Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sterilization for Massage into
Disinfection and Sterilisation
As a therapist it is very important to maintain hygienic practices to help prevent cross-infection (spreading) of harmful bacteria, viruses and fungal infections for both clients and therapists.
In order to avoid cross infection:
- Wash hands before and after each client using an anti-bacterial hand wash or hand sanitiser
- Setup table with clean linen/towels before each client
- Air/Ventilate area after and before each client
- Wipe down all surfaces with disinfectant and keep hot stones clean inbetween clients
- Wash towels at 60 degrees & tumble dry after each session
- Use disposable towels/linen and couch roll where possible and change towels/linen after each client.
- Disinfect your table after each client – be mindful to disinfect all product bottles as well including your oil/ointment and shelving.
- Clean all utensils with hot soapy water immediately after service and leave to air dry, once dry continue to disinfect.
Disinfection is used to control micro-organisms on non-living surfaces; it will destroy micro-organisms but not necessarily their spores.
Sterilisation is the total removal or destruction of all living micro-organisms.
Barbicide is a blue translucent liquid that is used by hairdressers, beauty therapists and hospitals as a means of disinfection. It is an effective fungicide (kills fungus), virucide (kills viruses) and bactericide (kills bacteria), and can kill the hepatitis B, C and HIV-1 viruses. Mix with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use to store metal and plastic implements that have already been sterilised and disinfected. The benefit of this is that it is easily portable and cost-effective for use at home. Once you have disinfected your tools, store them in tissue and in a sealed bag – re-sealable freezer bags are a good choice.
The best way to remember this is by following SHUD:
- Storage – in a locked cupboard at room temperature when not in use; ideally this cupboard should also be fire retardant
- Handling – wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and aprons
- Usage – according to the manufacturer’s instructions or workplace guidelines
- Disposal – ensure you dispose of all hazardous waste in a hazardous waste bag; the local authority or private company will collect the waste and incinerate it.