Tattoo disinfectant spray: because hygiene is the foundation of a good work environment

Many novice tattoo artists focus on perfecting their technique and developing design skills, testing various machines, tattooing on artificial skins, making sketches, etc. One can easily get lost in this, forgetting about the "boring" but equally important elements of the tattooing process. Maintaining hygiene is an absolute must, not only from a safety perspective but also for comfort at work. A professional must meticulously care for the client's skin and workstation cleanliness, and the sterility of tools, which is greatly aided by using a tattoo disinfectant spray. What is it? How to use this product? Which spray to buy? We have many valuable tips for you.

Tattoo disinfectant spray – a dual interpretation

We all tend to use shortcuts in thinking, and it's no different in the tattoo industry. Many professionals use the term "tattoo disinfectant spray" to refer to both products used for routine skin cleansing during and after tattooing (during the healing phase of the tattoo) and disinfectants for tools. In our article, we will look at both to help you gather the appropriate products useful at different stages of working on a project.

What to use to clean a tattoo?

Cleaning the tattoo during tattooing is fundamental for maintaining hygiene and thus client safety, also allowing for precise replication of the design. This aims not only to remove blood but also petroleum jelly or excess ink. You must have such a product at hand, preferably as a backup. Ars Tattoo experts particularly recommend Tattoo Eazer Foam. It is not a typical tattoo disinfectant spray, but a gentle cleansing foam that has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is based on natural potassium soap with the addition of linseed oil, witch hazel water, and aloe vera extract. Thanks to this, it not only effectively cleans the skin but also soothes irritations and improves skin elasticity, reduces bleeding, and facilitates tattooing.

Ars Tattoo expert tip:

Using Tattoo Eazer Foam is also the first stage of proper tattoo aftercare – it can also be used during skin healing, for example, to clean the tattoo before changing a dressing, including second skin.

An alternative to foam is special green soap, for example, Onyx Magic Soap, which should be diluted with water and applied with a spray dispenser. This is a slightly cheaper option, which may interest novice tattoo artists looking to reduce costs.

Disinfection of tools and workstation

During tattooing, you must absolutely ensure that your workstation is clean and sterile – the client has trusted you, so make sure they don't later have skin problems caused by infection.

Start by thoroughly disinfecting your studio equipment, i.e., the chair, your chair, and the table – you can use the most common disinfectant liquid for this, for example, Velox Spray Neutral (effective in 15 seconds against fungi and 30 seconds against bacteria).

After finishing work, do not forget to thoroughly wash and disinfect the entire workstation. As for reusable tools, such as grips or tips, they are best disinfected using an autoclave, i.e., an ultrasonic cleaner or a sterilizer for tattoo accessories. Maintaining hygiene during tattooing is not limited to disinfecting surfaces, sterilizing tools, and cleaning the client's skin. You also need a range of small accessories that ensure the highest standard of cleanliness, such as nitrile gloves, underlays (sheets), or a protective apron. All of this, of course, you can buy at Ars Tattoo.

Most frequent questions and answers

What and why to disinfect a tattoo?

During tattooing, the skin should be regularly cleaned to remove blood, petroleum jelly, or excess ink. We recommend using gentle Tattoo Eazer Foam.

What is better for cleaning a tattoo: foam or soap?

Special soap for cleaning and disinfecting tattoos (green soap) is a good and inexpensive choice, but foam is more convenient to use. Choose what you work with better.

Why is a fresh tattoo cleaned?

In fact, we clean the skin, not the tattoo itself. This is to neutralize bacteria or other microorganisms, thus eliminating the risk of skin infection. Disinfection also constitutes the first stage of fresh tattoo aftercare.

What to use to clean the tattoo artist's workstation?

For disinfecting surfaces, including the chair or table, it is best to use a liquid dedicated to cleaning medical equipment, such as Velox Spray Neutral.

How to clean tattoo tools?

The best choice is to invest in a so-called autoclave, meaning an ultrasonic cleaner or a sterilizer. This ensures that you can safely use reusable tools.