Good Pedicure Sanitation Techniques

Cleaning and Disinfecting Pedicure Equipment

Following are the recommended procedures approved by all 50 state boards of cosmetology/barbering/nail technology; developed in cooperation with INTA and the NMC for cleaning and disinfecting all types of pedicure equipment, including whirlpool units, air-jetted basins, pipe-less, and all non-whirlpool basins, sinks, bowls and tubs. In all cases described below, we recommend using an EPA registered hospital liquid disinfectant that the label claims is a bactericide, virucide and fungicide. Always record the time each cleaning procedure is performed in the salon pedicure cleaning log. Print out and post these instructions in your pedicure work area.

Whirlpool Foot Spas and Air-Jet Basins

After Every Client:

1. Drain all water from the basin.
2. Scrub all visible residue from the inside walls of the basin with a brush and liquid soap and water. Use a clean and disinfected brush with a handle. Brushes must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
3. Rinse the basin with clean water.
4. Refill the basin with clean water and circulate the correct amount (read the label for mixing instructions) of the EPA registered hospital disinfectant through the basin for ten minutes.
5. Drain, rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel.

At the End of Every Day: First Remove the Screen and Any Other Removable Parts (a Screwdriver may be Necessary) and Then:

1. Clean the screen and other removable parts and the area behind these with a brush and liquid soap and water to remove all visible residue and replace properly cleaned screen and other removable parts.
2. Fill the basin with warm water and chelating detergent (cleansers designed for use in hard water) and circulate the chelating detergent through the spa system for five – ten minutes (follow manufacturer’s instructions). If excessive foaming occurs, discontinue circulation and let soak for the remainder of the ten minutes.
3. Drain the soapy solution and rinse the basin.
4. Refill the basin with clean water and circulate the correct amount (read the label for mixing instructions) of the EPA registered hospital disinfectant through the basin for ten minutes.
5. Drain, rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel.
6. Allow the basin to dry completely.

At Least Once Each Week:

After Every Client:

1. Drain all water from the basin.
2. Remove impeller, footplate and any other removable components according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Thoroughly scrub impeller, footplate and/or other components and the areas behind each with a liquid soap and a clean, disinfected brush to remove all visible residue, then reinsert impeller, footplate and/or other components.
4. Refill the basin with water and circulate the correct amount (read the label for mixing instructions) of the EPA registered hospital disinfectant through the basin for ten minutes.
5. Drain, rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel.

At The End of Every Day:

1. Fill the basin with warm water and chelating detergent (cleansers designed for use in hard water) and circulate the chelating detergent through the spa system for five to ten minutes (follow manufacturer’s instructions). If excessive foaming occurs, discontinue circulation and let soak for the remainder of the ten minutes.
2. Drain the soapy solution and rinse the basin.
3. Refill the basin with clean water and circulate the correct amount (read the label for mixing instructions) of the EPA registered hospital disinfectant through the basin for ten minutes.
4. Drain, rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel.

At Least Once Each Week:

1. Do not drain the disinfectant solution – Turn off the unit and leave the disinfecting solution in the unit overnight.
2. In the morning drain, rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel.

Non-Whirlpool Foot Basins or Tubs

This includes basins, tubs, footbaths, sinks and bowls – all non-electrical equipment that holds water for a client’s feet during a pedicure service.

After Every Client:

1. Drain all water from the foot basin or tub.
2. Clean all inside surfaces of the foot basin or tub to remove all visible residue with a clean, disinfected brush and liquid soap and water.
3. Rinse the basin or tub with clean water.
4. Refill the basin with clean water and the correct amount (read the label for mixing instructions) of the EPA registered hospital disinfectant. Leave this disinfecting solution in the basin for ten minutes.
5. Drain, rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel

At The End of Every Day:

1. Drain all water from the foot basin or tub.
2. Clean all inside surfaces of the foot basin or tub to remove all visible residue with a brush and liquid soap and water.
3. Fill the basin or tub with water and the correct amount (read the label for mixing instructions) of the EPA registered hospital disinfectant. Leave this disinfecting solution in the basin for ten minutes.
4. Drain, rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel.

Additional Information about Disinfectants and Detergent Cleaners

Regarding EPA registered liquid disinfectants used in the salon:

• Must have the words ‘bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal’ and ‘hospital’ on the label.
• Must be mixed, used, stored and disposed of according to manufacturer’s label instructions. *It is against Federal Law to use an EPA registered disinfectant contrary to its label.
• Must be prepared fresh every day and replaced immediately when the solution becomes visibly contaminated.
• Are ineffective when proper cleaning is not performed before use.
• Requires complete immersion in the correct amount of disinfectant for ten minutes after cleaning of all visible residue. Complete immersion means enough liquid to cover all surfaces of the item. Note: if the disinfectant manufacturer’s label requires a different immersion time for soaking, you should always follow the label’s instructions.
• Spray disinfectants are for cleaning surfaces only and are not adequate for disinfecting tools and pedicure equipment in the salon.

Information and guidelines developed and provided in cooperation with the Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) and INTA (The International Nail Technicians Association). These recommendations meet or exceed the guidelines for all 50 states of the USA, and most countries of the world. Always refer to your local state board (province, country) regulations for any corrections or omissions to this information.