A Complete Guide to Cleaning Your Salon Equipment

Keeping a salon clean is important for not only your clients but employees, too. Foremost, it helps to prevent the spread of germs and infection. Salons use a variety of tools and equipment for different clients, and if these tools are not properly cleaned and disinfected, they can easily spread bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. In addition to protecting the health of clients, keeping a clean salon also helps to create a professional and inviting environment. Clients are more likely to return to a salon that is clean, well-organized, and free of unpleasant odors. A clean salon also shows clients that you take their health and safety seriously.

The Perfect Salon Cleaning Schedule 

The ideal salon cleaning schedule will vary depending on the size and type of salon, as well as the number of clients and staff. However, some general guidelines can be followed to create a comprehensive and effective cleaning plan.

Daily

Items that should be cleaned daily include:

- Floors (sweeping and mopping around stations)
- Wiping down surfaces
- Clean and disinfected tools and utilities
- Any items that can be laundered (such as towels, robes, capes or aprons)
- Deep clean bathrooms including sanitizing and disinfecting sinks, toilets, mirrors, and dispensers
- Sanitize and disinfect entire workstations

Monthly

Items that should be cleaned monthly include:

- Deep-cleaning shampoo bowls
- Hood dryers
- Hair dryers and straighteners
- Deep clean workstations
- Chair bases and pumps

Yearly

Yearly, the salon owners should deep clean the entire salon to ensure everything is disinfected and sanitized. This includes a deep clean of all the monthly and daily tasks listed about as well as moving furniture to get all those “hard to reach” places.

Cleaning Tools and Products You Need To Clean Your Salon

When it comes to cleaning your salon, there are some basic tools and products you'll need. Before you start the cleaning process, you’ll need to gather supplies such as gloves, disinfecting wipes or spray, clean towels, and a sink or basin with hot water and soap. Before you begin, it’s very important to unplug all electrical equipment and when cleaning, be sure to pay special attention to areas that are frequently touched, such as handles and knobs. It is important to note that not all cleaning products are created equal. When choosing cleaning products for your salon, be sure to select products that are specifically designed for disinfecting salon equipment and tools. These products will be effective in killing germs and bacteria, and they will also be safe for use on your equipment and tools. In addition, once items are cleaned, make sure they are put up in a dry space to ensure the tools remain clean for the next client or day. Our Salon Trolley Carts and Rolling Trays and Appliance Tool Holders are the perfect tools to help you stay organized and keep your tools clean. 

How to Clean Basic Salon Equipment

When cleaning your salon equipment, different equipment requires different cleaning methods to ensure proper disinfecting and care for your equipment.

How To Clean Shampoo Bowls

To clean shampoo bowls:

1. Remove all loose hair and debris. You can do this with a hair strainer or by simply scooping it out with your hands. Next,
2. You'll rinse the bowl with warm water. This will help to remove any remaining hair or product residue. Then apply a mild soap or detergent to the bowl. You can use a sponge or cloth to spread the cleaner around.
3. Scrub the bowl gently to remove any dirt or grime. Be careful not to use any abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can damage the finish of the bowl.
4. Rinse the bowl thoroughly with warm water and make sure to remove all the soap or detergent residue.
5. Disinfecting the bowl. You can use a commercial disinfectant or a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water. Be sure to follow the instructions on the disinfectant label.
6. Rinse the bowl again with warm water and then dry with a clean cloth.

You should clean your shampoo bowls between each client and deep clean your shampoo bowls at least once a week.

How to Clean Salon Chair Bases & Pumps

To clean salon chair bases and pumps:

1. You’ll first remove any loose hair or debris from the base and pump. You can do this with a hair strainer or by simply scooping it out with your hands. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove hair and debris.
2. Mix a mild soap or detergent with warm water in the bucket.
3. Dip the sponge or cloth in the soapy water and wring it out.
4. Wipe down the base and pump of the chair, paying special attention to any areas where hair or product residue may accumulate.
5. Rinse the base and pump thoroughly with warm water.
6. Apply a disinfectant to the base and pump of the chair. You can use a commercial disinfectant or a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water. Be sure to follow the instructions on the disinfectant label.
7. Let the disinfectant sit on the base and pump for at least five minutes. After disinfecting, rinse the base pump again with warm water and then dry the base and pump with a clean cloth.

You should ideally clean chair bases and pumps every day and deep clean once a week.

How to Clean Leather Salon Chairs

To clean leather salon chairs:

1. Mix a mild soap or detergent with warm water in a bucket.
2. Dip a sponge or cloth in the soapy water and wring it out.
3. Wipe down the chair, paying special attention to any areas where hair or product residue may accumulate.
4. Rinse the chair thoroughly with warm water.
5. After rinsing, apply a leather conditioner to the chair. This will help to protect the leather and keep it looking its best.
6. Buff the chair with a clean cloth.

To keep your chair like new, you’ll want to clean your leather salon chairs between each client and deep clean your chair at least once a week. You should avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can damage the leather. Be sure to rinse the chair thoroughly after cleaning and apply a leather conditioner to the chair after each cleaning.

How to Clean Vinyl Salon Chairs

To clean vinyl chairs:

1. Remove any loose hair or debris from the chair first.
2. Mix a mild soap or detergent with warm water in the bucket.
3. Dip the sponge or cloth in the soapy water and wring it out.
4. Wipe down the chair, paying special attention to any areas where hair or product residue may accumulate.
5. Rinse the chair thoroughly with warm water. If desired, apply a vinyl cleaner and conditioner to the chair. This will help to protect the vinyl and keep it looking its best.
6. Lastly, buff the chair with a clean cloth.

You should clean your vinyl salon chairs between each client and deep clean your vinyl chair at least once a week. Similarly, to the leather chairs, avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can damage the vinyl. Be sure to rinse the chair thoroughly after cleaning. Apply a vinyl cleaner and conditioner to the chair at least once a week, or more often if needed.

How to Clean Station Cabinetry

To clean station cabinetry:

1. Remove any loose hair or debris from the cabinet.
2. Mix a mild soap or detergent with warm water in the bucket.
3. Wipe down the cabinet, paying special attention to any areas where hair or product residue may accumulate.
4. Rinse the cabinet thoroughly with warm water.
5. Apply a disinfectant to the cabinet. You can use a commercial disinfectant or a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water. If using a pre-made disinfectant, be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
6. Let the disinfectant sit on the cabinet for at least five minutes.
7. Rinse the cabinet again with warm water and dry the cabinet with a clean cloth.

You can also use disinfectant wipes for a quick clean and wipe down in between each client.

How to Clean Mirrors

To clean your mirror:

1. Spray the glass cleaner or vinegar solution onto the mirror or the cloth.
2. Wipe the mirror in a zigzag motion from top to bottom, working your way from one side to the other.
3. Use a dry cloth to buff the mirror and remove any streaks.

Avoid using circular motions when wiping the mirror, as this can cause streaks. If your mirror is very dirty, you may need to spray it with the glass cleaner or vinegar solution a few times before wiping it clean. If you are using a glass cleaner, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area of the mirror first to make sure it does not damage the finish. If you have a framed mirror, be careful not to get the glass cleaner or vinegar solution on the frame, as this could damage it.

How to Clean Pedicure Chairs

To clean a pedicure chair:

1. First, remove any towels or other items from the pedicure chair.
2. Mix a mild soap or dish soap with warm water in the bucket.
3. Use the sponge or soft cloth to wipe down the entire chair, paying special attention to any areas that are frequently touched, such as the armrests and footrests. Be sure to wipe down the foot basin as well.
4. Rinse the chair with clean water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
5. Spray the chair with a disinfectant spray to kill any germs.
6. Allow the chair to air dry before using it again.

If the chair has any upholstery, be sure to vacuum it first to remove any dirt or debris.
You can also use a steam cleaner to clean the upholstery, but be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not damage the fabric. If the chair has any metal parts, be sure to wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges. You can also use a metal polish to polish the metal parts to keep them looking their best. Be sure to clean the pedicure chair regularly, especially if it is used frequently. This will help to keep it clean and sanitary, and it will also help to extend the life of the chair.

How to Clean Dryers

To clean a salon hair dryer:

1. First unplug the hair dryer and let it cool completely.
2. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the exterior of the hair dryer, removing any loose hair or debris.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove any lint or hair from the vents and filter and use a small brush to clean any hard-to-reach areas.
4. Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and use it to clean the nozzle and any other areas that are particularly dirty.
5. Spray the hair dryer with a disinfectant spray and let it air dry completely before using it again.

If the filter is removable, wash it with warm water and soap. Be sure to let it dry completely before putting it back in the hair dryer. If the filter is not removable, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to clean it. Be careful not to damage the filter. Be sure to clean the hair dryer regularly, especially if it is used frequently. This will help to keep it clean and in good condition. In addition, do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to clean the hair dryer, as this could damage it.

How to Clean Skin Care Equipment

To clean skin care equipment:

1. Unplug the equipment and let it cool completely.
2. Remove any attachments or accessories.
3. Mix a mild soap or dish soap with warm water in the bucket.
4. Use the sponge or soft cloth to wipe down the entire equipment, paying special attention to any areas that are frequently touched, such as the handles and switches. Be sure to wipe down any attachments or accessories as well.
5. Rinse the equipment with clean water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
6. Spray the equipment with a disinfectant spray to kill any germs.
7. Allow the equipment to air dry completely before using it again.

If the equipment has any upholstery, vacuum it first to remove any dirt or debris. You can also use a steam cleaner to clean the upholstery, but be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not damage the fabric. If the equipment has any metal parts, wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges. You can also use a metal polish to polish the metal parts and keep them looking their best. Be sure to clean the equipment regularly, especially if it is used frequently. This will help to keep it clean and sanitary, and it will also help to extend the life of the equipment.

In addition to the general cleaning instructions above, we suggest the following methods for basic cleaning and maintenance of more specialized salon skin care equipment:

Steamers:

1. Unplug and empty the water tank. If you've just used the steamer, allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Fill the tank with distilled white vinegar and water. Use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water.
3. Turn on the steamer and let it run for 5-10 minutes. This will help to loosen any mineral deposits or residue.
4. Turn off the steamer and let the vinegar solution soak for 30-60 minutes.
5. Empty the tank and rinse it thoroughly with distilled water.
6. Fill the tank with fresh distilled water and turn on the steamer for 5-10 minutes. This will help to remove any remaining vinegar residue.
7. Turn off the steamer and let it cool completely before using it again.

Extraction machines:

1. Unplug the extraction machine and empty all tanks.
2. Remove any loose plant matter or debris.
3. If your extraction machine has removable parts, such as hoses, filters, and nozzles, remove them and soak them in a solution of extractor cleaner and water. Follow the instructions on the extractor cleaner label for dilution ratios.
4. While the removable parts are soaking, clean the main body of the extraction machine with a damp cloth. Be sure to wipe down all surfaces, including the inside of the tanks.
5. If there is any stubborn dirt or grime, use a soft brush and a little bit of extractor cleaner to scrub it away.
6. Once you have cleaned the entire extraction machine, rinse it thoroughly with water.
7. Replace the removable parts and dry the machine completely before using it again.

High-frequency machines:

1. Unplug the machine and allow it to cool completely.
2. Remove the electrode from the machine.
3. Wipe the electrode with a damp cloth soaked in an antiseptic solution. You can use a commercial disinfectant or mix one part vinegar with two parts water.
4. Rinse the electrode thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
5. Wipe down the machine itself with a damp cloth soaked in the antiseptic solution. Be sure to wipe down all surfaces, including the handpiece, the base of the machine, and the cord.
6. Rinse the machine thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

You can also soak the electrode in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water for 30-60 minutes to clean it more deeply. Be sure to rinse the electrode thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth before using it again.