterilized

Buffs and nail files are single and reusable. The second type must be sterilized, but in no case should it be subjected to heat or chemical treatment. Rinse only under running water or place in an ultraviolet sterilizer. Sometimes a disinfectant solution is used, but one that does not damage the surface. Scissors, forceps, cutters are sterilized after each use.

Processing steps

After the manicure, it is necessary to disinfect the instruments. In order for the processing to be of high quality, it is important to adhere to a certain sequence of actions.

Stages of sterilization of manicure instruments:

• Removal of contaminants. It is necessary to remove the remnants of varnish and skin particles. This is done mechanically - brushes or special vibrating devices are used. Sterilization is meaningless if contaminants are not removed, as they will stick to the surface even more.
• Disinfection. It is carried out in order to destroy viruses, fungus and various infections. Do not skip this step, as harmful microorganisms can spread on surfaces and in the air.
• Sterilization. The final manipulation, which is necessary to eliminate microorganisms that were not destroyed during disinfection. If storage after processing is carried out correctly, then the instruments will be absolutely sterile. At this stage, you will need special devices and a solution. The process can take up to two hours, so it is advisable to have at least two sets of tools.

There are methods that allow you to combine the removal of contaminants and disinfection. For example, an ultrasonic sterilizer may be used. But there is other equipment as well.

Steam sterilizers

Steam equipment is most often bought for beauty salons. The devices are also called autoclaves. They completely destroy all microorganisms that are hazardous to health. In total, the sterilization process takes up to half an hour, and the instruments are affected by hot steam, which heats up to almost 1400 degrees. It is important that it is possible to process not only metal products, but also those made from other materials.

Among the main advantages, the tools practically do not deteriorate, cracks do not appear on the surface, and the working condition is maintained, so you do not often have to undermine. The downside is that corrosion can form due to the constant influence of hot steam. Instruments are stored in the apparatus for up to 6 hours. If more, then you will have to process again or place in a chamber with ultraviolet radiation.

Quartz sterilizers

Compact equipment, fast processing devices. Such sterilizers can be used both at home and in salons.

The peculiarity is that the processing is carried out by special balls placed inside the apparatus. Due to the influence of high temperature, almost all bacteria and viruses are destroyed. The sterilization process lasts up to 30 seconds. Manicure tools are processed at a very high temperature - 2500 degrees. This type can only be used for metal objects.

In the devices, the upper part of the tools is not processed, and the cutting one becomes dull rather quickly precisely because of the quartz balls that provoke the appearance of small scratches. Sterilization is carried out immediately before the procedure. The properties of the balls are lost over time, so it is recommended to change them at least once a year.

Drying cabinets

Thermosterilizer is an excellent choice for beauty salons. Such devices destroy almost all dangerous viruses and bacteria. Models have high power and impressive dimensions, so several sets can be processed simultaneously.

Characteristics of the dry oven:

• The sterilization time for manicure instruments is no more than half an hour.
• Sterilization is carried out with dry air.
• The air is heated up to 1800 degrees.

It should be borne in mind that only glass and metal products are placed in dry-heat cabinets. It is important that corrosion occurs very rarely.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then they include the time of sterilization. Sometimes it will take more than an hour to process, but sometimes up to 15-20 minutes. Only dry, cleaned tools are placed in the container. After the process is completed, do not leave the products inside the machine. It is recommended to store in UV cabinets or special bags.

Other sterilization devices

Can be processed with ultraviolet light. Products are often stored in such sterilizers. The downside is that the process takes about 40 minutes, but there is a plus - it does not affect the performance in any way. It should be borne in mind that ultraviolet devices do not destroy all microorganisms, so it is best to use for storage.

There are ultrasonic sterilizers on the market designed for metal objects. There is a disinfectant liquid in the container, which begins to vibrate under the influence of waves. So you can remove dirt from hard-to-reach places.

Another option is to use special chemicals that fill a plastic container. Solutions are poisonous, so you need to work with them very carefully, adhering to all safety rules. Chemicals sometimes cause corrosion, so it is important to neutralize with distilled water.