Keeping yourself and your clients safe should be a top priority every day in the salon. That said, when there are new pathogenic threats, it should remind us of the importance of adherence to proper infection control guidelines.
Porous vs. Non-porous
Things in our world can be categorized as either porous or non-porous. Porous items are things that can absorb liquids. Liquids can run through them, or they may be made of mostly liquid. Examples of porous items in the salon include your towels, neck strips and you! Non-porous items are generally made of glass, metal or plastic. Liquids cannot be absorbed or passed through these materials. In every state, porous items must be discarded after every service because there is no way to make them safe for use on multiple clients. Non-porous items may be used on multiple clients, but in every state, they must be cleaned and disinfected prior to use. That is where disinfectants come in!
Disinfectants are chemicals that are designed to destroy the “germs” we are concerned about in the salon – bacteria, viruses and fungi. Disinfectants must be EPA registered (proof that they work as stated) and be bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal. The steps to proper disinfection are as follows:
- Wash non-porous item using either soap/water or a chemical cleaner (Ship-Shape®)
- Rinse and dry item
- Immerse, wipe or spray your item with an appropriate disinfectant (BARBICIDE®)
- Adhere to contact time listed on the label. It might say something like “ensure the item is fully immersed for 10 minutes” or “surface must stay visibly wet for 2 full minutes”. The time referenced is for how long it takes to destroy every pathogen listed on the label.
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- BARBICIDE® Concentrate immersion contact time: 10 minutes
- BARBICIDE® Spray contact time: 10 minutes
- BARBICIDE® Wipes contact time: 2 minutes
- It is important that disinfectants used for immersion be changed DAILY. This is a requirement of the EPA.
In addition, there are other things you can do to protect yourself, your clients and everyone around you.
- Wash your hands frequently, scrubbing with bubbles for at least 20 seconds.
- Disinfect common use surfaces such as reception areas, phones, computers and iPad payment systems frequently.
- Stay home when sick and encourage those around you to do the same.
Can I make a spray from my bottle of barbicide?
I do not have your spray or your wipes just wondering if there is a dilution rate or any recommendations
Yes! 2oz (1/4cup) of BARBICIDE® in 32oz (4 cups) of water makes a spray! The contact time is still 10 minutes and the spray bottle does not need to be made fresh every day since it is a closed container that you are not sticking things into!
How long does the spray remain effective in a spray bottle?
BARBICIDE® Spray will always remain effective as long as you do not contaminate the solution. The spray does not need to be made fresh every day since it is a closed container that you are not sticking things into. Contact time is still 10 minutes.
Can I spray this on my hands as a similar hand sanitizer
We are not labeled for any use except hard, non-porous surfaces.
After the 10 minute contact time, do you need to rinse
the items with water ?
You can allow the items to air dry!
This test really makes me more confident to deal with our clients.
How would or should I use Barbicide to disinfect a pedicure spa tub? After I scrub it with hot soapy water, and rinse/dry it out. I didn’t want to just spray the Barbicide. I feel I might need to fill up the tub and add (how much) Barbicide and let it sit for a certain timeframe before draining, then let it air dry. ??
To mix with water it is always ¼ cup concentrate to 4 cups water. Remember that contact time is important and in the case of BARBICIDE® that is 10 minutes.
How long is barbacide mixed in water bottle good for? How long can you keep the same solution in bottle for it to still be effective?
It is good until it runs out!
I am concerned that when we are allowed to reopen after the corona virus , I will not be able to disinfect my cutting gowns, disposable paper ones would be good, but they are either to small for men ( the ones I found ) and they are also very difficult to find, would a diluted spray of your product work on a nylon cutting gown ?
BARBICIDE® can be used to disinfect any hard, non-porous surface or item such as metal, glass or plastic.
Can you use barbicide sprays on salon reception desks?
Hi Kaitlin, you can use BARBICIDE Spray to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces and items. Contact time is 10 minutes!
I bleach all of my capes and I have many from different distributors. Multi colored and no problem at all.
What is the proper way to dispose old barbicide solution after your tools are disinfected ? Is it safe to put down a drain? Or is that not safe ?
Diluted BARBICIDE® is suitable for sink or drain disposal in accordance with all local and federal environmental regulations. Please contact your local municipality for further clarification.
What is Virginia’s barber law to use and disinfect disposable razors properly? Also, By the guidelines of va barber law, to use a straight razor, and only replace blades every time for every client, should you use the blade straight from the wrapper or straight from the wrapper to the barbicide after 10 minutes of soaking?
Disposable razors are made for single use only and cannot be properly disinfected. New straight razors should be used directly from the wrapper.
Very good and informative.
Excellent Article
Thank you for reading!
Is Barbicide safe for skin?
BARBICIDE® is not labeled for use on the human body.
Hello! Does barbicide have an expiration date?
Hi Jonathan, no BARBICIDE does not expire.
If diluted 2:32 is it really necessary to wear protective equipment, like gloves and masks, to wipe down surfaces?
We always recommend wearing protective equipment.
Can I use the barbicide spray solution in my home on frequently touched items like faucets and counters and doorknobs? We are quarantined in s smallish house with one bathroom so we want to disinfect after every use. Thank you
BARBICIDE® Spray can be used to disinfect any hard, non-porous surface.
Could I get my implement prepped n in fresh barbicide ready for the next day
Our label states that BARBICIDE should be made fresh daily!
Can you spray countertops and floors to disinfect salon for Coronavirus? After it has been cleaned? Is it better than a lysol spray?
Yes, BARBICIDE® Spray can be used to disinfect any hard, non-porous surface.
Can barbicide be sprayed on fabrics? Such as couches?
We are not labeled for any use except hard, non-porous surfaces.
On surfaces how long does the spray area stay disinfected? Or do you need to wipe countertop every time they been touched. I been using barricade to. Thanks
The surface will stay disinfected until contaminated again.
Can you use barbicide on brass door handles? Where can you buy the wipes and premixed spay
BARBICIDE® can be used to disinfect all hard, non-porous surfaces.
Can I use this on quartz countertops without damaging them?
BARBICIDE® is approved to be used on any hard, non porous surface!
Will it damage cloth seats if it would be sprayed on them. Looking for something to spray in a fire truck to disinfect common use areas ie. steering wheel seat belts door handles and such… if this product does hurt the coloring in the seats then it would work great.
If you adhere to proper contact time of 10 minutes, BARBICIDE® Spray can be used to disinfect any hard, non-porous surface.
Law Enforcement question, can you use diluted barbicide on bullet proof vest?
BARBICIDE® can be used to disinfect all hard, non-porous surfaces like metal, glass or plastic.
Great article! Question – my bottle does not have an expiration date. Is it still able to be used? Though am not sure on the expiration date?
Thanks Yta! Yes, BARBICIDE® does not expire.
Hello, if I use this on kitchen counter then do I need to rinse counter afterwards with warm water to get rid of any chemicals?
No, you can allow it to air dry.
Can you use BARBICIDE® in a fogger to sterilize a large area quickly?
Yes, you can. But, please follow proper mixing ratios, allow proper ventilation and always wear a mask when doing so.
Hi, I’m wondering why do wipes have a lesser contact time than concentrate or spray? Is it because wipes are stronger, or due to the actual wiping ?
The chemicals used and the process to make them is completely different, hence the difference in contact times.
Can barbicide be mixed with alcohol to cut down on the contact time that surfaces need to be wet to disinfect?
Dawn, Mixing chemicals can be dangerous. Please always adhere to the label. BARBICIDE Wipes are a great option if you are looking for a shorter contact time, which is 2 minutes.
What is the correct ratio if I want to make my own wipes using shop towels?
Use the proper mixing ratio of 2 oz (1/4 cup) concentrate into 32 oz (4 cups) of cold water to soak your paper towels. Remember, contact time is 10 minutes because you are using BARBICIDE® Concentrate.
Is Barbicide a chemical that can be used for direct food contact surfaces? I understand it is for hard surfaces only however I see nothing about being able to use it in food prep areas. Thanks.
Yes, but we would recommend rinsing/wiping the surface after the full contact time is up before using it to prep food.
Since all the wipes are sold out, is there any suggestions for diy wipes with the concentrate to have the 2-4 minute contact time?
Yes, if you have BARBICIDE® Concentrate and heavy duty paper towels you can make your own wipes. Use the proper mixing ratio of 2 oz (1/4 cup) concentrate into 32 oz (4 cups) of cold water to soak your paper towels. Remember, the contact time will be 10 minutes because you are using BARBICIDE® Concentrate.
What is the contact time for pure barbaside?
10 minutes.
Do combs, brushes, clips and shears have to be ‘submerged’ in barbicide for 10 min to be disinfected properly or can they be sprayed with the barbicide mixture as long as the surface is Completely wet for a minimum of 10 minutes ? Can Clippercide be used on shears?
You can use the BARBICIDE® Spray as long as your implements are visibly wet for 10 minutes!
Are wood brushes not able to be disinfected?
Wood is porous, therefore cannot be disinfected. Only hard, non-porous items and surfaces can be disinfected such as glass, metal, plastic or synthetic materials.
Very informational content! Thank you very much!
Is it safe to add Dawn dish-soap to a Barbicide mixture in a sprayer solution to be used as a cleaner/disinfectant? If so, then a recommended ratio?
BARBICIDE should only be mixed with water in order for it to be fully effective against pathogens of concern. The proper mixing ratio for BARBICIDE concentrate is 2oz of concentrate into 32oz of water.
What would the ratio be to make wipes as everyone is sold out
If you have BARBICIDE® Concentrate and heavy duty paper towels you can make your own wipes. Use the proper mixing ratio of 2 oz (1/4 cup) concentrate into 32 oz (4 cups) of cold water to soak your paper towels. Remember, the contact time will be 10 minutes because you are using BARBICIDE® Concentrate.
Hi, Is there a way to change the mixing ratio when making my own Barbicide wipes for a contact time of 2 minutes instead of 10 minutes?
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, there is no way to adjust the contact time when making your own BARBICIDE Concentrate Wipes unless you find a disinfectant that has a 2 minute contact time.
If I make my own wipes or spray, can it be used on leather barber chairs?
Porous/soft surfaces such as leather chairs cannot be disinfected, but can be cleaned. Consider barrier methods on chairs such as disposable paper drapes or towels that can be laundered after each client.
Can you use barbicide spray to disinfect rollers and perm rods? What about flat irons and curling irons?
BARBICIDE can be used to disinfect all hard, non-porous items and surfaces such as glass, metal and plastic.
Thank you for all this great information , so good we all sharing!
Thanks Barbicide team
In order to meet CDC standard, can I use the spray bottle that mixed 2oz of barbicide with 32oz water to clean things in my salon?
Yes, of course!
Hi can I use barbicide spray on my nail files?
Thanks
BARBICIDE can be used to disinfect hard, non-porous items and surfaces such as glass, metal or plastic. It will depend on the material of your nail file!
Can you put a barbicide wipe in the dryer with capes to sanitize them? Someone told me and it doesn’t seem right to me. Thank you
Hi Jamie, thanks for your questions. BARBICIDE Wipes are only effective when used on hard, non-porous surfaces. We would advise against using them in your dryer.
Hello
Do I have to rinse the instruments with water after taking them out of the Barbicide jar? Or can I just dry them with a towel or napkin?
Rinsing or drying them after removing them from the jar are both suitable options!
Hello
Do I have to rinse the instruments (tweezers, brow razors, scissors) with water after taking them out of the Barbicide jar? Or can I just dry them with a towel or napkin?
Thanks for your question! Rinsing/wiping after the full 10 minute contact time is optional, otherwise you can allow your implements to air dry!
this is very helpfull to me,i learned a lots .thank u for this information
thank u for the information