2.5 Infection Control for Tools, Stations, Pedicure Tubs, Wax & Single-Use Items
Key Takeaways
Shears and razors are not required to be washed; they are wiped free of hair and debris and then kept wet with an EPA-registered hospital-level disinfectant spray or wipe for the label contact time after each use (Minn. R. 2105.0375, subp. 9).
After every pedicure, the tub is drained, filter screens, jets and footplates are removed and scrubbed, the basin is scrubbed and rinsed, then refilled with disinfectant and run for the full label contact time (subp. 12).
Pedicure tub liners are single-use; salons that use liners must use them in every tub and still fully clean and disinfect each tub at the end of the business day.
Nail files are single-use unless made of metal, glass or crystal, and a salon may keep only one "score file" for dulling the edges of new files (subp. 13).
Wax pots stay covered; applicators are dipped only once, and contaminated wax must be discarded and the pot disinfected (subp. 14).
Why this section matters
Written practical questions often ask what to do with a specific item after a service, and the state exam tests Minnesota's version. This section covers subparts 7 (items C to F, L and M), 9 to 16 of Minn. R. 2105.0375.
Products and makeup (subp. 7, items C to F)
- Fluids, creams, waxes and powders are kept in clean, covered containers and dispensed so the unused supply stays clean.
- Use disposable or disinfected spatulas or applicators, never fingers; spatulas are not stored in the container; product taken out is never returned.
- Wipe containers and disinfect their exterior with a disinfectant wipe at the end of the day.
- Label any product not in its original container.
- Pencil cosmetics are sharpened with a disinfected sharpener before each use. A pencil in a mechanical applicator, or too thin to sharpen, has its exposed tip removed with disinfected scissors or a knife and the applicator tip wiped with alcohol before the next client.
- Follow manufacturer directions for products, machines and maintenance, and keep manuals on site.
Tools during service (items L and M)
- Tools may not be placed in or on clothing, aprons, pockets, bags or holsters, or worn by the licensee.
- A tool dropped on the floor or otherwise contaminated is removed from the station and cleaned and disinfected or sterilized, or placed in a covered container labeled "used."
Tool-specific procedures
| Item | Minnesota requirement |
|---|---|
| Shears and razors (subp. 9) | Not required to be washed. Wipe off hair, product and skin debris, then disinfect with an EPA-registered hospital-level spray or wipe, keeping the surface wet for the label contact time after each use |
| Brushes (subp. 10) | Hair, color, nail, skin, makeup and neck brushes are cleaned and fully immersed in disinfectant (subps. 3 and 4). Brushes used only in solvent-based nail products that do not support microbial life are exempt |
| Electrical tools (subp. 11) | Clippers, nail drills, flat irons, blow dryers, electrodes, steamers and similar tools are cleaned and disinfected or sterilized after each use, including the body, handle and cord |
| Plastic guards and nonmetal removable parts | Removed, cleaned and immersed in disinfectant |
| Metal guards, clipper blades, drill bits | Removed, brushed or wiped clean, then sprayed or wiped with hospital-level disinfectant for the contact time |
| Non-detachable clipper blades | Hair removed with a disinfected brush or blade wash, then sprayed with hospital-level disinfectant |
| Storage of electrical tools | On a clean and disinfected surface, stand or hook, or in a closed container, cupboard or drawer |
| Skin care machines | Cleaned and disinfected or sterilized per the manufacturer |
Pedicure stations (subp. 12)
Every pedicure tub, including basins and piped or pipeless tubs:
Immediately after each service
- Drain the water and remove visible debris.
- Remove filter screens, inlet jets, footplates, impeller assemblies and other removable parts; scrub them with a disinfected brush and detergent and water.
- Scrub the basin with detergent and water, rinse and drain.
- Replace the parts.
- Refill with clean water and add EPA-registered hospital-level disinfectant per the label. If the tub is electrical, run the pump for the entire contact time.
- Drain and rinse with clean water.
- Wipe the faucet, handles, controls and all surfaces not covered by water with a disinfectant wipe, keeping them wet for the contact time.
Liners. Tub and basin liners are single-use items, discarded after each service. Only liners made specifically for that purpose may be used, and a salon that uses liners must use them on every tub and keep enough on hand. After each lined service, discard the liner, clean and disinfect any exposed magnetic or removable parts, scrub the basin with soap and water, rinse, and dry it with a new paper towel, then wipe the faucet and controls with a disinfectant wipe. At the end of each business day, every tub gets the full cleaning and disinfecting procedure above.
Pedicure tubs must be kept clean and disinfected even if broken or out of service. Minnesota's rule sets no fixed number of minutes and requires no pedicure log; the label contact time governs.
Single-use items (subp. 13)
Used once and discarded immediately in the trash:
- Foam toe separators, foam buffer blocks, pedicure tub liners, pumice bars or stones
- Chamois, paper or foam slippers
- Sanding bands or sleeves, paper sandpaper drill bits, wooden applicators
- Cotton balls, pads and swabs, gauze, sponges, neck strips, wax strips, under-eye pads, tape
- Anything made of paper, wood, foam or other porous material
Nail files are single-use unless made of metal, glass or crystal; ceramic files are single-use unless completely sealed by a glaze. A salon may keep only one "score file," stored in a disinfected container labeled "score file," to dull the edges of new files while wearing gloves. Lancets and extraction needles go in a sharps container. New single-use items are stored in clean covered containers holding only new or disinfected items; sealed original packaging may be stored in the open. Minn. Stat. 155A.355 treats the presence of used single-use articles in the work area as prima facie evidence of reuse.
Wax and paraffin (subp. 14)
- Wax pots and paraffin warmers are kept covered and their exterior cleaned daily.
- If debris is found, or the wax is contaminated by skin, unclean applicators or double-dipping, empty the pot, discard the wax and disinfect the pot.
- Spatulas and sticks are dipped once and discarded without using the other end; applicators are dipped once unless the wax is single-service.
- Surfaces touched by a used wax stick are cleaned and disinfected right after the service.
- Paraffin is portioned per client in a bag or container, or dispensed so the supply is not contaminated.
Salon fixtures (subp. 15)
| Fixture | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Counters, tables, reception chairs, desks | Cleaned daily |
| Work surfaces (shampoo bowls, nail tables, facial and waxing beds) | Covered with a clean cloth or paper barrier during service; cleaned and disinfected daily, and immediately after a service if skin touched the surface |
| Styling, shampoo, manicure and pedicure chairs | Cleaned and disinfected at the end of each day |
| Sinks and shampoo bowls | Cleaned and disinfected daily; hair removed from shampoo bowls after each shampoo |
| Rolling carts and tool trays | Cleaned and disinfected weekly and when visibly soiled |
| Floors | Hair and debris removed after each service |
| Towel warmers | Disinfected daily |
Eyelash extension supplies (subp. 16)
Lash stands, holders, pallets, trays and glue pallets are cleaned and disinfected before each client. Extensions are stored in a clean closed container or original packaging; lashes taken out for a client and not used are discarded. Portion lashes with a disinfected scissors, blade or tweezer.
How must shears be handled between clients under Minnesota rules?
Washed with soap and water, then soaked in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for ten minutes and air-dried on a clean towel
Placed in a closed UV sterilizer cabinet for 20 minutes, then stored in the cabinet until the next client
Stored in the stylist's apron pocket until the end of the day
Wiped free of hair and debris, then disinfected with a hospital-level spray or wipe kept wet for the contact time
A salon uses disposable liners in its pedicure tubs. Which statement is correct?
Liners eliminate the need to disinfect the tubs, because the client's feet never touch the basin during the pedicure service
Liners may be rinsed and reused for the same client's next visit
Liners are single-use, must be used in every tub, and every tub still gets the full procedure at the end of each day
Only the faucet must be disinfected when liners are used
Which nail file may be disinfected and reused in a Minnesota salon?
A crystal (glass) nail file
A cardboard emery board
An unglazed ceramic file
A foam buffer block
During a brow wax, a technician accidentally dips a used stick back into the wax pot. What must happen to the wax?
A new stick is used for the rest of the service only
Nothing, if the pot is reheated to its maximum setting
The top layer of wax is skimmed off with a clean spatula
The pot is emptied, the wax discarded and the pot disinfected
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.