How to Use an Autoclave for Manicurists
Introduction
Autoclaves are excellent for sterilizing tools. They are very useful for manicurists who need to sterilize their equipment quickly and easily. Autoclaves are more effective at killing microbes and spores than regular boiling water because they raise water’s boiling point and then they boil the water at its new boiling point. This new temperature is hot enough to sterilize materials properly and quickly. There are many different models of autoclaves so read the instructions that come with your autoclave for directions that apply to your own version.
Difficulty: Easy
Things You'll Need:
- Heat-proof gloves
Instructions
Step 1
Turn the drain valve knob on the bottom of the machine to its closed position. Open the autoclave door and pour hot water inside until the front reservoir lip. This will be about one gallon of water.
Step 2
Place all manicure tools that need to be sterilized onto the shelf inside the autoclave. Close the autoclave door and push downwards on its long handle to lock it. Adjust the exhaust switch to allow for slow or fast exhaust depending on what materials you are sterilizing. Most manicure materials will require fast exhaust.
Step 3
Set the timer. Small-volume machines need around 15 minutes and larger volume machines need about an hour. Setting the timer begins the autoclave’s sterilization cycle.
Step 4
Open the autoclave door once the time and pressure indicator have both reached zero. Keep your hands and face away from where the steam emerging at the top of the door can burn you. Put on heat-proof gloves and take out the newly sterilized items.
Step 5
Rinse the glassware with hot water. Turn the drain valve knob to the open position. Empty the water from inside the autoclave.
Tip
Check the instruction manual of your autoclave for further instructions.
Warning
Newly sterilized items are very hot so handle them with care.
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