🧼 Sterilization Techniques Every Tattoo Artist Should Know
Protect your clients. Protect your craft.
When it comes to tattooing, artistry is only part of the equation. The other half? Sterilization. Ensuring your equipment, surfaces, and work environment are properly disinfected isn’t just best practice, it’s the law.
Whether you're a seasoned tattooist or opening your first studio, mastering sterilization is critical for compliance, client safety, and your brand reputation. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essential sterilization techniques every tattoo artist should know—and the Aurum Care Co. products that help make it easy.
🧪 Why Sterilization Matters in Tattooing
Tattooing involves needles, blood, and skin contact, making the risk of infection very real. Without strict hygiene protocols, tattoo studios can spread:
Hepatitis B and C
MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Bloodborne pathogens
Fungal and skin infections
Proper sterilization is non-negotiable. It's what separates professional studios from health hazards.
🔁 1. Autoclave Sterilization (for Non-Disposable Equipment)
Reusable metal tools like grips, tubes, and tips must be steam sterilized in an autoclave after each use.
✅ Best Practices:
Clean tools with an ultrasonic cleaner before autoclaving
Use autoclave-safe pouches with sterilization indicators
Follow the recommended cycle (typically 121°C at 15 psi for 30 minutes)
🧴 Keep a log of autoclave cycles for health inspection compliance.
🧴 2. Chemical Disinfection for Surfaces & Equipment
Workstations, armrests, ink trays, and clip cords must be disinfected between every client.
Use:
Hospital-grade surface disinfectants
DIN-registered wipes or sprays
Barrier film or covers on high-touch equipment
📦 Shop Disinfectants & Wipes →
Aurum Care Co Tip: Always allow the disinfectant to sit for the recommended contact time (usually 5–10 minutes) before wiping.
🧤 3. Proper Use of Disposable Items
Single-use items eliminate the need for sterilization but require proper storage and disposal.
Always discard after one use:
Gloves
Razor blades
Ink caps
Cotton swabs, applicators, and bibs
Shoe covers and aprons
🧤 Explore Tattoo Disposable Supplies →
🧽 4. Surface Protection & Cross-Contamination Control
Use protective barriers on:
Tattoo machines
Clip cords
Chairs and trays
Power supplies
Change these barriers after each client to prevent cross-contamination.
✅ Pro Tip: Use dental bibs as workstation liners for quick cleanup.
🛒 Shop Surface Protection Items →
🧼 5. Hand & Skin Sanitization
Clean hands = clean canvas.
Before and after gloving, artists should sanitize using:
70 %+ alcohol hand sanitizer
Antibacterial soap (for full handwashing every few clients)
For clients, prep the skin using:
70% Isopropyl alcohol
Witch hazel for sensitive areas
💧 View Skin Prep & Hand Sanitizers →
🩺 6. First Aid & Biohazard Disposal
Even in sterile environments, accidents happen. Be ready with:
A fully stocked first aid kit
Sharps disposal containers for needles
Properly labeled biohazard bags for contaminated waste
🧾 Sterilization Checklist for Tattoo Studios
Here’s what you should have on hand for full sterilization compliance:
✅ Autoclave & pouches
✅ Surface disinfectant spray or wipes
✅ Disposable gloves (nitrile or latex)
✅ Barrier film & dental bibs
✅ Isopropyl alcohol (70–99%)
✅ Hand sanitizer
✅ Sharps container & biohazard bags
✅ PPE (gowns, aprons, shoe covers)
🛒 Build Your Tattoo Sterilization Kit →
💬 Final Thoughts
Clean lines start with a clean studio. By mastering sterilization, you’re not just protecting your clients, you’re building trust, professionalism, and long-term business growth.
✨ At Aurum Care Co., we’re proud to supply tattoo artists across Canada with:
Health Canada–approved disinfectants
Studio-grade gloves and disposables
Fast, reliable shipping coast-to-coast