Pedicure Disinfectants

The ideal disinfectant for pedicures and manicure are the same. It should offer complete sterilization, without harming humans when contacting skin, be relatively inexpensive, and non-corrosive on equipment. Unfortunately these ideal disinfectants do not exist. All disinfectants are also, by their very nature, potentially harmful (even toxic) to humans or animals. This is the very reason I’m giving this topic a whole section. Disinfectants may not seem to be very dangerous but should be treated with appropriate care. Most come with safety instructions printed on the packaging, which should be read in full before using. Most modern household disinfectants that are normally also used in pedicure or manicure salons contain Bitrex, an exceptionally bitter substance designed to discourage ingestion, as an added safety measure.

The choice of the disinfectant to be used in a pedicure or manicure salon depends on the particular situation in which the disinfectant is used. Some disinfectants have a wide spectrum (kill nearly all microorganisms), whilst others kill a smaller range of disease-causing organisms but are preferred for other properties (they may be non-corrosive, non-toxic, or inexpensive). For example, disinfectants used to clean pedicure spas after every use can have a smaller spectrum whereas ones used to clean the floors or flush the pedicure spa pumps should be wide-spectrum. 

It isn’t known widely but natural light or sunlight (ultra-violet light) actually has very good disinfecting properties. Rather than total reliance on chemicals, basic hygiene - a pillar of a good nail salon - is important in the fight against bacteria since they generally prefer a warm-moist-dark environment. Thus, there is logic in using a nail salon that has lots of natural light and isn’t filled to the brim with chemicals. There are arguments for creating or maintaining conditions which are not conducive to bacterial survival and multiplication, rather than attempting to kill them with chemicals. This is what you should strive for.

Types of Disinfectants & Uses
 - Alcohol & Isopropyl;
 - Halogens;
 - Oxidizing Agents;
 - Phenolics;
 - Quarternary Ammonium Products.