Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is essential for beauty professionals and estheticians to ensure the health and safety of their clients. Cleaning, sanitizing, and sterilizing are three crucial steps in the infection control process. In this article, we will delve into each sanitation step in detail and provide practical guidance for incorporating them into your practice.
- Cleaning:
Cleaning is the first step in the infection control process. It involves the removal of visible dirt, debris, and organic matter from surfaces, tools, and equipment. Cleaning is essential because it prepares the items for further sanitizing or sterilizing procedures.
Methods for cleaning:
- Manual cleaning: Use soap or detergent and water to scrub surfaces, tools, and equipment. A brush or cloth can be used to remove visible debris and dirt.
- Ultrasonic cleaning: An ultrasonic cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that help remove dirt, debris, and organic matter from tools and equipment.
- Sanitizing:
Sanitizing is the process of reducing the number of microorganisms on surfaces, tools, and equipment to a safe level. This step is necessary to minimize the risk of infection and cross-contamination. Sanitizing can be achieved through various methods, including the use of chemical agents or heat.
Methods for sanitizing:
- Chemical sanitizing: Use EPA-registered (Environmental Protection Agency) disinfectants, such as alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds, or hydrogen peroxide, to sanitize surfaces, tools, and equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for appropriate dilution ratios and contact time.
- Heat sanitizing: Tools and equipment made of heat-resistant materials can be sanitized using hot water at a temperature of at least 170°F (77°C) for a minimum of 30 seconds.
- Sterilizing:
Sterilization is the process of destroying all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This step is essential for tools and equipment that come into direct contact with clients’ skin, blood, or bodily fluids.
Methods for sterilizing:
- Autoclave: An autoclave uses pressurized steam at a temperature of at least 250°F (121°C) for a specified time (usually 15-30 minutes) to kill all microorganisms. Autoclaving is the most reliable and commonly used method of sterilization in the beauty industry.
- Dry heat sterilization: A dry heat sterilizer uses high temperatures (320°F-375°F or 160°C-190°C) for an extended period (1-2 hours) to sterilize tools and equipment. This method is suitable for tools and equipment that may be damaged by moisture or steam.
- Chemical sterilization: Some tools and equipment can be sterilized using chemical sterilants, such as glutaraldehyde or ethylene oxide. However, these chemicals can be toxic and require special handling and disposal procedures.
Spores occur when microbes enter a dormant state and create a protective shell around themselves, which enables them to survive for extended periods. Almost nothing, apart from extreme heat and steam pressure, can destroy and kill them. Sterilization using an autoclave is the only method capable of eliminating bacterial spores.