- July 17, 2018
- Nail care
- Ksenia Stepanishcheva
Many germs accumulate on manicure devices, so they need to be sterilized. The procedure eliminates bacteria, spores, hepatitis viruses, and HIV. Glasperlene sterilizer for manicure tools is great for professionals who perform manicures at home or in small salons. The rules for operating the device are described in the article.
Why is sterilization required?
Manicure tools come into contact with the skin, so their treatment is considered mandatory. If this procedure is not performed in a salon or by a professional at home, then you should not perform a manicure there.
Sterilization is necessary to protect against viral and bacterial infections and fungi. An improperly processed device can lead to infection with hepatitis C or AIDS. Because of this, you will need to spend a lot of money and effort on treating the disease. When performing a manicure yourself, you also need to perform this treatment.
What tools need to be processed?
Masters have a set of devices that are used to process nails before applying a decorative coating. Disinfection is needed for instruments that come into contact with skin and nails. This applies to:
- nail scissors;
- wire cutter;
- pusher;
- nail brushes;
- baffy, files;
- manicure table, roller and bath;
- LED or UV lamps for design;
- reusable forms for nail extensions.
It is also necessary to treat the room where the procedure is performed. The hands of the master and the client must be clean. Only in sterile conditions will a manicure be safe.
Device
The operation and design of most glasperlene sterilizers for manicure instruments are very similar. All devices are presented in the form of a plastic or metal box with a lid. Under the outer casing there is a glass made of heat-resistant material filled with glasperlen balls.
Near the heat-resistant container there is a heating spiral element, from which the set temperature is transferred to the glass filler. The hot balls come into contact with the surface of the instruments and perform sterilization. The device heats the balls up to 250 degrees. According to reviews, this device is one of the most popular among manicurists.
Types of glasperlene sterilizers for manicure instruments
- Tau Quartz 500 . Italian ball glasperlene sterilizer, the price of which is in the middle range. Depending on the volume of the flask, it is available in two types. Typically used in dentistry, surgery and cosmetology to sterilize scalpels and cutters, but also suitable for nail salons. Able to withstand the temperature for a long time, which is 230 °C. You can buy it in professional dental equipment stores.
- Ultratech SD-780 . A ball sterilizer, also belonging to the middle price segment. Manufacturer – Russia, Moscow. It is distinguished by a fairly fast heating time - 15–20 minutes, as well as the presence of a ceramic flask instead of a metal one. It has the compact dimensions of a cube with a side of 10 cm, heats up to 280 °C and has a non-stop function. Recommended for use in beauty salons and beauty salons with a large number of clients.
- ruNail RU-505 . This is a domestically produced Glasperlene sterilization device for manicure instruments, which belongs to the low price segment. Perfect for use at home. It is compact, pleasant to look at, with a simple plastic body that is easy to care for. Heats up to 250 °C in 25–30 minutes and has a 3-month warranty from the manufacturer (return offices are located in Moscow and St. Petersburg).
- Irisk . These are low-price ball sterilizers, available in two modifications. Models differ in design (can be seen in the photo), heating time (10–15 minutes versus 20–25 minutes) and tool processing time (20–30 seconds versus 25–35 seconds). Both devices heat up to 250 °C and, due to the small size of the flask, are recommended for use in home beauty salons. The country of origin is China, the trademark belongs to the USA.
- TNL . This glasperlene sterilizer, produced in South Korea, has the lowest price and is a bestseller in many professional stores in Moscow. It heats up to 250°C in 25-30 minutes and sterilizes the instrument in 5-10 seconds. It has a plastic body that will protect you from burns and is easy to clean. Recommended for use at home for sterilizing manicure equipment: nail files, nippers, tongs, scissors, cutters.
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Advantages
A ball sterilizer has the following advantages:
- The instruments are immersed in the sterilization medium within a few seconds. The short processing time is due to the high temperature created by glasperlene.
- Thanks to its small dimensions, the device can be easily transported.
- Operating the device is not difficult.
- Processing of instruments will be more gentle compared to chemical and steam. The devices last longer and need to be sharpened less often.
- After processing, you can use the necessary tools. Cooling lasts 30-60 seconds.
- The duration of cooling of the balls in the switched off closed sterilizer is 60 minutes. This is necessary to warm up the device for processing in a short period.
- The duration of operation is up to a year.
According to reviews, the Glasperlene sterilizer is easy to use. If you follow the operating rules, the device will be an excellent assistant for a long time.
Flaws
But glasperlene sterilizers for manicure instruments also have disadvantages:
- Only the working part of the device is placed in the glasperlene medium. The handle located above the layer of balls is not sterilized.
- Due to the small capacity of the device, the dimensions of the processed tools are limited: the device can be used for small objects.
- Due to the high temperature, only metal instruments can be sterilized in the device: wire cutters, scissors, tweezers, pushers. The remaining materials melt.
Terms of use
The instructions for the Glasperlene sterilizer are simple. Placed devices must be treated with a disinfectant solution or manicure disinfectant. The tools must be dried: moisture will make the balls and metal container unusable.
How to properly sterilize manicure instruments? This procedure is simple, you just need to follow some rules. Sterilization of hairdressing equipment and manicure instruments is performed as follows:
- You should find in the instructions how long it takes to sterilize the necessary instruments.
- The device plug is inserted into the socket.
- The lid must be closed.
- Then the power button is pressed.
- You should wait for the warm-up time indicated in the instructions. Usually it is 12-15 minutes. When the desired temperature is reached, the light goes off. The presence of a glowing green LED indicates that the temperature is insufficient and warming up is in progress.
- You need to open the cover of the device.
- Manicure devices must be placed in glasperlen balls so that they do not touch the bottom and walls of the metal container. Nippers and scissors should be placed open to contact the cutting surfaces of the tools.
- Accessories must be in the sterilizer for the time specified in the instructions.
- After this, you should immediately use the manicure devices: they should not be stored, since only the working end will be sterile.
The ball sterilizer is stored away from heat sources. Compliance with operating rules allows for high-quality processing of devices.
User manual
When using for the first time after purchase, be sure to read the instructions for the device.
Step-by-step use of glasperlene sterilizer:
- When using for the first time, pour the balls into the device.
- Connect to the mains.
- Close the lid and press the power button.
- Wait until the balls are completely heated. The time is indicated in the instructions for the device - most often it is 12-15 minutes. Once the temperature reaches the maximum, the indicator light will turn off or change color.
- Open the lid and lower the tools so that they do not touch the bottom and walls. If the cutters are being sterilized, “sink” them into balls using tweezers. Scissors and nippers are immersed open so that the balls have access to the cutting parts.
- Leave the tools for the time specified in the instructions for the device - from 5 to 40 seconds.
- Use tools for their intended purpose immediately after removal.
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Replacing balls
Before using Glasperlene sterilizer for manicure instruments, the suitability of the Glasperlene medium must be checked. If the balls change color or become cloudy, they are replaced with new ones. Old material cannot accumulate and release heat and does not disinfect.
It is important that the sterilization medium fills the metal cup 2/3 full. The device requires 1-1.5 packs of Glasperlene. How often do balls need to be replaced? This should be done at the following frequency:
- When signs of unsuitability are detected.
- Monthly when the device is used for a long time.
- If the load is average, then every six months.
- The balls can be used for no more than a year.
To extend the service life of the sterilization medium, every 1-3 months the balls should be washed with a 5% solution of baking soda and then with running water. The balls are placed in a sterilizer after complete drying. When used correctly, the device for processing hairdressing equipment and manicure devices will work smoothly.
Cautions and replacement of filler
It is worth remembering that sterilization in equipment with glasperlene filler is subject to pre-treated and dried objects with disinfectants, because Excess moisture trapped in the balls leads to their unusability and damages the internal heat-resistant container.
Storage of equipment is permissible at room temperature, avoiding proximity to heating systems and other sources of heat radiation.
Procedure for replacing the filler
The filler from the balls is replaced when they change their color (for example, they turn yellow or become cloudy).
The filler in the device, which is used during long hours of daily work, is also subject to monthly replacement. The average load allows use for up to 0.5 years.
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The maximum permissible service life of the balls, regardless of their use, is 1 year.
To replace, about 1-1.5 packages of glasperlene are required, which allows you to fill a heat-resistant container to the required volume - at least 2/3 of the inner glass.
You can extend the life of the filler by treating the balls with baking soda, for which every 1-3 months you make a solution with a concentration of 5% (5 g of soda per 100 ml of water), immerse the balls in it, wash them thoroughly and rinse with running water. Only completely dried glasperlene is loaded back.
Best models
Various sterilizers are produced, so it is not so easy to make a choice. To make this easier, you should familiarize yourself with the best devices:
- Ultratech SD-780. The device is made in Russia. The outer panel is made of metal, and the inner bulb is made of ceramic. Ceramics serve for a long time, do not deteriorate from corrosion, and also protect against sticking of the glasperlen filler to the walls and bottom of the container. The temperature of the Glasperlene sterilizer heats up to 250 degrees in 15 minutes. The device cools down to a safe temperature in 20 minutes. It automatically maintains operating temperature. Sterilization is carried out in 15-20 seconds.
- Thermoest. The device has 2 modifications. The operating temperature is 190-290 degrees. The devices differ in power (up to 220 and up to 320 W), readiness time (25 and 30 minutes), and filler weight (170 and 270 g). The duration of disinfection is 20 seconds.
- Tau-quartz-500. An Italian device used in nail salons. The maximum operating temperature is 230 degrees. Large size of the metal flask located inside: height 5 cm, diameter 6.2 cm. Processing time - 10-15 seconds.
- Tool sterilizer. The budget device is suitable for home use. The temperature is 250 degrees. Warming up occurs after 12 minutes, and the processing time is 30 seconds.
Rating of glasperlene sterilizers
Glasperlene sterilizers are practically the same from each other from a functional point of view, but may have different heating temperatures, appearance and prices.
1st place RU-505
The first place in the top 10 best ball sterilizers for 2020 should be given to the model of the famous Russian brand RUNAIL - RU-505. A high-quality device, small in size, but distinguished by its high performance and service life. It can become an excellent home assistant or an indispensable equipment for any beauty salon.
The device does not require large amounts of electricity (power 55 W), and is distinguished by a durable white plastic case with turquoise inserts, which in turn is equipped with a lid and operating mode indicators.
It is not difficult to manage, maintain and maintain. ruNail RU-505 is capable of heating quartz beads up to 250 degrees. Among analogues in terms of performance, it is one of the inexpensive devices.
Advantages:
- long warranty period;
- high performance;
- operates at high temperature - 250 °C;
- suitable for many areas of use;
- compact, which allows you to place it even on your desktop;
- the case cover is equipped with high-quality fixation;
- high-strength plastic housing.
Flaws:
- No obvious shortcomings were identified in the ruNail RU-505 model. It is worth remembering that despite the fact that in comparison with analogues it costs less, to purchase it you will still have to pay more than 2,000 rubles.
2nd place ThermoEst CC-01
According to dentists, one of the best is the ThermoEst CC-01 model from the Russian manufacturer Geosoft, which represents a company specializing in the production of dental equipment.
The device is intended for dry disinfection of all-metal (without cavities, channels and locking parts) instruments used in dentistry and acupuncture therapy. In fact, ThermoEst CC-01 is a high-quality medical device for heat treatment of devices that come into contact with the skin of patients.
Dry heat treatment is carried out under heating to a temperature in the range of 190-290 degrees. The maximum duration of the sterilization process is 180 seconds, and the time required to heat the device from the mains is 25 minutes.
The device has a square shape and has compact dimensions - 10 x 10 x 11 cm (chamber diameter 5.3 cm). The device is characterized by an average weight of 1.5 kg and economical energy consumption of 70 W.
Advantages:
- registration certificate of Roszdravnadzor, developed by Russian specialists under the supervision of Israeli doctors;
- high maximum heating temperature of glasperlene filler – 290 °C;
- quick heating of the device until temperature stabilization (25 minutes) and only three minutes for the heat treatment process itself;
- simplicity and ease of use
Flaws:
- the price is unusually high for a glasperlene sterilizer - more than 15,000 rubles.
3rd place Professional ABC
According to cosmetologists and manicurists/pedicurists, the Professional ABC model from the American/Chinese brand IRISK should be included in the top three glasperlene sterilizers of 2021.
The device is designed for dry disinfection of small manicure equipment and is suitable for both personal use and cosmetology establishments with a limited number of clients.
First of all, this is a device that belongs to the category of inexpensive and affordable devices (up to 1000 rubles) with good quality of operation. The device does not have a particularly high maximum temperature threshold - 180 degrees, but at the same time completely cleans the smooth surfaces of stainless steel appliances.
The device comes with a bag of quartz beads sufficient to fill the flask once. The sterilizer does not look cheap, it is made of durable plastic with a well-fixed lid. The device operates from the mains (power 100W), has a durable plug, a power button and a bright green indicator.
Advantages:
- durable body, bulb and plug, well-fixed lid and pleasant appearance;
- long service life, manufacturer's warranty;
- presence of glasperlene balls in the kit;
- affordable (less than 1000 rubles);
- lightweight and small-sized;
- with keep warm function.
Flaws:
- not suitable for beauty salons with large client flows;
- The maximum temperature of the balls is lower than that of many similar sterilizers (180 °C).
4th place Sterilizer XDQ-501
The model of the device for sterilizing instruments Sterilizer XDQ-501 from China is called the best “home assistant” in the field of personal care. The device is recommended for use at home to disinfect small manicure and pedicure accessories made of stainless steel or for private manicurists serving a small number of clients.
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Sterilizer XDQ-501 has compact dimensions, a plastic case with a lid, a power button, a heating temperature of quartz beads of 250 degrees, a heating time from the mains of 30 minutes and a maximum duration of the sterilization process of 20 seconds. Important features of the presented model are the availability of several body color options and affordability.
Advantages:
- high quartz heating threshold – 250 °C;
- the best option for home use;
- quick process of preparing inventory for processing;
- body made of heat-resistant plastic;
- presence of a light indicator;
- the package includes quartz balls;
- does not dull the tool;
- inexpensive prices (less than 1000 rubles).
Flaws:
- the kit does not include instructions in Russian;
- The device is intended only for small items.
5th place Tau Quartz 500
In fifth place in the ranking of high-quality ball sterilizers is the model of the Italian brand Tau Steril - Tau Quartz 500. A powerful dry-heat device (170 W), used in dentistry and other fields of activity where complete processing of metal instruments is required. Considering the functionality and quality of the device, it is recommended for sterilization of orthomedical, surgical and cosmetic equipment.
Tau Quartz 500 is a square-shaped metal case with dimensions of 13 x 16 x 13.5 cm. On the outside, the device is equipped with a lid and a control panel, and inside there is a sterilization container with a diameter of 6.2 cm and a height of 5 cm.
Heat treatment of small products is carried out at a temperature of 230 degrees. The time of one cycle is affected by the area of application of the instrument: mirrors and probes - 2 s., endodontic needles and files - 5 s., surgical instruments - 10 s.
Advantages:
- can be used for beauty salons and general medical offices;
- fast processing time up to 10 seconds;
- high quality branded device;
- there is a registration certificate from Roszdravnadzor (in it it is marked as a dry-heat oven);
- includes a package of quartz balls:
- compact and powerful.
Flaws:
- expensive device on average 12,000 rubles;
- heavyweight device (2 kg).
Other varieties
There are other types of sterilizers that have their own characteristics. A UV sterilizer is in demand. According to experts, this cleaning method does not get rid of all microorganisms, so safety is not at a high level. It has been clearly established that hepatitis and HIV viruses are resistant to ultraviolet radiation. It is advisable to use this drive for storing sterilized and dried devices.
There is an ultrasonic device that is considered universal and safe. To use it, you need a special solution, which flows around the device during vibration, filling the cavity. Microbubbles collect and burst, which “remove” pathogenic microorganisms and rust from the surface. An ultrasonic device is used for small and large parts. The only downside is the high cost.
Another type of sterilizer is a dry-heat oven, operating at a temperature of 200-260 degrees. The downside is the processing time - 1-2 hours, increased price. Even basic models cost from 11 thousand rubles. This pays off in the salon, but it doesn't always pay off at home.
Instead of a dry-heat oven, an autoclave for manicure devices can be used. The device is presented in the form of a chamber in which high pressure is provided with temperatures up to 134 degrees. Such installations are used not only in cosmetology, they have long been used in medicine. An autoclave can sterilize devices in 15-20 minutes, but they can only be placed inside in a thin layer, in a small portion. The price of the device starts from 9 thousand rubles.
Sterilization rules
Safe handling recommendations must be followed:
- If you use an oven, then when laying out the tools you need to maintain some distance.
- Do not remove hot objects, as burns cannot be avoided.
- Instruments must not be cooled with cold water. Cooling must be natural, otherwise the quality of the instruments will deteriorate.
- When choosing antiseptics and sterilizers, you need to pay attention to quality and functionality. For example, some cheap antiseptics are not able to fight viral and fungal infections.
It is important to adhere to the rules of sterilization. Then the manicure devices will be sharp for a long time, and corrosion and deformation will not appear on them for a long time.
The Glasperlene sterilizer for manicure instruments performs high-quality sterilization of instruments in a short time. The main disadvantage is that after treatment only the surface placed in the balls will be sterile. Manicure devices should be used immediately. The sterilizer will be an excellent assistant for craftsmen who work at home.
How to use a glasperlene sterilizer
We have already talked about how to care for manicure tools, how to sharpen scissors and clippers, and how to store them. But those rules that work for home use are completely irrelevant for professionals working with thousands of clients. In such a huge flow of people, it is important to understand that the immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis are very predictable phenomena and the person himself may not even be aware of the possible infection. The master’s task is to exclude the possibility of infecting his other clients and this can only be done by adhering to the main stages of sanpin:
- disinfection. The first and most important step involves eliminating pathogens from the walls of the instruments. This is where different sterilization devices are used;
- pre-sterilization cleaning. The process preceding disinfection. It involves removing bacteria through mechanical manipulation;
- sterilization. The most important and responsible part, since it is at this stage that all bacteria and fungi accumulated on files, tweezers and nippers are completely removed;
- additional processing. Something that the client can directly observe. This includes: treatment of the master’s and client’s hands, as well as working tools and the entire room or part of the working surface.
It becomes absolutely clear that human health is the greatest value and nail technicians, like doctors, should be guided by the principle of “do no harm.” This medical aspect also determines the choice of auxiliary devices, such as sterilizers. Nowadays you can see two types of autoclaves - standard ball and ultraviolet. Both are easy to use and versatile. The ball sterilizer seems to “quartz” the objects inside, the temperature of its contents rises, and with it the pressure also increases, which kills many bacteria and fungi.
How often to change the balls in the sterilizer
For more than the last 30 years, in Europe and many other advanced parts of the world, trimmed manicure has been equated to surgical intervention, and in Western Europe it is completely prohibited by law. Why is that? Yes, because during such simple beauty manipulations, the master literally damages the top layer of skin, cutting it off, and sometimes even injuring the client. Naturally, in this situation, HIV infection or any other pathogens, sometimes carrying a mortal danger, can enter the blood of a manicurist. In Ukraine, Russia and other CIS countries, the trim variation of manicure is still popular and in demand, but the issue of sterilization is very acute.
Many beginning craftsmen are faced with a logical question: how to use a Glasperlene sterilizer so that it serves faithfully for the maximum possible time, and the results of its activity always remain satisfactory? Of course, after purchasing, you should not immediately use the device “on the battlefield”, but first read the accompanying papers. Most often, the instructions for use provide comprehensive answers to all such questions. ProstoNail will only indicate the standard sequence of actions:
- Upon completion of the manicure procedure, do not forget about pre-treatment of the previously used tools. Thoroughly wipe sufficiently sharp cutting edges of an object with a disinfecting solution;
- now place the sterilizer on a stable, level surface and connect it to the power supply;
- Place the supplied balls into a large container in the center of the machine. Click on the button;
- After waiting the specified period of time after switching on (it is in the instructions), place the tools inside the bowl with balls. Lower them with the cutting side down, close the lid tightly;
- After 20 minutes, the instruments will be completely sterilized.