Three Levels of Decontamination
State boards test this topic heavily on both written and practical exams. The three levels are not synonyms. Each has a specific definition, purpose, and set of approved products.
Level 1: Sanitation
Sanitation significantly reduces the number of pathogens on a surface but does not kill all of them. It is the minimum standard and is used as a first step before disinfection, not as a replacement for it.
- Examples: soap and water, hand sanitizer, general surface cleaning sprays
- Used for: hands, countertops before disinfection, removing visible debris from implements
- Does NOT meet state board requirements for implement reuse between clients
Level 2: Disinfection
Disinfection kills most bacteria, viruses, and fungi on nonporous surfaces. This is the required standard for reusable salon implements between clients.
- Products must be EPA-registered and used exactly per label instructions (dilution, contact time)
- Common types: quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats"), hospital-grade phenolics, EPA-registered bleach solutions
- Does NOT kill all spores
Level 3: Sterilization
Sterilization kills all microorganisms, including bacterial spores. It is the highest level of decontamination and requires specialized equipment.
- Method: autoclave (steam under pressure, typically 121 degrees C for 15-30 minutes)
- Required for: items that penetrate skin (needles, surgical instruments)
- Salons are rarely required to sterilize; disinfection is the standard
A UV cabinet (sometimes called a dry sanitizer) does NOT disinfect. UV light sanitizes the surface of already-clean implements, but it does not penetrate to kill all organisms. It is used for storage of clean implements only, not for decontamination.
Immersion Disinfection: The Correct Sequence
- Remove all visible debris from the implement (brush, rinse, or wipe).
- Wash the implement with soap and water.
- Rinse and dry the implement.
- Fully immerse in an EPA-registered disinfectant solution.
- Keep immersed for the full contact time stated on the product label.
- Remove and rinse (if the label requires it).
- Store in a clean, closed container until next use.
Skipping the pre-cleaning step and going directly to the disinfectant will not work. Organic matter (blood, skin, product residue) on an implement neutralizes many disinfectants, preventing them from achieving the labeled kill rate. Clean first, always.
Disinfectant Types at a Glance
| Type | Active Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quats (quaternary ammonium) | Ammonium salts | Most common in salons; broad-spectrum; low toxicity |
| Phenolics | Phenol compounds | Hospital-grade; effective but more caustic; strong odor |
| Sodium hypochlorite | Bleach | Effective; must be freshly mixed; corrosive to metals |
| Alcohol (70-90%) | Isopropyl or ethyl | Not a substitute for EPA-registered disinfectant; limited use |
Prohibited Items
- Glutaraldehyde: Banned in several states due to respiratory and skin sensitization risks. Never use in a nail or cosmetology salon.
- Single-use razor blades: Must be discarded immediately after one use. Never reuse or attempt to disinfect for reuse.
Always keep your disinfectant solution covered when not in use. Organic matter, light exposure, and evaporation can all degrade a disinfectant solution over time. Change the solution per the manufacturer's schedule, not just when it looks dirty.