Sanitation, Sterilization, and Safety Practices
The four levels of decontamination
Cleaning uses soap and water to remove visible debris and some microbes. Sanitizing is a chemical process that reduces bacteria on surfaces. Disinfection uses an EPA-registered hospital-grade product to destroy most bacteria, fungi, and many viruses - but usually not spores. Sterilization (autoclave, steam under pressure) destroys all microbial life including spores. Only sterilization kills spores; a jar labeled "hospital-grade disinfectant" is not a sterilant. The resistance ladder runs spores > mycobacteria > fungi > most viruses, which is why "hardest organism to kill" items point to spores.
Applying it at the station
Nonporous implements that touch intact skin (combs, clipper blades, shears, clips) must be cleaned, then immersed or sprayed with the correct dilution of disinfectant for the full contact time on the label. Porous items - towels, neck strips, capes - are single-use or laundered; you cannot disinfect a towel. Blades and razors that contact blood are contaminated: dispose in a sharps container, never recap or reuse. Keep disinfectant jars covered, mix fresh, and never top off a jar.
Safety layer
OSHA bloodborne-pathogen rules (gloves, eye protection, hand washing, exposure report), SDS sheets for every chemical, GFCI outlets away from water, ventilation, spill control, and no food or drink at the station.
Rule of thumb
If it touches skin, it is cleaned and disinfected after every client; if it touches blood, it is disposable and goes into a sharps container. When rules conflict, follow the stricter one. A common trap is a UV cabinet or a jar of blue liquid presented as "sterilization."