Post-Session Sanitation for Estheticians (2025)

It takes 10 minutes formanydisinfectantsto effectively kill pathogens. Given this fact, and the other protocols necessary, we believe it isimportanttoallow30 minutes before your next client.Follow the guidelines of your state board. This protocol may go above and beyond standard best practices.

Room Turnover Sanitation Protocols

• If you have windows, open them immediately after a client has left and while you turn over the room to get as much air circulation in the room as possible. If you don’t have windows, consider adding a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier to the space.

• Even if the client does not get under the bed linens, the linens should still be removed and the bed properly disinfected.

• Using gloved hands, remove used linens, towels, and other draping, including blankets, and client draping for each treatment:fold linens in on themselves and place in lined, liddedreceptaclepositionedoutside the treatment spaceto minimize the possibility of dispersing virus in the air.

• Use hospital grade, EPA-approved disinfectantsto clean anything the client came in contactwithincluding yourstation, chair, rolling carts, table, doorknobs, implements, storage containers, etc.Follow more stringent state or regulatory agency protocols as required. Follow the product manufacturer’sdirectionsfor contact time (or how long a surface must stay visibly wet before thedisinfectantdestroys the pathogen). For someproducts, this can be 10 minutes.

• Per CDC recommendations, clean all equipment, devices, and surfaces between each client interaction, including oil or lotion dispensers.This process includes cleaning:

  • Hard (Non-Porous) Surfaces:If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.For disinfection, use EPA-approved disinfectants. Follow the manufacturer’sdirectionsfor all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, application method, and contact time, etc.Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.Prepare a bleach solution by mixing5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.

  • Soft (Porous) Surfaces:For soft (porous) surfaces such ascarpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, if the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely.Otherwise, use products that are EPA-approved for COVID-19.

  • Implements:For non-porous esthetic implements such as tweezers, scissors, product pallets, etc.,clean the item with hot, soapy water to remove any physical debris. Rinse and dry the implement completely.Follow by spray, wipe,or immersing the implement in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the full contact time as stated by the manufacturer’s directions. If disinfecting by immersion, items should be removed attheend of contact time, rinsed, and dried with a clean paper towel.

  • Electronics:For electrical implements such as mag lights, towel cabbies, and esthetic devices, clean the implementwith a spray or wipe to remove any physical debris. Follow withan EPA-registereddisinfectant spray orwipe for the full contact time as noted by the manufacturer’s directions.Use caution when using a spray and be sure your device is unplugged and do not spray into the motor.For electronics such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines, remove visible contamination if present.Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics.If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.

  • Linens, Clothing, and Other Itemsthat Go in the Laundry:In order to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry. Remove all linens, blankets, and table setups; fold items in on themselves before putting in a closed bin or hamper.Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.Launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items until hot to the touch.All towels and linens should be stored in a closed covered container.

• Repeat hand-washing protocol and reset table and treatment spacefor next client.

Sanitation BetweenClients

• Continue to wipe down bathroom surfaces (doorknobs, toilet handles, sink areas, light switches, etc.), reception-area countertops, point-of-sale equipment, and chairs (arm rests).

Sanitation at End of Day

• Empty all trash cans (each trashcan has a liner), then use cleaning cloths to wipe the inside and outside of the garbage can thoroughly.

• Do end of day post-client cleaning, and include the phone, keyboard, thermometer, all light switches and doorknobs, as well as the bathroom and any other surfaces clientscame in contact with.

• Remove bagged laundry from dirty bin for washing and replace hamper with new liner.