Whether you’re the owner of a studio and have a team of artists, or are an individual artist with your own space, one of the most important things you can do to keep your workspace up-to-code and protect your clients is to clean your tattoo stations regularly.
Tattoo stations are the resting place for supplies like ink, needles, and ointments. Throughout each day, blood, ink, and dust can build up on these stations and make them unsanitary. But by following this checklist for things tattoo artists should do to clean their stations, you can keep your workspace free of germs and looking professional.
Wash Your Hands and Put on New Gloves
You’re probably tired of hearing this, but it’s a reminder for a reason. Before you touch anything, wash your hands for at least twenty seconds. After your hands are dry, put on a new pair of disposable gloves. Repeat this process between every client you work with and if you have to touch anything outside your station, like a phone.
Disinfect Surfaces
Tattoo stations see a lot of action during the day. All surfaces, including your chair, armrest, and side table, need a thorough wipe-down with a medical-grade disinfectant. This helps get rid of any lingering bacteria or viruses. A clean surface gives you a fresh start for every new client who walks through your door.
Sanitize Your Equipment
Your tools come into direct contact with clients’ skin. You don’t want to pass on any germs from one client’s skin to another, so you should sanitize your equipment between appointments.
An autoclave, a machine which uses high-pressure steam, is the standard for sterilizing reusable equipment like tattoo machine grips. Any items that can’t go into an autoclave should be single-use and disposed of properly.
Organize Your Tattoo Ink
Tattoo artists should organize their tattoo ink cups and holders using products like tiered racks or drawer organizers. This prevents cross-contamination and makes it easier to find the color you need without rummaging around. A neat setup also looks more professional to clients who might feel a bit nervous.
Use Disposable Barriers
Everything that you touch during a session needs a barrier. This includes your tattoo machine, power supply, and wash bottles. Disposable plastic barriers create a protective layer which you can just toss out after the appointment. This makes cleanup faster and more effective.
A Clean Station Is a Safe Station
These are the things all tattoo artists should do if they want their stations to remain clean. A little bit of attention here and there throughout the day can keep stations looking neat and professional. This also protects clients from hazards like bacteria, viruses, and bloodborne pathogens.
