How to Clean Nail & Beauty Tools with an Ultrasonic Cleaner — A Complete Salon Guide

Discover how to deep clean nail tools and salon implements with an ultrasonic cleaner in this article. Keep your tools hygienic, fast, and professional.

Update: 2025-10-29 | Industry Technology

Nail tools, makeup brushes, and beauty implements come into close contact with your skin and nails on a daily basis. Over time, these tools collect oils, cosmetic residue, and bacteria that are invisible to the eye. Without proper cleaning, they can affect your makeup or manicure results — and even cause clogged pores, breakouts, or cross-contamination.

For beauty and nail salon owners, maintaining tool hygiene is essential. Every brush, file, or nail clipper should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before reuse. Manual cleaning is time-consuming and often incomplete, which is why many professionals now rely on ultrasonic cleaners for salons to achieve fast and consistent results.

Why Beauty & Nail Tools are Difficult to Clean

Hard-to-reach Areas

Nail file grooves, brush bristles, and nail tip edges trap oil, gel, and polish that water alone can’t reach.

High Bacterial Growth Risk

Moist tools such as makeup brushes and nail implements can breed bacteria within 24 hours, increasing the risk of skin irritation and infection.

Manual Cleaning is Inefficient

Soaking and scrubbing can take 30–40 minutes and the cleaning effect depends on the technique used, making it difficult to guarantee the quality of each cleaning.

Why Choose an Ultrasonic Cleaner for Nail Tools

An ultrasonic nail tool cleaner uses sound waves above 40kHz to create millions of microbubbles that collapse and release powerful cleaning energy. This process removes dirt, polish, and oil residue even from tiny crevices — without damaging delicate surfaces.

Ultrasonic cleaners are ideal for nail salons, beauty studios, and even home users, ensuring tools stay clean, and ready for the next client.

Key Benefits:

• Deep cleaning with high-frequency ultrasonic waves
• Gentle on delicate tools like makeup brushes and tweezers
• The heating function dissolves oils faster
• Degas mode prevents metal oxidation and extends tool life

How to Choose the Right Ultrasonic Cleaner for Salon Use

Capacity

Choose a tank size based on your tool volume:

• 1–2L: Perfect for home or small salon use
• 2–3L+: Suitable for busy salons handling multiple clients daily

Power & Frequency

For beauty tools, a 40kHz ultrasonic frequency provides effective yet gentle cleaning. Power levels between 60–120W are ideal for consistent results.

Extra Features

Adjust the cleaning time (5-30 minutes) and temperature (40°C-60°C) based on the type of instrument and cleaning requirements.

Best Ultrasonic Cleaners for Salons and Nail Tools

Skymen offers a range of professional ultrasonic cleaners for nail tools, makeup brushes, and salon implements — built for both precision and convenience.

1. Skymen ZX-1200 — 1.2L Ultrasonic Cleaner with Detachable Tank

With its compact 1.2L body and ABS drop-proof material, it's perfect for use on the countertops of beauty salons and nail salons. The removable tank allows for water changes without unplugging the power, making it more convenient for high-frequency use.

2. Skymen ZX-4820 — 2.5L Multifunctional Ultrasonic Cleaner

The 2.5L large-capacity tank and made of 304 stainless steel, can clean 5-8 tools at a time. It supports 65℃ constant temperature heating to accelerate the dissolution of makeup oils.

3. Skymen ZX-020S — 3.2L Benchtop Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner

The 3.2L commercial-grade 304 stainless steel inner tank is sturdy and durable, and the 120W high-power transducer provides stronger cleaning power. 

4. Skymen ZX-031— 6.5L Benchtop Mechanical Ultrasonic Cleaner

With a super-large 6.5L capacity, it can clean a large number of beauty and nail tools at once; 40kHz ultrasonic waves + 180W powerful output, mechanical knob adjustment supports 0-30 minute timer and 0-80℃ temperature adjustment, automatic constant temperature to keep the solution temperature stable, and improve the dissolution efficiency of stubborn stains; the water outlet valve makes drainage convenient, the heat dissipation holes prevent overheating, and support long-term continuous cleaning.

Best Clean and Maintenance Tips for Nails and Beauty Tools

Three Easy Steps to Clean with an Ultrasonic Cleaner

1. Prepare the Solution​​​​​​: Fill the tank with water and add an approved disinfectant or cleaning solution.

2. Load the Tools: Place brushes and nail implements into the basket (avoid stacking).

3. Start Cleaning: Choose 3–5 minutes for daily cleaning or up to 10 minutes for heavy buildup. Turn on heating for oily or gel residues, rinse after cleaning, and air dry.

Five Tips for Maintaining Sterility

Cleaning is only the first step, subsequent storage and maintenance determine whether tools can maintain their sterility over the long term.

 

• After cleaning and drying, separate tools by use and store them in covered storage boxes or sealed bags.
• Store tool kits in a dry, well-ventilated area, avoiding sealed drawers. Desiccant or mildew-proof sheets may be placed in the tool bag.
• Check the condition of tools monthly, such as for hair loss in makeup brushes and rust in nail scissors, and replace any damaged tools promptly.
• Tools that have come into contact with blood or broken skin should first be rinsed with saline, then soaked in medical glutaraldehyde solution for 20 minutes, and finally ultrasonically cleaned and sterilized at high temperature.
• Manicurists and makeup artists must wear medical gloves before working and wash their hands with hand sanitizer after each client.

Final Word

With an ultrasonic cleaner for nail tools and makeup brushes, you can keep your beauty instruments clean and salon-ready in minutes. Whether you run a professional salon or do beauty care at home, ultrasonic cleaning ensures your tools stay spotless and safe — effortlessly.