Autoclave

An autoclave works like a very precise pressure cooker. Tools are washed to remove visible debris, dried, and sealed in pouches. The pouches go into the chamber, the door locks, and pressurised steam is held at a set temperature for a set time long enough to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores on every surface it reaches. The cycle ends with drying, and the pouches stay sealed until opened for a client.

It is the standard for reusable metal tools such as nippers, scissors and tweezers. A UV cabinet or a jar of disinfectant is not a substitute: those disinfect at best and do not sterilise. Cleaning first matters as much as the cycle, because steam cannot reach under dried-on debris.

What to ask: is there an autoclave, when was the kit last run through it, and is there a record. At Hamd Beauty, after every client day the metal tools are washed, sealed in pouches and sterilised in an autoclave, and each cycle is logged against the numbered kit with its date, time and indicator result.