Autoclave in a beauty salon - how to choose and use

Autoclaves are essential for preserving hygiene and guaranteeing excellent care in manicure and pedicure services. In order to sanitize tools and equipment and prepare them for use on patients, these devices are necessary. The effectiveness and safety of your salon’s operations can be significantly improved by being aware of how autoclaves operate and how to select the best one for your requirements.

Selecting the ideal autoclave for your salon requires taking into account a number of features. It is essential to choose an autoclave that corresponds with the amount of work and the kinds of tools you use, taking into account factors such as sizes, types, and sterilization cycles. Since every autoclave has a unique set of features, you can make an informed choice if you know what to look for.

Selecting the right autoclave and operating it correctly are equally crucial. When used properly, your tools will be thoroughly sterilized and free of dangerous microbes. To prolong the life of your autoclave and ensure smooth operation, familiarize yourself with the maintenance schedule and operating guidelines.

Contents

What is an autoclave
Sterilization time
Features

Types
Additional functions
Instructions

Caring for the sterilizer
Precautions
What to pay attention to when buying

Common questions
Share with your friends!
Popular on the topic business tools

Magazine Sections
Express your opinion or ask a question! Cancel reply
Video on the topic

How to choose an autoclave
Which autoclave to choose?
Water or steam: features of the autoclave

Tips for novice autoclave operators Bought an autoclave, watch this video

What is an autoclave

A medical autoclave is a type of thermal sterilizer that uses pressured steam to process instruments.

The steam within the chamber reaches a temperature of 135 degrees. used following pre-sterilization cleaning and disinfection as the last step in the manicure instrument processing process. It is a sterilizing device that complies with SanPiN 2.1.2.2631-10 approval. A medical autoclave is used in both dental offices and nail salons, so there is no difference between the two types of autoclaves. Take this into account when looking for a gadget.

In salons with high client traffic, autoclaves are typically installed when it’s necessary to sterilize numerous sets of tools simultaneously. Autoclaves are also more efficient than dry-heat ovens because they are, on average, twice as fast.

Two features that medical steam sterilizers can have that impact the sterilizing process are as follows:

Vacuum drying – removing moisture particles from the surface of processed instruments that are formed as a result of sterilization with wet steam. Drying is possible thanks to the built-in vacuum pump, which turns on after the end of the process and allows you to remove a practically dry instrument from the chamber. The humidity of the devices after drying does not exceed 3 percent;
Preliminary vacuum – the vacuum pump works to remove excess air from the chamber before the sterilization procedure. Preliminary air pumping helps hot steam reach all surfaces and kill bacteria and microorganisms.

The same Kraft bags that are used for processing in a dry heat oven are also used for individual packaging. Additionally, there are special paper and film autoclave bags that can only be used for steam sterilization.

Three classes of autoclaves are distinguished by GOST R EN 13060-2011 "Small steam sterilizers" based on the existence or lack of the specified functions:

Class B – with vacuum drying and preliminary vacuum. Used in dentistry, surgery, cosmetology and beauty salons – wherever instruments have a complex shape and are sterilized only in individual packaging;

ClassS – with vacuum drying. Sterilization of instruments is allowed both in packaging and without it;
ClassN – without additional functions. Sterilization is carried out without the use of individual packaging for instruments – the instrument is placed in a tray and used within 2 hours after processing. Not suitable for instruments of complex shape with recesses and sections, such as cutters.

Using the device in a nail salon or office class N is not advised because this type of autoclave is unable to sterilize instruments that are sealed in bags.

Sterilization time

The same GOST R EN 13060-2011 establishes the suggested sterilization time based on the temperature chosen:

At a temperature of 121 degrees – sterilization time is 15 minutes;

At a temperature of 126 degrees – 10 minutes;
When set to 134 degrees – 3 minutes;
Temperature 143 degrees – 1 minute.

The duration of sterilization varies greatly in practice. Read your autoclave’s instructions to make sure you are following all regulations and processing instruments to the highest standard possible.

Features

Benefits

Short full cycle. The maximum operating time of the autoclave does not exceed 40 minutes. During this time, all bacteria, viruses and pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed. In terms of its effectiveness, the autoclave is identical to a dry heat sterilizer, but sterilizes 2 times faster;
Low power consumption;
Large capacity of the inner chamber – from 2 to 50 liters;

Does not dull the tool.

Drawbacks:

High price. Unlike other types of sterilizers, an autoclave is much more expensive. For a high-quality device, you will have to pay from 80 thousand rubles.
Only distilled water is used for work. This is due to the fact that ordinary water contains many harmful impurities that can disable the sterilizer;
High humidity, especially in devices without vacuum drying, causes corrosion on instruments.

The most dependable sterilizing tool is an autoclave, which enables you to eradicate practically all hazardous microbes from an instrument’s surface.

Types

The design, capacity, and technical features of autoclaves vary from one another.

There are two kinds of autoclaves based on loading types:

Horizontal – equipped with a door and shelves inside the chamber. The number of shelves depends on the volume – from 1 to 7.
Vertical – a round device with a box inside. Sometimes also equipped with a cassette holder – a lid with holes for sterilization cassettes made of plastic. The cassette itself is a plastic box with large holes, where the instrument is placed for its further processing.

Additional functions

The following features of the autoclave may vary depending on the manufacturer and model:

Touch control;
The ability to connect to a printer to print sterilization results or a built-in printer;

Built-in memory for saving data on the latest processes;
Automatic diagnostics of malfunctions, allowing the device to turn off on its own if errors are detected in operation;
Port for connecting to a computer;

Delayed cycle – setting a specific time to start processing.

Instructions

How to operate the autoclave in steps:

Carry out disinfection and pre-sterilization treatment;
Check for sufficient water. Some models display the remaining amount on the display, for example Euroklav 23V S from the Melag brand. If your device is not equipped with this function, check the liquid manually;

If necessary, fill the tank with water. It is important not to pour too much liquid. To determine the maximum water level, read the instructions for your autoclave;
Put the instruments in the chamber. Arrange them so that the steam has access to all surfaces. Do not load the devices on top of each other in several layers. If sterilization is carried out without the use of individual bags, place an indicator strip inside the tray to subsequently determine the degree and quality of processing;
Make sure that individual packages or separately lying instruments do not touch the walls of the autoclave;

Close the door and set the temperature and time;
Wait until the procedure is finished and immediately remove the instruments with tweezers;
Check the indicators and the integrity of the bags, then turn off the device.

The instrument inside the bags is deemed not sterilized and needs to be reloaded if the bags are damaged.

Manicure tool pre-sterilization and disinfection: how to properly mix the disinfectant and prepare the solution

Caring for the sterilizer

Although extensive cleaning and processing are not necessary for the autoclave, it is advised to:

Every day, wipe the rubber seals of the door or lid with a soft cloth soaked in a disinfectant solution;
Once a week, wash the inner chamber with a soap solution or a specialized product, such as Chamber Brite;

Check the condition of the air nozzle at least once every seven days to ensure unimpeded air flow into the chamber;
Change the door or lid gasket once a year to maintain a tight seal;

During the autoclave chamber cleaning process, it is strictly prohibited to use:

Metal sponges;
Bleach.

Precautions

Precautions to take when using an autoclave:

Make sure that the tool you load into the autoclave can withstand high temperatures. For example, a plastic pusher that melts during processing will cause significant damage to the device and call into question the possibility of its use;
When removing tools after sterilization, use heat-resistant gloves or special tweezers;

At the end of the cycle, open the door or lid slowly so that hot steam leaves the chamber gradually;
If you detect problems, such as unusual noise, do not turn on the autoclave to avoid its permanent breakdown;
Do not open the door while the cycle is running. High pressure inside the chamber during processing and interference with the sterilization procedure will harm not only the device, but also human health.

What to pay attention to when buying

Since an autoclave is a costly sterilizer, you should carefully consider all the options before making your purchase. When selecting a gadget, consider the following:

Chamber volume. This is especially important for large salons, where sterilization of a large number of instruments is required at the same time;

Appearance. Relevant for masters who do not have a separate room for processing, where even sterilization equipment should look aesthetically pleasing;
Warranty. It is important that the autoclave has a warranty of at least 12 months. This will protect you in case of factory defects, defects or non-compliance of the device with the declared characteristics;
Repair and maintenance. Make sure that the manufacturer or its representative offers warranty and post-warranty service or has up-to-date contacts of repairmen. In case of breakdown, it will not be easy to find the master;

Simplicity of management. Thanks to a huge choice, the masters acquire autoclaves with an intuitive control, which allows not to study instructions each time in attempts to deal with the next inscription on the display. Choose an easy to use autoclave;
Accessory documents. According to the requirements of SanPin 2.1.2.2631-10, the autoclave must have instructions in Russian and the document confirming the safety of its use. In addition, the device is accompanied by a certificate of conformity.

Common questions

Can instruments be sterilised without the indicator being used?

No, an indicator strip or individual package with an indicator is always used during the sterilizing process. The indicator serves to both indicate a sterilization quality assessment and to alert the user to an autoclave malfunction, such as a clogged air valve.

Which instruments can be autoclaved and sterilized?

The use instructions for each individual model specify the materials that can be sterilized. Certain manufacturers create machines that can process materials other than just metal, like fabrics, rubber, certain kinds of plastic, and even liquids. In terms of manicure tools, if their manufacturer does not specify otherwise, metal objects such as mills, saws, and buffs are wet heat treated in an autoclave.

Describe the impressions to me if you need to use the autoclave!

It’s crucial to comprehend the features of autoclaves, select the appropriate one, and use them correctly in order to maintain hygiene in manicure and pedicure services. By effectively sterilizing all instruments, an autoclave lowers the possibility of infection. This post will walk you through the most important characteristics to consider, advice on choosing the ideal autoclave for your requirements, and simple guidelines for using it safely and effectively.

Magazine Sections

Express your opinion or ask a question! Cancel reply

Feature	Description
What It Is	An autoclave is a machine that uses steam under pressure to sterilize tools and equipment. It’s essential for ensuring everything is germ-free.
Why Use It	It’s crucial for preventing infections by killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens on manicure and pedicure tools.
Types	There are different types of autoclaves, including gravity displacement, pre-vacuum, and steam-flush pressure-pulse models. Choose based on your needs and budget.
Size	Autoclaves come in various sizes. For a salon, a compact model may be sufficient, while larger setups might be needed for bigger businesses.
Features to Look For	Check for features like digital controls, cycle timers, and safety locks. These features make operation easier and safer.
Selection Tips	Consider your space, budget, and the volume of tools you need to sterilize. It’s also helpful to read reviews and compare brands.
Operation Rules	Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for loading and operating the autoclave. Regular maintenance is key to keeping it working properly.

For the sake of safety and hygienic practices, selecting the appropriate autoclave is essential. Making an informed choice can be aided by knowing the key features of the many models that are available. Whether you need a larger, more durable unit for a busy salon or a smaller, more portable model for a home setup, look for an autoclave that meets your specific needs.

To guarantee the autoclave operates efficiently, it’s critical to adhere to the recommended operating procedures. To achieve optimal sterilization, proper tool loading and routine maintenance are essential. You can protect the health of your clients as well as the longevity of your equipment by following the manufacturer’s instructions and performing regular inspections.

To sum up, offering a safe and expert manicure and pedicure service requires purchasing a high-quality autoclave and operating it properly. A well-selected and well-maintained autoclave will help you provide your patients with the best care possible by keeping your instruments sterile and your practice operating efficiently.