A clean salon is more than just good looks—it’s essential for safety and customer trust. From spotless tools to fresh linens, every detail matters.

Hygiene isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about creating a professional space where clients feel comfortable. A well-maintained salon keeps infections at bay and boosts your reputation.

But keeping up with hygiene standards takes effort. Clear communication with staff and customers ensures everyone follows the right practices. That’s where GoodCall comes in. GoodCall’s AI-driven platform makes customer interactions seamless. From automated appointment reminders to hygiene policy updates, it keeps your salon running smoothly.

In this article, we’ll share the best tips to maintain salon hygiene and explore how GoodCall can enhance communication for a cleaner, safer business.

Why Is Salon Hygiene Important?

Keeping your salon clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s essential for health and safety. Without proper hygiene practices, salons can become breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites.

Neglecting sanitation can lead to serious infections, including hepatitis B and C, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas. Proper cleaning routines protect both clients and staff, ensuring a safe and professional environment.

Real Risks of Poor Hygiene

In 2017, a Melbourne woman named Kaity Hull suffered a severe infection after getting eyelash extensions at an unsanitary salon. Due to contaminated tools, she contracted Staphylococcus aureus, leaving her face covered in painful rashes and boils. Health inspectors immediately shut down the salon until it met infection control standards.

Stories like this highlight the dangers of improper sanitation. A single lapse in hygiene can harm clients, damage a salon’s reputation, and even lead to legal consequences.

Hidden Germs and Cleaning Gaps

Even when a salon appears clean, harmful bacteria can linger. Some germs survive multiple rounds of disinfectant, especially if cleaning protocols are inconsistent. Studies show that wiping surfaces with 70% alcohol reduces contamination by up to 80%, but not all materials handle alcohol well. For example, therapy bed manufacturers warn that alcohol-based cleaners can weaken vinyl, causing it to crack over time.

Many therapy beds aren’t cleaned as often or as thoroughly as they should be. Using a single-use protective barrier, like disposable covers, ensures better hygiene between clients. Physical barriers not only prevent cross-contamination but also give clients visible reassurance that surfaces are clean.

The Overlooked Risk of Towels

Towels may look fresh after washing, but their damp, absorbent nature makes them a hotspot for bacteria. If not handled properly, they can spread germs instead of removing them. Using proper washing techniques and high-temperature drying is key to keeping towels truly clean.

Maintaining salon hygiene is about more than just following guidelines—it’s about building trust with clients, protecting their health, and ensuring your business thrives.

Tips for Maintaining Salon Hygiene

Keeping your salon clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about client safety, business reputation, and overall professionalism. A well-maintained salon reassures clients that they’re in a hygienic and safe space. Here’s how to stay on top of cleanliness.

Cleaning Between Appointments

Every client deserves a fresh, sanitized space. Quick but thorough cleaning between appointments keeps germs at bay and ensures a seamless experience.

• Disinfect Tools After Every Use – Soak metal tools in a hospital-grade disinfectant to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Disposable tools should be replaced after each client.
• Sanitize Surfaces – Wipe down workstations, chairs, door handles, and payment terminals with an effective disinfectant.
• Use Eco-Friendly Products – Opt for biodegradable cleaning solutions and reusable cloths for a cleaner salon and a healthier planet.

Daily Cleaning Routine

A solid daily cleaning routine keeps dirt and germs from piling up. Start and end each day with a set of must-do tasks:

• Morning Prep – Sweep and mop floors, wipe down high-touch surfaces, and ensure fresh towels and linens are stocked.
• End-of-Day Checklist – Disinfect all workstations, clean sinks, empty trash cans, and ensure all tools are properly stored and sanitized.
• Regular Dusting and Floor Checks – Pay attention to floor corners, baseboards, and behind furniture, where dust and nail debris can accumulate.

Proper Training for Salon Hygiene

Even the best cleaning protocols won’t work if staff aren’t properly trained. Make sure everyone understands the importance of hygiene and follows the correct procedures.

• Educate Staff on Cleaning Products – Different surfaces and tools require different disinfectants. Ensure employees know which products to use and how to handle them safely.
• Schedule Regular Training Sessions – Hygiene standards evolve, and so should your team’s knowledge. Hold refresher courses and training drills to keep everyone on track.

Key Hygiene Dos and Don’ts

Even small lapses in cleanliness can affect your salon’s reputation and safety. Stick to these best practices to maintain a spotless environment.

Salon Hygiene Dos

• Sterilize All Tools – Non-disposable tools should be properly disinfected after each use to prevent contamination.
• Clean Equipment After Each Client – Foot spas, nail dryers, and other shared equipment should be wiped down and sanitized immediately.
• Organize Workstations – A clutter-free space isn’t just visually appealing—it also minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.
• Deep Clean Regularly – Schedule deep cleaning sessions for carpets, walls, and ventilation systems to prevent dust and bacteria buildup.

Salon Hygiene Don’ts

• Leaving Smears and Smudges – Dirty mirrors, glass surfaces, or counters make the salon look unprofessional. Wipe them down frequently.
• Letting Trash Pile Up – Overflowing bins create odors and attract pests. Empty them regularly throughout the day.
• Ignoring Hidden Germ Hotspots – Door handles, armrests, and product bottles often go unnoticed but should be sanitized frequently.
• Overloading Staff with Cleaning Duties – While everyone should contribute, professional cleaning services can help maintain deep sanitation.

A clean salon isn’t just about looking good—it’s a reflection of your professionalism and commitment to client safety. By following these hygiene tips, you’ll create a safe, welcoming space that keeps clients coming back.

Salon Hygiene Checklist – What to Inspect Before Your Appointment

A Well-Groomed Salon Professional Matters

Just as we trust experienced trainers at the gym, a salon professional’s appearance speaks volumes about their standards. A well-groomed stylist not only creates a more pleasant experience but also sets the tone for hygiene.

Beyond looks, cleanliness is essential—hands can transfer bacteria just as easily as tools. Make sure your stylist follows proper hygiene practices to minimize risks.

Styling Tools Must Be Sanitized

Combs, brushes, and scissors should be properly disinfected between clients to prevent the spread of dandruff, lice, and other concerns. While high-end salons prioritize sanitation, smaller or budget-friendly salons may overlook this step. Always check that tools are cleaned before use.

Towels and Linens Should Be Fresh

Using an unwashed towel from a previous client is not only unpleasant but also unhygienic. Stains from hair dye or henna may be understandable, but towels should always be properly laundered. Make sure any fabric that touches your skin is clean and fresh.

Mani-Pedi Equipment Must Be Sterilized

Nail tools can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly sanitized. It only takes a few minutes to sterilize manicure and pedicure equipment, yet neglecting this step can lead to infections like nail fungus. Always ask about sterilization procedures before your service begins.

Check the Quality of Beauty Products

In today’s world, clients are more aware of their rights and the importance of quality products. However, it’s easy to overlook product quality in a rush. Always ask your stylist about the brands they use and check for expiration dates. The products applied to your skin and hair can impact your overall well-being, so don’t hesitate to inquire.

Paying attention to these hygiene factors ensures a safer and more enjoyable salon experience. Prioritize cleanliness and choose a salon that values proper hygiene practices.

Methods of Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization in Salons

Maintaining a clean and sanitized salon is essential for the safety of both clients and staff. Implementing the right hygiene practices ensures a professional environment while minimizing health risks. Below are the best methods for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing salon furniture, surfaces, and equipment.

Salon Furniture

Most salon chairs, stools, and treatment beds are covered in PVC or vinyl, making them relatively easy to clean. However, it’s important to use appropriate cleaning products to avoid damaging the material. Avoid ethanol-based cleaners, as they can weaken the fabric over time.

Regularly clean and disinfect salon furniture to remove bacteria and germs. For treatment beds, always use disposable couch rolls to create a protective barrier between the surface and the client. Replace the roll after each appointment to maintain hygiene standards.

Salon Surfaces

Work surfaces should be wiped down frequently to prevent contamination. A good practice is to clean them at least once daily and after each treatment session. This helps keep the space looking neat and ensures a hygienic environment for every client.

Use a disinfectant spray to clean surfaces thoroughly, removing both dirt and bacteria. For added convenience, opt for alcohol-free disinfectant wipes to quickly sanitize plastic carts, trolleys, phones, keyboards, and cash registers—common hotspots for bacteria buildup.

Salon Equipment

For disinfecting beauty tools and salon equipment, barbicide is one of the most effective solutions. Unlike general disinfectants that target specific microorganisms, barbicide eliminates a wide range of bacteria and viruses.

Barbicide is sold as a concentrate and must be diluted with water before use. After washing tools with soap and water, submerge them in the prepared barbicide solution for ten minutes. For manicure and pedicure instruments, scrub them with a brush and soapy water before soaking. Once disinfected, rinse the tools, dry them with a paper towel, and store them in a clean, airtight container.

For electrical tools such as styling irons and facial machines, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some devices require dry sanitation methods instead of liquid disinfectants to prevent damage.

Infection Control Techniques in Salons

Salons can be high-risk environments for bacteria and viruses, making proper infection control a priority. Below are three essential cleaning tools that can help maintain hygiene more effectively.

1. Salon Sterilizers and Autoclaves

Sterilizers and autoclaves are essential for ensuring metal tools are completely free from bacteria. These devices provide the highest level of sterilization in a salon setting. Before placing tools in an autoclave, make sure they are thoroughly washed to remove any residue or debris.

2. Floor Cleaning Machines

Keeping salon floors clean is crucial for maintaining air quality, reducing the spread of bacteria, and ensuring a polished appearance. Unlike traditional mopping, electric floor scrubbers provide a deeper clean without trapping bacteria in dirty mop water.

Electric floor scrubbers also leave floors dry and streak-free, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Compared to mopping, they offer a faster and more effective way to maintain a hygienic salon space.

3. Steam Cleaners

Steam cleaners are one of the most powerful tools for sterilizing surfaces without chemicals. Steam kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs, making it a highly effective sanitation method. Unlike chemical disinfectants, steam cleaning prevents microbial resistance, ensuring long-term hygiene benefits.

Enhancing Salon Communication with GoodCall

Maintaining salon hygiene isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s also about clear communication with clients and staff. GoodCall helps salons streamline their customer interactions, ensuring seamless appointment scheduling, hygiene updates, and automated reminders.

Automated Appointment Reminders

Keeping a clean salon means managing traffic efficiently. With GoodCall’s AI-powered platform, you can send automated appointment confirmations and reminders, reducing no-shows and giving your team enough time to sanitize workstations between clients.

Contactless Check-Ins and Customer Updates

Minimize in-person touchpoints by using GoodCall’s automated system for virtual check-ins. Clients can confirm arrivals via text or voice, ensuring a smooth, hygienic flow in your salon. You can also send quick updates about cleaning procedures, reinforcing your commitment to safety.

Efficient Staff Communication

A well-maintained salon relies on teamwork. GoodCall’s AI-driven platform makes it easy to send instant notifications about cleaning schedules, product restocks, or sanitation protocols—keeping everyone on the same page without disrupting service.

By integrating GoodCall into your salon operations, you not only enhance hygiene but also create a seamless, professional experience for both staff and clients.

Wrap-Up!

Salon hygiene is more than just a detail—it’s essential for your health and overall experience. From clean tools and fresh towels to properly sterilized equipment, every aspect plays a role in preventing infections and ensuring a safe environment.

Before booking an appointment, take a moment to assess the salon’s hygiene practices. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request fresh tools and linens. A professional salon should always prioritize cleanliness and client safety.

By staying aware and choosing a salon that upholds high hygiene standards, you can enjoy your treatments with confidence, knowing your well-being is in good hands.