Did you know that Florida law requires every pedicure tub to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each and every client?
Not just rinsed.
Not simply covered with a plastic liner.
Actually cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized according to state regulations.
In Florida, after every pedicure service, the tub must be washed, cleaned, rinsed, filled with a hospital-grade disinfectant, and the jets must run for a minimum of 10 minutes.
After every service.
Many clients are surprised when they learn this.
As a licensed nail professional with 40 years in the beauty industry, I can tell you that I’ve seen far too many salons remove a plastic liner, quickly rinse the tub, and prepare it for the next guest without properly sanitizing the equipment underneath.
A plastic liner does not replace proper cleaning and disinfection.
Your health deserves better.
Why Pedicure Sanitation Matters
Pedicure tubs, foot files, toe separators, and metal implements come into direct contact with skin. If proper sanitation procedures aren’t followed, clients can be exposed to bacteria, fungus, and other infections.
A professional pedicure should leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and confident—not worried about what may have been left behind by the previous client.
My Safe Pedicure Checklist
The next time you book a pedicure, use this simple checklist to help protect yourself.
1. Ask About Pedicure Tub Sanitation
Don’t be afraid to ask how the pedicure tub is cleaned between clients.
A properly sanitized tub should be:
- Washed thoroughly
- Cleaned with soap or cleanser
- Rinsed
- Filled with hospital-grade disinfectant
- Run with jets operating for at least 10 minutes
A reputable salon should be happy to explain their sanitation procedures.
2. Request New Nail Files and Buffers
Nail files and buffers are porous and cannot be properly disinfected.
For this reason, I have used single-use files and buffers for years.
You deserve tools that have never touched someone else’s feet.
3. Verify Metal Implements Are Sterilized
Professional metal tools should be removed from a sealed sterilization pouch in front of you.
If tools are lying loose on a towel or workstation, don’t be afraid to ask how they were disinfected.
4. Be Cautious With Cuticle Work
Healthy cuticle care should never be painful.
Dry cuticles are difficult to push back and often lead to excessive cutting.
In my salon, cuticle care is performed after the feet have softened, allowing excess tissue to be gently removed rather than aggressively cut away.
Cuts and nicks can increase the risk of infection and should always be avoided whenever possible.
5. Your Heels Should Feel Smooth When You Leave
A quality pedicure is about more than removing calluses.
Your feet should actually feel smooth.
Many salons quickly buff away surface buildup but never properly refine the skin afterward.
I use a professional stainless-steel pedicure system with disposable single-use abrasive pads. The disposable abrasives are discarded after each client while the metal wand is cleaned and sterilized.
When you climb into bed that night, your feet should glide across your sheets—not snag on them.
6. Never Allow Anyone to Cut the Sides of Your Toenails
This is one of the biggest mistakes I see in the nail industry.
Cutting deeply into the corners of toenails can contribute to painful ingrown toenails and infections.
If you suspect an ingrown toenail, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist rather than seeking treatment at a nail salon.
7. Make Sure Toe Separators Are Clean
Toe separators should either be disposable or properly sanitized between clients.
For years, I’ve preferred using fresh tissue wraps because they are comfortable, sanitary, and discarded after each service.
Please Avoid These Pedicure Red Flags
If you see any of the following, consider finding another salon:
- Pedicure tubs that are only rinsed between clients
- Reused nail files or buffers
- Unsealed metal implements
- Credo blades or “cheese grater” style foot files
- Technicians aggressively cutting cuticles
- Toenails being cut deeply into the corners
These shortcuts may save time, but they do not prioritize your health.
Why I Am Selective About Pedicure Services
Over the past few weeks, I’ve welcomed several new guests into my private salon.
One of the first things they notice is that they’re receiving one-on-one service in a peaceful, private environment.
Then the conversation usually turns to pedicures.
Many share stories of disappointing experiences—rough heels after treatment, questionable sanitation practices, or uncomfortable procedures that left them concerned about their health.
Those conversations remind me why education matters.
Today, I am more selective about the pedicure services I provide. For the safety of all my guests, I do not perform pedicures on individuals with contagious foot conditions such as fungal infections or plantar warts.
My priority has always been creating a clean, safe, professional environment where clients can relax knowing their wellness comes first.
Education Protects Everyone
The more educated clients become, the higher the standards of our industry rise.
As licensed professionals, we should be talking openly about sanitation, safety, and proper procedures—not avoiding the conversation.
After four decades behind the nail table, I still genuinely love what I do. Sharing knowledge is one of the ways I can help protect not only my own clients but anyone who enjoys professional nail services.
Because healthy feet are beautiful feet.
Have Questions?
I’m always happy to answer questions about pedicures, nail care, salon sanitation, or professional nail services.
You can find me online at:
Instagram: @nailsdoneright
Facebook: Nails Done Right
TikTok: Linda J Reyes
Website: NailsDoneRight.com
Recommended At-Home Foot Care
Looking for a simple way to maintain smooth feet between pedicures?
Check out my Pedi Pro Callus Remover, available in purple, turquoise, and black—because let’s be honest, the guys will probably steal yours anyway!