What are the steps involved in the proper cleaning and disinfecting of whirlpool foot spas and air jet basins after each client?

14) List the steps for cleaning and disinfecting whirlpool, air-jet, and pipeless foot spas after eachclient.1) Put on gloves and safety glasses. 2) Drain all water inside the pedicure basin. 3) Remove allcovers from impellers and other removable components according to the manufacturersinstructions. 4) Scrub all of the removable covers, impellers, and areas behind each with liquidsoap, a clean, disinfected brush, and clean warm water to remove all visible residue. These stepsare done at the end of each day for whirlpool and air-jet basins. 5) Rinse and replace the screenand other removable parts. 6) Clean all visible residue from the inside walls of the basin with aclean, disinfected brush, liquid soap, and clean, warm water. Brushes must be cleaned after eachuse. 7) Rinse the basin again with clean, warm water and drain. 8) Refill with clean, warm water.9) Measure the correct amount of EPA registered hospital disinfectant and add to water insidebasin. 10) Circulatethe disinfectant through the basin for 10 minutes or the length of the timeindicated on the label. 11) Clean and disinfect all external parts and surfaces. 12) Drain, and rinsewith clean, warm water and dry with a clean paper towel. 13) Record the disinfectant informationinto the salon’s logbook if required by state law or by salon policy. After each client, you alsoneed to circulate chelating detergent through the foot spas at the end of every day. Chelatingsoaps break down stubborn films and help remove pedicure product residues. First, put on safetyglasses and gloves. Remove screens and any movable parts if they can be removed. Clean thescreens and the other removable parts and areas behind them with a clean, disinfected brush,liquid soap, and water to remove all visible residue. After that replace the parts again. Fill basinwith warm water and chelating detergent. Circulate the detergent through the system for 5 to 10minutes, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If excessive roaming occurs, discontinue the

About this fact sheet

Foot spas (foot baths with a whirlpool action or water jets) need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the growth and spread of disease-causing microorganisms. Microorganisms can grow on moist, unclean, or contaminated surfaces.

Foot spas have been linked to bacterial outbreaks, particularly non-tuberculous mycobacteria, which can cause skin infections and inflammation of the lymph nodes. Poor cleaning and disinfection practices can lead to a build-up of contaminants (dirt, skin, and organic material) in the filters and jets, allowing microorganisms to multiply and recirculate in the foot spa water.

To minimise the spread of infectious diseases, a single-use disposable foot spa liner can be used. Operators need to check clients’ feet for signs of broken skin (for example, blisters) or infection (for example, tinea) and if found, the procedure should not be performed.

Foot spas must be cleaned and disinfected between each client and at the end of the day.

How to clean and disinfect a foot spa?

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and disinfection.

After each client:

1. Drain the water from the foot spa.
2. Clean the surfaces of the foot spa with detergent and warm water using a clean cloth or single-use towel to remove all contamination.
3. Disinfect by spraying the foot spa with a hospital grade disinfectant.
4. Re-circulating 'air-jet' spas need to be disinfected by circulating clean water and disinfectant following the manufacturer's instructions.
5. After disinfection, wipe the foot spa dry using a clean lint free cloth. A different clean cloth should be used after each new client.

At the end of the day:

1. Remove the foot spa components (inlet jets, filter screen) using gloves and thoroughly scrub the foot spa and components with a brush, warm water and a suitable cleaning agent.
2. Immerse the filter and other components in a hospital grade disinfectant solution for at least 10 minutes.
3. Rinse the foot spa and components with clean water and re-assemble.
4. Re-fill with clean water and disinfectant. For re-circulating 'air-jet' spas the disinfectant solution must be circulated for the contact time set by the manufacturer, or for at least 10 minutes. A longer contact time is more likely to kill bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms.
5. After disinfecting, drain, rinse and dry.
6. Store the foot spa in a clean, dry and dust free area.
7. Any re-useable cloths should be washed in detergent and hot water and dried thoroughly.

Once a week:

The foot spa and all of it components must be soaked in disinfectant overnight.

Chemical storage

Cleaning products and other chemicals should always be stored in their original containers, with their lids closed, in line with the manufacturer's directions, and work health and safety requirements. A copy of the safety data sheet should be available in the business.

Further advice

• Contact your local council.
• Contact your local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 066 055.

What is used for cleaning and disinfecting whirlpool foot baths?

When disinfecting a whirlpool foot spa you must circulate the disinfectant for?

What solution is used to disinfect foot spa basin after each use?

What must be done to a foot spa after each client?