The Authority in Salon & Spa Disinfection
Trusted by top professionals across the beauty industry, LUCAS-CIDE sets the standard for salon and spa disinfection. Our hospital-grade, EPA-approved disinfectants are designed specifically for beauty environments-combining unmatched efficacy with cost-saving formulas that protect both tools and surfaces.
Lucas Products is a sponsor of NIC, but NIC has not been paid for the content provided by Lucas Products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disinfectant requirements for salons and spas can vary by state. For example, some states mandate the use of tuberculocidal disinfectants. To ensure compliance, always check with your state’s Board of Cosmetology for current regulations.
When it comes to choosing the right disinfectant, it often depends on personal preference, disinfection goals, and the type of surface being treated. LUCAS-CIDE offers a complete range of hospital-grade disinfectant options to meet both regulatory requirements and day-to-day needs in professional beauty environments.
Breakdown of LUCAS-CIDE product options and their most common salon and spa applications:
Concentrated Disinfectants (for Soaking & Surface Spray Use)
- LUCAS-CIDE Concentrate (Pink or Blue)
A pH-neutral, highly cost-effective solution ideal for soaking nail tools, hair implements, and pedicure spas. Can be pre-mixed and used in soak jars or spray bottles for end-of-day surface disinfection. - LUCAS-CIDE TB
A concentrated, tuberculocidal disinfectant suitable for salons in states that require higher-level disinfection. Also ideal for tool soaking and surface cleaning.
Ready-to-Use Spray Disinfectants
- LUCAS-CIDE RTU #222
Perfect for quick cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces like chairs, counters, and waiting areas between clients. No mixing required. - LUCAS-CIDE Clipper Cleanfectant
A 4-in-1 anti-rust formula that cleans, disinfects, cools, and lubricates clipper blades.
Plant-Based, Ready-to-Use Disinfectants
- LUCAS-CIDE CA
A biodegradable, citric acid–based disinfectant designed for both hard surfaces and fabrics such as capes, aprons, and spa robes. - LUCAS-CIDE Wipes
DfE-certified (Designed for the Environment) wipes made from soft, biodegradable material. Convenient for cleaning and disinfecting non-porous surfaces without harsh chemicals. - LUCAS-CIDE Thyme
A botanical disinfectant that’s free of synthetic chemicals. Safe for non-porous surfaces and unique items like Himalayan salt stones.
Summary:
Whether you prefer concentrates for soaking, ready-to-use sprays for speed, or plant-based wipes for convenience, LUCAS-CIDE provides salon and spa professionals with the right product for every surface, tool, and regulation.
When in doubt about a specific application, always refer to the product label or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
All EPA-registered disinfectants are required to include clear usage directions on the product label, including whether the product should be diluted with water or is ready-to-use. Because mixing instructions vary between disinfectants, it’s essential to always read and follow the label to ensure proper effectiveness and safety.
The LUCAS-CIDE product line includes both concentrated disinfectants that require mixing and ready-to-use formulas that need no dilution.
One of our most cost-effective solutions, LUCAS-CIDE Concentrate (available in pink or blue), requires just 0.5 ounces per gallon of water—meaning one gallon of concentrate yields 256 gallons of usable disinfectant.
Here’s a full breakdown of mixing requirements for each LUCAS-CIDE disinfectant:
LUCAS-CIDE Mixing Instructions:
- LUCAS-CIDE Concentrate: Mix 0.5 oz. per 1 gallon of water
- LUCAS-CIDE TB: Mix 1 oz. per 1 gallon of water
- LUCAS-CIDE CA: Ready-to-use – No mixing required
- LUCAS-CIDE Wipes: Ready-to-use
- LUCAS-CIDE Thyme: Ready-to-use – No mixing required
- LUCAS-CIDE RTU #222: Ready-to-use – No mixing required
- LUCAS-CIDE Clipper Cleanfectant: Ready-to-use – No mixing required
Tip: Using the correct dilution is critical. Over-diluting can reduce effectiveness, while under-diluting can create unnecessary exposure to concentrated chemicals and may cause implements to rust.
Contact time—also known as dwell time—refers to how long a disinfectant must remain visibly wet on a surface to effectively sanitize or disinfect it. All EPA-approved disinfectants are required to include specific usage instructions, including contact time, directly on the product label. It’s important to always read and follow the label instructions, as contact times can vary significantly between products.
Below are the official dwell times for LUCAS-CIDE brand disinfectants:
- LUCAS-CIDE Concentrate: 3 minutes to sanitize; 10 minutes for full disinfection
- LUCAS-CIDE TB: 10 minutes for full disinfection
- LUCAS-CIDE CA: 60 seconds to sanitize; 5 minutes for full disinfection
- LUCAS-CIDE Wipes: 60 seconds to sanitize; 5 minutes for full disinfection
- LUCAS-CIDE Thyme: 60 seconds to sanitize; 10 minutes for full disinfection
- LUCAS-CIDE RTU #222: 60 seconds for COVID-19 disinfection; 5 minutes for full disinfection
- LUCAS-CIDE Clipper Cleanfectant: 60 seconds for COVID-19 disinfection; 10 minutes for full disinfection
Tip: Always ensure surfaces remain visibly wet for the full contact time to guarantee effectiveness.
Not all disinfectants are formulated to clean as well as disinfect. For this reason, it’s essential to follow the instructions for use found on the product label. If a product functions solely as a disinfectant, pre-cleaning is required before use.
While all LUCAS-CIDE disinfectants are one-step cleaner/disinfectants, it’s still important to remove visible or heavy debris from tools and surfaces beforehand. Disinfectants work best on clean, non-porous surfaces.
Many salon and spa professionals prefer to pre-clean implements with gentle soap and water to ensure all residue, product buildup, or organic matter is removed prior to applying disinfectant. This extra step provides added peace of mind and supports compliance with most state board sanitization guidelines.
In summary:
- Remove debris first
- Then apply LUCAS-CIDE disinfectant according to the product’s label instructions
Proper pre-cleaning helps ensure that the disinfectant can do its job—effectively killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.
Proper use of disinfectants in the salon or spa environment is critical for ensuring safe, hygienic conditions. One of the most important best practices is knowing when disinfectants need to be changed or refreshed to maintain their effectiveness.
According to industry standards:
- Disinfectants must be changed at least every 24 hours even if they appear clean.
- If the solution becomes visibly cloudy, dirty, or contains debris, it must be replaced immediately, regardless of when it was last prepared.
Additionally, it’s important to remove salon or nail implements from the disinfectant solution as soon as the required contact time is met. Leaving tools soaking longer than necessary can lead to rust or corrosion, especially on metal implements.
Always refer to the contact time listed on the product label (e.g., 10 minutes for full disinfection) and follow all manufacturer instructions to ensure proper sanitization and tool care.
Disinfecting salon tools properly depends on the material and whether the item can be immersed in liquid disinfectant.
Metal Tools & Implements (Submersible)
Metal instruments such as nail clippers, cuticle pushers, tweezers, and scissors can be soaked or saturated with an EPA-registered disinfectant for the full contact time specified on the label.
- When mixed properly, LUCAS-CIDE Concentrate (pink or blue) and LUCAS-CIDE TB will disinfect submersible metal implements after a 10-minute soak.
- Ready-to-use options like LUCAS-CIDE RTU #222, LUCAS-CIDE Thyme, and LUCAS-CIDE CA can fully disinfect metal tools after a 5-minute soak.
Note: Always remove tools from the solution immediately after the recommended contact time to prevent rust or corrosion.
Metal (Non-submersible)
Some metal instruments such as hair clippers may be disinfected without soaking. LUCAS-CIDE Clipper Cleanfectant must remain visibly wet on clipper blades for 10 minutes to achieve full disinfection. Other clipper disinfectant brands may not clean as well as disinfect. Refer to the product label instructions for use to determine if an additional pre-cleaning step is required.
Plastic Tools & Non-Metal Implements (Immersible)
Plastic items that are non-porous and can be soaked, such as certain combs or brushes, can be disinfected the same way as metal tools, using the LUCAS-CIDE products listed below per the label instructions.
- When mixed properly, LUCAS-CIDE Concentrate (pink or blue) and LUCAS-CIDE TB will disinfect non-porous plastic implements after a 10-minute soak.
- Ready-to-use options like LUCAS-CIDE RTU #222, LUCAS-CIDE Thyme, and LUCAS-CIDE CA can fully disinfect non-porous plastic tools after a 5-minute soak.
Non-Immersible or Porous Items (Single-Use)
Items that cannot be immersed or properly saturated—especially those made of wood, foam, or other porous materials—cannot be safely disinfected and should be treated as single-use.
These include:
- Wooden sticks (e.g., orangewood)
- Emery boards and nail files
- Toe separators
- Buffers and sponges
Best practice: When in doubt, throw it out. If an item cannot be fully disinfected according to EPA guidelines, it should be discarded after use.
Salon and spa professionals are held to strict hygiene and disinfection standards, similar to those found in medical environments. Maintaining a clean, safe workspace isn’t just about compliance; it directly impacts your salon’s reputation, client trust, and ultimately, your bottom line.
Following proper disinfection protocols protects clients and staff while reinforcing a professional image.
General Disinfection Guidance:
A good rule of thumb:
Disinfect every surface or item that comes into contact with a client between every appointment.
This includes:
- Salon chairs
- Pedicure chairs
- Treatment tables
- Counters, trays, and workstations
- Tools and implements
All tools must be disinfected or disposed of after each use, following the instructions on your EPA-registered disinfectant.
Quick Between-Client Disinfection:
For fast and effective disinfection between appointments, use a 5-minute, ready-to-use product such as:
- LUCAS-CIDE RTU #222
- LUCAS-CIDE CA
- LUCAS-CIDE Wipes
These are ideal for wiping down surfaces, seating, and equipment between clients with minimal downtime.
End-of-Day Deep Disinfection:
When the salon is closed and there’s more time for thorough cleaning:
- Use mixed LUCAS-CIDE Concentrate to disinfect surfaces and soak tools for a full 10 minutes.
- Disinfect high-traffic areas such as reception areas, restrooms, and break rooms.
- Replace any used disinfectant soaking solutions to start the next day fresh.
Performing a full, end-of-day disinfection routine helps ensure consistency, safety, and a professional client experience every time.
Proper storage of disinfectants is essential to maintain their effectiveness and safety. Follow these guidelines:
- Keep disinfectants in their original bottles with the cap securely tightened.
- Store at room temperature, away from extreme heat, cold, or direct sunlight.
- Never reuse an original disinfectant bottle for other products.
For mixed solutions (e.g., LUCAS-CIDE Concentrate diluted with water):
- Store in an airtight container to prevent contamination and evaporation.
- Clearly label the container with the product name, ingredients, and mix date.
Proper storage ensures that your disinfectants remain potent, safe, and ready for use when needed.
Salons are required to use EPA-approved disinfectants for cleaning tools and salon environments. EPA-approved disinfectants for use in salons must also list salon-specific site uses on the label—such as “For use in Salon and Spa”—to confirm they are intended for professional beauty settings.
To verify a disinfectant is EPA-approved, the label must display two key numbers:
- EPA Registration Number – Identifies the specific disinfectant product
- EPA Establishment Number – Identifies the facility where the product was manufactured
Both numbers must appear on the product label and are essential for regulatory compliance.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Requirements:
In addition to proper labeling, salons must keep a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on file for each disinfectant product in use. These documents are often reviewed during state board inspections.
An MSDS provides critical information that may not appear on the bottle, including:
- Complete list of active and inactive ingredients
- Hazard identification and first aid measures
- Safe handling, storage, and disposal instructions
- Transport and regulatory data
Keeping MSDS documents readily accessible ensures staff safety and supports compliance with local and state health regulations.
The information provided in this document was provided by Lucas Products, and is for general or informational purposes only. NIC is not liable for inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the content. The information provided on is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. NIC makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to this information for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
Explore Lucas Products Disinfectant Lineup
Concentrated Formulas
- LUCAS-CIDE Concentrate – Cost-effective soaking disinfectant for tools and spas.
- LUCAS-CIDE TB – One-step virucidal, tuberculocidal disinfectant with anti-rust protection.
Ready-to-Use Solutions
- LUCAS-CIDE CA – Plant-based, biodegradable formula safe for fabrics and soft surfaces.
- LUCAS-CIDE Wipes – DfE-certified wipes with no harsh chemicals or residue.
- LUCAS-CIDE Thyme – Free of harsh chemicals; natural disinfectant for tools and surfaces.
- LUCAS-CIDE RTU #222 – All-in-one cleaner, deodorizer, and mildew killer.
- LUCAS-CIDE Clipper Cleanfectant – Cleans, cools, disinfects, and lubricates clippers.