I’ve asked salon operators this question: If you run out of everyday bed/goggle-cleaning solution, do you have a substitute product? “Cleaning” solution is a misnomer – since it kills pathogens, you really need to call it disinfectant. With COVID-19 still a daily concern, we all need our facilities to be as clean as possible.
Robert Ashe, owner of Sun Seekers in Stratham, NH says that he always re-orders bed disinfectant when his supply is about half gone. “I would not consider being out of tanning bed disinfectant!” he exclaims, citing three main reasons: 1) he doesn’t want to use any chemical on his acrylic shields that would harm them and block UV transmission; 2) he doesn’t want to risk irritating his tanners’ skin with products not made for skin contact; and 3) he wants to ensure the solution is killing any pathogens and other possibly transmitted diseases. Perfect answer, Robert!
Many salon operators are unaware that acrylics can’t be exposed to any product containing alcohol or ammonia, as these agents (and many similar compounds) will affect the transmission of UV light to the tanner.
Many salon operators are unaware that acrylics can’t be exposed to any product containing alcohol or ammonia, as these agents (and many similar compounds) will cloud the material and affect the transmission of UV light to the tanner. So, using Lysol, rubbing alcohol, vinegar with water or Barbicide (a common beauty salon disinfectant) could ruin an acrylic shield, even if the solutions are diluted. Many products might sanitize a surface, but they don’t meet hospital disinfection standards and aren’t meant for contact with skin or acrylic material. And keep this in mind: you are required by law to use a hospital-grade disinfectant certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on any surface in the salon that someone will stand on with bare feet or lay down on naked, and you can be subject to local fines if you don’t.
The second big factor to consider is possible skin irritation from contact with chemicals not made for cleaning tanning beds. Remember that you are asking people to lay on the freshly-cleaned acrylic shield that may have chemical residue on it. When mixed according to directions, sunbed disinfectants are designed to be non-irritating to the skin.
The third factor is ensuring every tanner lays on a germ-free sunbed! Always check the label to see that it says “For use in tanning spas or tanning salons.” Furthermore, if you use it for soaking goggles, the label should also state that it can be used on protective eyewear.
You are required to disinfect sunbeds with a product made for use in tanning salons. A salon operator suggested diluted anti-bacterial hand soap for sunbed disinfectant; although this would potentially handle the anti-bacterial and skin contact aspects, hand soap meets the EPA’s cleaning product standards, and could contain chemicals that would damage the acrylic shield.
Lisa Saavedra, Director of Brand Development at Devoted Creations, exclaims, “I am a huge fan of the new Lucasol 222 RTU! Not only does it require no mixing, it also kills COVID in 60 seconds! I recommend using this on everything – counters, doors, bathroom surfaces, any high-traffic and high-touch areas. During a time when effective cleaning in salons has never been more important, this product makes it quicker and easier.”
One Florida salon operator suggests always having extra bed disinfectant on hand. “A tanning salon can’t run out of disinfectant cleaner formulated just for sunbeds and goggles!” exclaims Rhonda Massey Shaffer Culligan, of Coral Springs. “There is no other ‘safe’ option for killing viruses on surfaces and cleaning acrylic shields while protecting your tanners’ skin from possible irritation. Like having cash in your cash drawer and fresh towels for your guests, it is an essential item for running a compliant tanning salon,” she concludes.
