The Best Way to Clean and Sanitise Nail Tools Between Clients

How to Clean and Sanitise Your Nail Tools – A Simple Guide

As a nail tech, keeping your tools clean is super important. It helps keep your clients safe and your salon looking professional. Clean tools stop infections and make your tools last longer too. Here's an easy step-by-step guide to clean and sanitise your tools between clients.

Why It's Important

Your tools touch skin and nails, so they can pick up germs, bacteria, and fungi. If you don’t clean them properly, it can cause infections or spread illness. A good hygiene routine keeps you and your clients safe.

Step 1: Remove Dust and Product

Before you sanitise, take off any nail dust, polish, or leftover product.

✅ Metal tools (cuticle pushers, nippers, scissors): Use warm water, soap, and a stiff brush to scrub them clean.
✅ Nail Files and buffers: If they’re single-use, use a new one for each client. If reusable, brush off the dust and wash if possible.
✅ Brushes: Wipe off extra product, then rinse gently with warm water and a mild cleanser.

Step 2: Wash with Soap and Water

Once everything is free from dust and product, give your tools a proper wash.

1️⃣ Fill a bowl with warm water and antibacterial soap.
2️⃣ Soak metal tools for a few minutes.
3️⃣ Scrub with a brush, rinse under clean water, and dry with a clean towel.

Step 3: Disinfect the Tools

Now it’s time to disinfect to kill any remaining germs.

✅ Metal tools: Use a salon-grade disinfectant (like Barbicide).

• Put the tools fully in the solution for 10–15 minutes.

• Wear gloves when taking them out.

• Let them air dry on a clean towel.

✅ Files and buffers: If they can be disinfected, spray them with disinfectant and let them dry. If not, use a new one for each client.

✅ Brushes: Dip the bristles in a disinfectant that’s safe for brushes, rinse with clean water, and let them dry fully before storing.

Step 4: Store Them Safely

When everything is dry, put your tools in a clean, closed container or pouch. Don’t leave them on open surfaces where they can get dusty or dirty again.

Extra Hygiene Tips

✔️ Always wash your hands before and after each client.
✔️ Wear disposable gloves when needed.
✔️ Wipe down your desk, tools, and lamps regularly.
✔️ Throw away single-use tools after each client.
✔️ If you drop a tool, clean and sanitise it before using it again.

Keeping your tools clean is a big part of being a great nail tech. It shows your clients you care and helps your tools last longer. At Dolla Nails Pro, we stock high-quality tools like Staleks, which are made to be easy to clean and long-lasting.

Stay clean, stay safe, and keep your salon professional!