New Jersey Cosmetology and Hairstyling Practice Exam

What type of disinfectant is commonly used for manicure implements?

1. An alcohol-based disinfectant

2. An EPA-registered hospital grade disinfectant

3. A diluted bleach solution

4. An antibacterial soap

The correct answer is: An EPA-registered hospital grade disinfectant

The commonly used type of disinfectant for manicure implements is an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant. This is due to its effectiveness in killing a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which is essential in a salon setting to ensure the safety and health of clients. These disinfectants meet strict standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, demonstrating their suitability for use in environments where tools are shared and could potentially transmit pathogens. In contrast, while alcohol-based disinfectants can be useful for surface sanitizing, they may not be as effective when dealing with a wide variety of pathogens, particularly in a salon that requires high standards of hygiene. A diluted bleach solution can be corrosive to metal implements and might not be safe for all surfaces. Antibacterial soap, while good for hand washing, does not disinfect tools and implements in the manner required for salon sanitation standards, making it an inadequate choice for this purpose. Therefore, using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant is the most appropriate and safest option for ensuring that all manicure implements are properly sanitized and disinfected.