Although all businesses must maintain a level of cleanliness to protect employees and customers, as well as for aesthetic purposes, beauty salons must take that several steps further. Salon owners and beauty professionals are responsible for keeping salons and equipment not only clean, but also sanitary, to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria and infection.
Salons are required to use disinfectants that are registered with the EPA for use in a hospital setting, for example, and all surfaces and tools must be cleaned and disinfected after each use and prior to use on a different client. A clean and sanitary environment helps build client trust, ensures safety for both the client and employees, and helps maintain health code requirements.
Areas Needing Particular Attention
Certain areas of a salon need more attention when it comes to cleaning, including the following:
Salon Floors
The floor of a salon is often the first thing a client notices, and because of the nature of the business, it needs frequent attention. You will need to ensure the entire floor is cleaned and disinfected daily. It is also important to sweep, or spot clean, in between each client as necessary.
Salon floors should be waxed and polished at least once every month, or two, to keep them looking clean and shiny. Clean and sparkly salon floors help give clients a great first impression of your business. They can enhance their overall experience, and that promotes repeat business.
Furniture
Salon furniture, such as hairdressers’ and estheticians’ chairs, need to be properly sanitized and disinfected in between each use. Sanitizing surfaces means cleaning them, which must be done first. Disinfecting them involves using specialized products after cleaning.
Protective covers can be used on furniture to simplify the cleaning process. Those covers should be removed, disposed of, and replaced with new covers in between each client for cleanliness.
Salon Bathrooms
Salon bathrooms are shared spaces between salon professionals and clients, and they will need to be fully cleaned and disinfected daily. Throughout the business day, it is up to the salon professionals to ensure the bathroom is kept clean in the event of spills or accidents.
Extra supplies should be stocked nearby and replaced as needed. Hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap need to be easily accessible, and employees should be reminded to wash their hands in between each client.
Roles of Salon Professionals in Sanitation
Salon professionals are expected to keep their workstations clean, and tools and equipment should be regularly sanitized and disinfected. With many businesses, a simple wipe down will do. However, that is not the case with a salon.
Salon professionals are tasked with avoiding cross contamination, reducing the spread of infection and bacteria and keeping their clients safe. Different types of salon professionals can have variable roles as well.
Hairdressers
Hairdressers need to minimize the risk for spreading highly contagious infections of the head and scalp, like itch mites and head lice. They also need to use proper sanitation practices to lower the odds of spreading fungi or bacteria that can cause ringworm.
All tools — including scissors, razors, combs and styling implements — that come into contact with a client, or their hair — need to be sanitized and disinfected before using them on someone else. Workstations need to be deep cleaned as well.
Estheticians
Estheticians need to properly clean and disinfect all tools and basins involved in performing any procedures. For example, all tools used for manicures and pedicures must be disinfected to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi that can cause athlete’s foot. Likewise, all tools used for facials, waxing and other services need to be thoroughly disinfected. The entire workstation should be deep cleaned between uses as well.
Makeup Artists
Many of the tools makeup artists use, such as brushes and sponges, are prone to retaining and spreading bacteria, which can cause infection and illness if not properly sanitized and disinfected between each client. Those products are often made in disposable form and should not be reused. Makeup artists are in charge of deep cleaning their area in between each client.
Salon Cleaning Checklist
Salons are busy places that often have clients booked back-to-back. It is important not to rush, or overlook, cleaning protocols because sanitizing and disinfecting are essential to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Follow this checklist to ensure a clean salon:
Sweep workstations in between each client.
Wipe surfaces with a cleaning agent, and then disinfect them.
Use disinfectants in accordance with manufacturer’s directions, and choose products that are registered with the EPA for use in a hospital setting. They should be labeled as a fungicidal, bactericidal and virucidal.
Stock disinfectant containers that are large enough to fully submerge all tools and implements after use and then cover them.
Ensure containers are clearly labeled with disinfectant name and dilution requirements.
Dispose of disinfectant solution at the end of each day or when debris is visible.
Clean and disinfected tools and utilities should be fully dried and stored in a clean and dry environment, such as a drawer, case or rolling tray that is also disinfected.
Tools that are dropped on the floor should immediately be removed from use and placed in a container labelled “dirty” to be cleaned and disinfected before reuse.
Any items that can be laundered (such as towels, robes, capes or aprons) are to be used only once, stored in closed containers labeled “used” and laundered as directed.
Keep bathroom supplies stocked.
Clean and disinfect coolers and/or drink stations every day.
Deep clean bathrooms at the end of each day including sanitizing and disinfecting sinks, toilets, mirrors and dispensers.
Dust all surfaces each night upon closing.
Spray and wipe mirrors and windows.
Clean the entire floor each night upon closing.
Wipe down product bottles.
Sanitize and disinfect entire workstations.
Ensure ventilation systems are cleaned and maintained.
Using a Professional Cleaning Service
Although it is the role of all salon professionals and owners to keep up with daily cleaning and disinfecting, a salon will also require deeper cleaning through the aid of a professional service fairly regularly. A professional cleaning service can ensure the salon is deep cleaned from corner to corner.
Alsco can provide you with cleaning supplies, uniform rentals, bathroom products and floorcare solutions to help keep your business clean and running smoothly.
References
Salon Infection Control Guidelines. (2022). Connecticut State Department of Public Health.