Sanitization of Pedicure Spas (Foot Baths)

Although I have the detailed some of the cleaning procedures of Pedicure Spas in my Pedicure Spa and Shop Cleaning section, I will go into detail of how to treat and clean actual pedicure spas (foot bath).

Firstly, I’ll go into the cleaning procedures for the pedicure foot spas after each use. After use, the first thing that you should do is to drain the dirty water then fill the pedicure spa again with fresh water adding disinfectants inside. Let the motor run for at least 5 minutes that that the pipes which you can’t read inside the machine are cleaned. Most machines also have a reverse flow function where the machine can flow the water in reverse direction. If you do have this function then also run the water in reverse for at least 5 minutes.

Next, wipe clean the surface of the pedicure spa with either a disinfectant wipe (sometimes called baby wipes) or with a cloth or tissue that has been dipped in 70% alcohol or other disinfectants as mentioned in my Pedicure Disinfectants page. Any visible grime should be removed as all grime especially at the sides of the pedicure spa will be a great place for microorganisms to multiply and infect you at a later date.

Users of pedicure spas must remember that most spas have filter elements which are used to catch any debris that may be washed of the feet during the pedicure procedure. Because of the location of these filters in dark and moist areas, they are one of the best places where microorganisms can rapidly multiply. The best practice will be to remove the filter after every use and scrub the filter down with a brush to get rid of every microscopic piece of dead skin or nail. Alternatively, if the pedicure spa isn’t used very often or is used irregularly by only one person, cleaning can be done every two or three uses. It should be a standard practice for pedicure nail salons.

Every once in a while you pedicure spa must also go through a sterilization where every microorganism present in the pedicure spa must be killed. This is generally done every week in a nail salon condition or every one or two months for people who use their pedicure spas weekly in a home situation. The first step is to pour a solution of at least 70% alcohol into the pedicure spa after it has been washed. Switch on your pedicure spa and leave it on for at least 20 minutes so that the solution can have enough time to properly circulate in the pedicure spa. Then leave the solution in the pedicure spa overnight so that all micro-organisms, even the hardiest ones die, leaving you with a thoroughly clean pedicure spa ready to pamper your feet once again.