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Cleanliness is not a trend, but A must in everyday studio life . Customers rely on your tools 100% germ-free are – and this is where sterilizers and autoclaves come into play.

But what exactly is the difference? And how does the technology behind it work?

Sterilizer vs. autoclave – which is which?

Sterilizer (hot air)

  • Works with dry heat (160–180 °C)

  • Duration: approx. 60–120 minutes

  • Good for metal instruments

  • No steam needed

Autoclave (steam sterilization)

  • Works with saturated steam under pressure

  • Temperature: 121–134 °C at 2–3 bar

  • Also kills spores and viruses safely from

  • One of the safest sterilization methods

How does an autoclave work?

  1. Instruments are packed airtight (Sterile bag with indicator)

  2. Device extracts the air (vacuum)

  3. Saturated steam flows in and heats to over 120 °C

  4. After holding time (e.g. 15 min at 134 °C) drying begins

  5. Everything is sterile and storable

Emmi-Steri 15 – Hot air sterilizer for your studio

The Emmi-Steri 15 is a compact and powerful hot air sterilizer specially designed for use in nail salons, pedicure practices, tattoo and piercing studios. With an operating temperature of 180 °C, it ensures effective killing of bacteria and germs. The device is made entirely of stainless steel and is designed for maintenance-free continuous use.

  • Sterilization at 180 °C hot air

  • Easy operation with variable time setting (1–120 minutes)

  • Made entirely of stainless steel

  • Maintenance-free continuous operation

  • 24-month manufacturer's warranty

With the Emmi-Steri 15 you invest in professional hygiene and safety for your studio. Further information and ordering options can be found on the official product page.

What you should pay attention to in the studio:

  • Only certified devices with EU standard (EN 13060 Class B)

  • Regular maintenance & inspection (Bowie-Dick & Helix Test)

  • Document sterile goods (Date, content, expiration date)

  • Gloves and disinfection are still mandatory!

Attention: Disinfection is not the same as sterilization!

disinfection reduces germs, but only the Sterilization kills everything – including spores.
Only with an autoclave can you achieve true sterility in the medical sense.

Where can I find legal requirements and help regarding hygiene in nail salons?

Hygiene is not just a question of image – it is regulated by law. Nail salons in Germany are subject to certain hygiene requirements , which may vary slightly depending on the federal state. Important: As a studio owner, you are responsible for ensuring that these standards demonstrably adhered to .

Important contact points & information:

Health Department

  • Responsible for monitoring your hygiene measures

  • Carry out unannounced inspections if necessary

  • Provides information on regional requirements and training

Infection Protection Act (IfSG)

  • Regulates how to deal with infection risks

  • Important: §36 IfSG (hygiene plans & documentation)

Hygiene plan & documentation

  • Must be created individually for each studio

  • Includes cleaning schedules, disinfectants, storage of sterile goods, etc.

Chamber of Crafts & Guilds

  • Offer courses & seminars on hygiene in the studio

  • Inform about new legal requirements

Online platforms & associations

  • e.g. ZDH.de (Central Association of German Crafts)

  • or industry-specific networks for cosmetic & nail studios

Our tip:

Create a visible hygiene plan for your studio – and use it as a signal of trust for your customers. Professionally prepared and prominently displayed, it demonstrates that hygiene is standard practice for you, not a coincidence.

Checklist: Hygienically perfect nail salon

Preparation & working environment

  • ☐ Disinfect work surfaces before and after each customer

  • ☐ Prepare freshly disinfected instruments

  • ☐ Use disposable items such as files and buffers only once

  • ☐ Change customer coat or pad regularly

  • ☐ Wipe/disinfect UV lamp and devices regularly

Instrument care & sterilization

  • ☐ After each customer: Rough cleaning under water

  • ☐ Afterwards: Cleaning in an ultrasonic device (if available)

  • ☐ Sterilization in Autoclave or Hot air sterilizer

  • ☐ Store sterile goods in labeled, closed bags

  • ☐ Regularly document sterilization records (date, content, test)

Personal hygiene & protection

  • ☐ Wash and disinfect hands before and after each treatment

  • ☐ Change gloves for every customer

  • ☐ Wear a face mask when filing (also recommended for customers)

  • ☐ Wear clean work clothes or apron

  • ☐ Tie your hair back and remove any jewelry

Hygiene management & documentation

  • ☐ Display hygiene plan visibly in the studio

  • ☐ Disinfectants and procedures recorded in writing

  • ☐ Employee training documented (at least once a year)

  • ☐ Regularly check off and archive hygiene checklist

  • ☐ Check and confirm cleaning intervals, e.g. weekly

Transparency & customer security

  • ☐ Inform customers about hygiene measures

  • ☐ Open sterile instruments visibly

  • ☐ Display certificates or hygiene training in the waiting area

  • ☐ Regularly show hygiene status on Instagram or website

A notice:

This checklist does not replace legal advice. Please note the Guidelines from your local health department and, if applicable, industry-specific recommendations from your Chamber of Crafts.

Conclusion: Clean is good. Sterile is better.

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