In the world of mobile self-care services, hygiene isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s an absolute must. At Blys, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality services, and a big part of that comes down to keeping things squeaky clean. Whether you’re a massage therapist, wellness provider, or beauty artist on or off our platform, maintaining high hygiene standards is not only essential for the safety and comfort of your clients but also for building your professional reputation. Because, let’s face it, who would want to get a massage on a worn-down table or get their makeup done with dirty brushes?
In this detailed guide, we walk through the essential hygiene practices you should follow to deliver a super clean and enjoyable experience every single time, from the basics of keeping your equipment spotless to the fine details of maintaining tools and linens. Let’s dive in!
1. The Foundation of a Clean Setup: Your Massage Table, Treatment Bed or Massage Chair
For massage therapists and beauty artists, your chair, table or treatment bed is the cornerstone of your mobile setup. It’s the focal point of each session, and ensuring it remains clean is crucial for client safety and comfort. Here’s how to keep it in top condition:
- Disinfect Between Every Client: It’s not enough to just wipe it down; you need to thoroughly disinfect your massage chair, table or treatment bed after every session. You can even use an antibacterial and antiviral spray or wipes that are safe for skin contact and equipment. Focus on all high-touch areas, including the headrests, armrests, and the sides. Make sure you allow the disinfectant to dry completely before covering it with fresh linens.
- Keep It Fresh with New Linens: Always use fresh linens for each client. This simple practice shows professionalism and care, while also preventing any potential cross-contamination. Invest in high-quality linens that are soft and comfortable, ensuring a luxury experience for clients while maintaining cleanliness. Just like fresh and clean sheets in your bedroom or living room can help you calm down and sleep better, fresh linens for massage tables or beds help your client feel more relaxed and comfy. Store used linens in a dedicated, sealable bag to keep them separate from clean ones—this organization is key when you’re on the go.
- Deep Cleaning Weekly: Schedule a deep clean of your table or bed at least once a week. Use warm water and a mild detergent to scrub down all surfaces, paying extra attention to crevices, hinges, and folding parts. You don’t want dirty equipment when you’re heading to a client’s house or office. Once you’re done scrubbing down surfaces and crevices, try applying a hospital-grade disinfectant and let everything air dry completely. This keeps your equipment fresh, preventing bacteria and mold build-up, especially when it’s frequently folded and stored in your car or travel bag.
- Use Disposable Covers: Disposable covers for massage tables or beauty beds are a fantastic investment. They offer a quick and efficient way to maintain cleanliness between clients, ensuring every client sees a freshly prepared table as they walk into your setup. That way, you can save up on regular deep cleaning, and iIt also adds a layer of protection, showing clients that you take hygiene seriously.
2. Fresh Linens, Towels, and Covers: Non-Negotiable for Every Session
Regardless of whether you’re offering a massage, a facial, a wellness session, or a beauty treatment, fresh linens and towels are a must. Clients expect a clean, relaxing environment, and keeping your linens spotless plays a huge role in this. It’s crucial to inform them to clean and set up their space for the treatment, but it’s equally important to go there prepared. Here’s how to manage them efficiently:
- Use a New Set for Every Client: Clients love the feeling of soft, freshly laundered linens and towels, and using a new set for every session is an essential practice. This applies to all kinds of treatments, whether it’s a relaxing massage, a facial, or a wellness therapy. Carry multiple sets if you have back-to-back bookings to ensure you always have clean linens on hand.
- Hot Wash Cycles Only: Washing linens on a hot cycle is crucial for killing bacteria, dust mites, and any potential allergens. Use an antibacterial detergent and fabric disinfectant to add an extra layer of cleanliness. Ensure that the linens are completely dry before folding them; this prevents any chance of mildew, which can develop if they’re packed damp—a definite red flag you can avoid easily!
- Bolster and Pillow Hygiene: For those using bolsters or pillows, keeping them clean is just as important. Invest in washable covers that can be switched out after each session. Disinfect the bolster itself regularly, allowing it to air dry before putting on a new cover. This ensures all props remain as fresh as your linens, creating a cohesive, clean experience for clients.
3. Equipment and Tool Hygiene for Beauty and Wellness Providers
If you’re a beauty artist or wellness provider, your tools are your best friends. From facial devices to yoga mats, these items need to be in pristine condition for every session. Let’s explore how to keep them at their best:
- Sanitise Hot Stones and Facial Devices: For hot stones, facial rollers, or similar equipment, the cleaning process needs to be thorough. First, wash with warm soapy water to remove any oils or residues. Then, soak them in a hospital-grade disinfectant for the recommended time (usually around 10 minutes). Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry before packing away.
- Makeup Brushes and Beauty Tools: For beauty artists, keeping brushes and other tools clean is vital. Use a brush cleaner or a gentle soap solution to wash brushes after each client. Rinse well and leave them to dry completely before reuse—this prevents bacteria build-up. For tools like makeup sponges and blenders, consider using disposables or rotating sponges, washing and sanitizing them between sessions using a mild cleaning solution. Leave no patch of foundation untended!
- Sterilization for Metal Tools: For metal tools like tweezers, scissors, and extractors, UV sterilization or an alcohol soak (at least 70% alcohol) is necessary to ensure they are completely bacteria-free. Make sure to follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid damaging the tools. But we’re pretty sure you know this already.
- Yoga and Wellness Equipment: For wellness providers offering services like yoga or Pilates, disinfect mats and props between clients. Use a spray disinfectant safe for equipment and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Regularly wash any fabric straps or cloth props, and air dry them before your next session.
4. Portable Equipment Hygiene: Massage Chairs, Beauty Stools, and Carry Bags
Your equipment travels with you, so it’s essential to keep it clean and sanitized to maintain a professional image. Here’s how:
- Disinfect Chairs and Stools: Whether you’re setting up a massage chair or a beauty stool, disinfect all client-touch points after every session. Use sprays or wipes suitable for your materials (leather, vinyl, etc.), ensuring everything is thoroughly cleaned and dried before packing it away.
- Weekly Gear Clean-Up: Beyond daily wipe-downs, schedule a deeper clean once a week for your equipment. Wash down your chairs and stools with soapy water and follow up with a hospital-grade disinfectant. This keeps bacteria and germs at bay, especially for equipment that gets folded and transported frequently.
- Transport Bag Maintenance: It’s not just the equipment. Transport bags can easily get contaminated if not cleaned regularly. Wipe down the exterior and interior after every client visit. Fabric bags should be machine washed at least once a week, and for plastic or leather bags, use a disinfectant wipe. This keeps your setup looking professional and reduces the risk of contamination.
5. Your On-the-Go Hygiene Kit: Essential Items for Every Provider
Every provider should have a hygiene kit ready at all times. Having the right tools not only ensures client safety but also enhances your professionalism. Here’s what you should include:
- Disinfectant Spray and Wipes: These are non-negotiable! Choose sprays and wipes that are safe for skin and equipment. Use them liberally between sessions to keep your setup germ-free.
- Hand Sanitiser and Gloves: Always have hand sanitiser available for yourself and your clients. Wearing gloves for certain treatments—especially beauty services—adds an extra layer of protection and professionalism. Make sure to change gloves between each client to avoid cross-contamination.
- Disposable Covers and Linens: Stock up on disposable covers for massage tables, beauty beds, and pillows. These are an easy, efficient way to maintain cleanliness while traveling between clients.
- Masking Up: Wearing a face mask shows clients you are taking precautions seriously, especially during close-contact treatments. Keep a supply of disposable masks and change them between clients.
6. Hygiene for Beauty Artists: Sterilization and Tool Care
Beauty artists often work with a wide range of tools, each requiring specific care:
- Sanitising Facial Devices: Whether you’re using steamers, LED masks, or other facial devices, make sure they are cleaned between clients. Wipe down surfaces with an appropriate disinfectant spray and let everything air dry. Regularly clean nozzles and other small components of your equipment to prevent build-up and bacteria growth.
- Tool Sterilization: For smaller tools like tweezers, scissors, and spatulas, UV sterilization or soaking in a 70% alcohol solution is recommended. Make sure to dry and store these tools in a sterile environment until your next appointment.
- Brush and Applicator Hygiene: Brushes should be washed with a gentle soap or a professional cleaner after every client. Allow them to dry fully before reuse. For sponges and other applicators, disposable versions are a great option for maintaining hygiene standards without compromising the client’s experience.
7. Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Hygiene: Maintaining Safety and Freshness
Aromatherapy can enhance the massage experience, but maintaining the cleanliness of your tools is essential:
- Diffuser Cleaning: If you use diffusers, clean them after each session. Empty and rinse the reservoir, then fill it with a vinegar-water solution and run it for a few minutes to remove oil residues and bacteria. Make sure the diffuser is completely dry before storing it.
- Essential Oil Storage and Maintenance: Store essential oils in clean, airtight bottles away from direct sunlight. Regularly clean the bottle exteriors and nozzles with disinfectant wipes. Discard any oils that show signs of spoilage, such as cloudiness or unusual smells.
- Oil Warmer Hygiene: If you use an oil warmer, clean it thoroughly after each session to prevent residue build-up. Wipe it down with disinfectant and make sure it’s completely dry before use.
8. Educating Clients on Hygiene Practices
It’s not just about what you do—educating clients on your hygiene practices can boost their trust and comfort:
- Transparent Hygiene Policies: Share your hygiene practices when you’re providing the wellness treatment to your client. They appreciate knowing that you take their health seriously, and it can be a significant selling point.
- Pre-Service Communication: Before each session, reassure your client by outlining the steps you’ve taken to maintain hygiene, like disinfecting equipment and using fresh linens. You can chat with your client prior to your appointment time via the chat feature on the Blys app. Not sure how this works? Check out the details here.
Professionalism Through Hygiene
As a mobile provider with Blys, prioritizing hygiene goes beyond following protocols; it’s about creating a top-tier experience that clients will rave about. A spotless setup, thorough sanitisation of your equipment, and organizational skills showcase your professionalism, care, and passion for your craft. Remember, a clean environment is essential for delivering relaxing, safe, and effective treatments, helping you build lasting relationships with clients and paving the way for ongoing success.
By adopting these hygiene practices, you ensure client safety and comfort while demonstrating your unwavering commitment to quality. High hygiene standards foster trust, encourage repeat bookings, and reinforce the exceptional service that Blys is known for. A clean, well-organized setup is the cornerstone of every successful session—be it massage, beauty, or wellness.
At Blys, we understand that impeccable hygiene is integral to exceptional service. Your dedication to maintaining a clean environment isn’t just about compliance; it’s about building your reputation as a trusted and professional provider. By following these essential hygiene guidelines, you can:
- Boost client satisfaction: Create a welcoming, safe space at your client’s living room that they will appreciate, making each session feel like a luxury experience.
- Increase repeat bookings: Satisfied clients are more likely to return and recommend your services, helping grow your business. We’ve had a ton of clients wanting to rebook massage therapists and beauty and wellness providers. If you’re one of them who’s struggling to catch up on all the pending appointments, you know how it is!
- Stand out as a professional: Uphold the highest industry standards, setting yourself apart as a top mobile wellness provider in a competitive field.
By keeping hygiene at the forefront of your practice, you not only enhance the client experience but also elevate your professional journey with Blys.
Ready to take your service to the next level? Keep these practices in mind, and log in to your Blys provider dashboard to manage your bookings and connect with clients who value quality and professionalism. Together, let’s make self-care accessible, safe, clean, and exceptional.
