What are the Texas nail salon sanitation rules? Before a manicure or pedicure, practitioners must clean their hands and the area of the client’s body receiving the service. Metal nail tools must be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized or sanitized before each service. Single-use items must be discarded as required, and foot spas must be cleaned and disinfected according to the rules for that equipment. Foot spa cleaning records must be kept for at least 60 days. The detailed requirements are in TDLR Rules §§83.106–83.108.
This guide highlights the requirements most relevant to manicures and pedicures. For the complete requirements, consult the TDLR health and safety rules and its inspection guide.
Start with clean hands and a clean service area
Before performing a manicure or pedicure, the practitioner must clean their hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer. The areas of the client’s body receiving the service must also be cleaned. These steps belong at the start of the appointment, before tools or products touch the client.
Set up the station with clean supplies ready to use. Keep used items separate so they cannot accidentally return to service before they have been processed.
Clean, disinfect, and sterilize or sanitize metal tools
Texas requires all metal manicure and pedicure tools to be properly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized or sanitized before each service. The rule applies even when a tool is used for only one client. After each client, covered implements include metal pushers and files, cuticle nippers and scissors, metal tweezers, fingernail and toenail clippers, and electric drill bits.
In practice, allow enough time and keep enough processed tools on hand to complete the required steps between appointments. A tool should not move directly from a used tray to the next client’s station.
Disinfectant solution used for immersing implements must be prepared fresh daily, or sooner if it becomes diluted or soiled. TDLR lists failure to do this among common inspection violations.
Know which items to discard and which to process
TDLR identifies orangewood sticks, cotton balls, nail wipes, and disposable towels as single-use items that must be discarded after use. Terry cloth towels, finger bowls, and spatulas that contact skin or products from multi-use containers must be replaced with new or clean articles for each client.
Some other nail implements have specific cleaning and disinfection instructions. Buffer blocks, porous nail files, pedicure files, callus rasps, and certain similar items must have visible debris removed after each use and then be disinfected as the rule directs. If a buffer block or porous nail file contacts broken skin or unhealthy skin or nails, it must be discarded immediately after use! Do not assume that every porous item follows the same rule in every circumstance; check the requirements for the particular item.
Give electric drill bits their own routine
Only electric files, drills, and machines designed and manufactured for the professional nail industry may be used for manicure or pedicure services. TDLR specifies cleaning methods for diamond, carbide, natural, and metal bits. Once visible debris is removed, these bits must be completely immersed in an appropriate disinfectant between clients and then sterilized in accordance with the rule.
Because drill bits are small and appointments can be close together, a dedicated container for used bits and a supply of processed bits can help prevent mix-ups.
Clean foot spas after each client—and keep the records
Pedicure equipment needs attention beyond the visible basin. After each client, a whirlpool foot spa must be drained and cleared of debris, cleaned with soap or detergent and water, disinfected with a qualifying EPA-registered disinfectant used according to its manufacturer’s instructions, and wiped dry with a clean towel. Additional procedures apply at the end of the day, including removing and cleaning the screen and other removable parts. Other types of foot basins and spa liners have their own requirements.
Cleaning and disinfection records must be available on request to clients or TDLR representatives and retained for at least 60 days. If the required documentation is missing for a foot spa, basin, or jet, it must be removed from service until it has been cleaned and disinfected and the record properly updated. TDLR provides foot spa sanitation requirements and cleaning record forms for establishments.
Texas nail salon sanitation rules at a glance
| Topic | Practical requirement | TDLR rule |
|---|---|---|
| Metal manicure and pedicure tools | Clean, disinfect, and sterilize or sanitize before each service, including when a tool is used for only one client. | §83.106 |
| Electric drill bits | Clean after each use. Covered bits must then be fully immersed in an appropriate disinfectant between clients and sterilized. | §83.107 |
| Foot spas and cleaning records | Follow the cleaning procedure for the type of spa or basin. Keep cleaning and disinfection records available on request and retain them for at least 60 days. | §83.108 |
The exact steps vary by tool and equipment type. See TDLR’s inspection guide and health and safety rules for the full requirements.
What if there is a cut or blood exposure?
Avoid contact with a client’s open sore or wound. If blood or body fluids contact a surface or a nonporous instrument, TDLR’s blood and body fluids rule requires specific immediate cleaning and disinfection procedures. Keep the appropriate supplies available and make sure everyone providing services knows where to find the procedure before an incident occurs.
A practical between-client checklist
Use this short routine to support the Texas nail salon sanitation rules during a busy day:
- Clear away used supplies and discard required single-use items.
- Separate used reusable tools from tools ready for service.
- Clean and process metal tools and drill bits according to their specific requirements.
- Replace towels, bowls, and other articles that require a new or clean item for each client.
- Clean and disinfect the foot spa or basin using the procedure for that equipment, and complete its record.
- Prepare the station, clean your hands, and clean the client’s service area before beginning.
A checklist supports the routine; the current TDLR rules remain the source for the exact steps that apply to each tool and piece of equipment.
Sanitation training is part of license renewal
Sanitation is also a required continuing education topic for Texas manicurists renewing their licenses. TDLR currently requires one hour of sanitation and one hour of human trafficking awareness within the four-hour CE requirement. Licensees who have held a Texas license for at least 15 years need those two required hours; the other two hours are waived.
Need to complete your renewal CE? Explore our 4-hour Texas cosmetology CE bundle or 2-hour option for eligible 15-year licensees. Our sanitation course helps you revisit habits you can put to work at the nail station every day.
Last reviewed with TDLR rules: September 29, 2026
