Sterilization of manicure instruments: steps

• Cleaning with disinfectants. Manicure equipment should be placed in a tray with water and disinfectant diluted in it and then do as described in the instructions. Instruments should be kept in the bath for 15-30 minutes. This procedure gets rid of harmful germs and bacteria, but not enough to get rid of more severe viruses. A more effective method for cleaning manicure and pedicure tools is an ultrasonic wash. This device is several times more effective than disinfectants. It cleans by means of ultrasonic waves. There is an opinion that the ultrasonic cleaner is a sterilizer, but this is wrong - cleaning is not enough, which is why instruments still have to be treated thermally after disinfection by ultrasound.

• Cleaning the instruments before sterilization. Once the instruments have been disinfected in the medium, they must be cleaned of contamination. Under no circumstances should the first step be interchanged with the second step. When cleaning tools that have not been disinfected, bacteria enter the air, are inhaled and settle on the hands of the craftsman. Therefore, the order of the steps must be observed. To clean the instruments well, each instrument should be washed under running water with soap and water and a stiff brush can also be used. The tools should then be dried well.

• Sterilise the instruments directly in the sterilisers. This step is the last one. Sterilisation fully eliminates all germs (such as fungi, viruses, etc.) still remaining on the instruments after disinfection. Manicure and pedicure equipment is sterilised in special devices: quartz, steam, ultrasonic, ultraviolet and dry-heat sterilisers.
  
  
• Storage of instruments: after sterilisation, the instruments should be packed in airtight bags to keep them clean until the next use. If the items have been sterilised in Kraft bags, there is no need to re-pack them as these bags keep the instruments sterile well.

• Kraft bags are the ideal solution for sterilising various instruments thanks to their versatile sizes. They are very easy to use and convenient for any type of sterilisation. The indicator on each bag makes it easy to tell when the procedure is complete. They are also able to change colour in the dryer, which signals the end of the sterilisation process. Kraft paper bags are disposable and require no further processing. They keep the instruments sterile for up to 3 days. After use, they should be disposed of. The Kraft Bags are opened in front of the client, thus ensuring maximum safety and guaranteeing the sterility of the instruments. With Kraft bags you can be sure of the safety of your customers and yourself.

• Pouches that are sealed by heat welding. The instruments in these bags remain sterile for up to 20 days.

• Pouches that close with a resealable valve. The instruments in these bags remain sterile for 21-60 days.

• UV sterilizer with germicidal lamps. This device is used for disinfecting and storing cleaned instruments.

What are the sterilizers for manicure tools?

• A quartz steriliser is a small device that allows you to sterilise metal tools used in pedicures and manicures quickly and safely. It is a sealed container in which the instruments are placed together with glasperlene balls or quartz sand. The temperature inside the steriliser quickly reaches 200-250 degrees Celsius, which ensures high sterilisation efficiency within 15 minutes. Quartz sterilisers are ideal for use at home, which is especially useful for craftsmen who work remotely. With a quartz steriliser, you can be sure your tools are safe and protected from various infections.

• The steam steriliser (autoclave) is a device in which the instruments are treated with hot steam under pressure. The sterilisation process is controlled by a built-in microprocessor, which prevents the instruments from overheating. The operating temperature of the autoclave is 135°C. Hot steam sterilisation is suitable for silicone and glass accessories, which are not susceptible to shattering.

• Thermo-steriliser (drying cabinet or "dry-heat"). This device sterilises instruments with hot air. Many manicurists opt for this appliance because the instruments can be placed there without anti-corrosion coating. 

• Ultraviolet sterilizer. The instruments are sterilised with UV lamps in this unit. The UV light kills germs and bacteria and ensures good hygiene. The UV light prolongs the sterile effect achieved. Whereas the Kraft pouches remain sterile for 3 days, the UV chamber keeps the instruments sterile for up to 30 days. The UV steriliser does not completely disinfect the instruments, nor can it resist the spread of HIV and hepatitis. It is therefore only suitable for instruments that cannot be exposed to high temperatures. Its exposure time: 40 minutes.

• Ultrasonic sterilizer. This type of device works on the basis of a special solution which vibrates under the influence of ultrasonic waves. Sterilizers of this type are considered safe and very effective for cleaning and disinfecting instruments. The quality of the sterilisation process depends on the selected solution.

• Glasperlene ball sterilizer. This device is used for the quick disinfection of manicure and pedicure instruments right before the procedures. The sterilisation is done by high-temperature treatment. The metal sides of the manicure instruments are dipped for 20-30 seconds into small balls, preheated to 160-180 °C.

Where to buy sterilizers for manicure tools Global Fashion in Ukraine or in Kiev?