The Essential Salon Cleaning Checklist

Keeping your salon clean and hygienic is not optional but required for creating a space that’s welcoming and safe for your clients. As we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, a poorly cleaned salon environment can increase the spread of potentially dangerous illnesses lingering in the air and on surfaces. On top of that, salons that don’t follow the carefully laid-out health guidelines risk fines from the state board and even closure. So what we’re saying is: take cleaning seriously at all costs. It could mean the difference between a thriving salon and a business on the brink. We’re here to help!

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What You’ll Need

It’s crucial that you have a well-stocked arsenal of salon cleaning supplies at all times, including disinfectants that kill viruses and bacteria such as HIV-1, hepatitis B and C, staphylococcus (including MRSA), salmonella, influenza and viral illnesses like COVID-19. Always choose disinfectants that are EPA-registered and labeled antimicrobial. You’ll also need basic cleaning supplies, such as brooms and vacuums, to keep your space looking tidy and to prepare surfaces for disinfecting.

• Disinfectant spray
• Disinfectant concentrate
• Disinfectant jars
• Spray bottles for cleaners
• Glass and mirror cleaner
• Surface cleaners
• UV sanitizers
• Gloves
• Face masks
• Brooms
• Vacuum
• Trash cans
• Hand sanitizer
• Antimicrobial soap
• Paper towels
• Clean towels

Salon Cleaning Checklist

Now that your supply closet is well-stocked, it’s time to talk about how to use supplies to ensure a clean, fresh space for employees and guests. Technique and the order in which you do certain cleaning tasks will make a huge difference in keeping your space as fresh and clean as possible. For example, you’ll need to clean off all product and solution from your shampoo bowl before wiping it down with disinfectant, as the surface products can prevent the disinfectant from properly sanitizing surfaces. 

• Dispose of all trash and single-use personal protective equipment. 
• Hang signage at the front door indicating mask policies and post signs reminding employees and visitors to wash and sanitize hands.
• After each use, first clean and then disinfect all equipment, including each pedicure chair, manicure table, station and shampoo bowl.
• After each use, soak all barber and styling tools in a disinfectant cleaner, such as Barbicide, in a disinfectant jar.
• Wipe down all soft surfaces such as chairs with warm water and a towel or even try a cleaner that is safe on vinyl (such as Ship-Shape). 
• Wipe down all hard surfaces after each use, including salon stations, mirrors, reception counters, computer keyboards, product containers, shelving, rolling carts, hand mirrors, brushes, combs and hair tools.
• Provide access to single-use items such as disposable gloves, towels, capes and masks and replenish them throughout the day.
• Wash all reusable towels, capes, etc. after each use with hot water and a sanitizing laundry detergent.
• Consider using disposable biodegradable single-use products such as Easydry towels and capes
• Be sure to properly store all chemicals safely and out of the public’s reach.
• Disinfect the reception seating area after each visitor enters. Disinfect reception desk, waiting area, computer, credit card machine, pens, etc.
• Dispose of any towels, cloths or items used to clean up spills.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces in the restroom.
• Restock soap and paper towels in the restroom. 
• Empty all trash cans multiple times throughout the day.
• Quickly clean all clippings using a broom and vacuum.
• Thoroughly sweep, vacuum and mop the floors at the end of the day.
• Wipe down walls, mirrors, baseboards and desks at the end of the day.

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Make sure you have a copy on hand of your state board’s infection control standards, but know that these are usually just the bare minimum. In addition to cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces for cleanliness and to control the spread of illness, you want to create a neat, clutter-free environment that’s warm and welcoming for all clients. The result is a healthy, thriving environment filled with happy guests and employees.