Cleaning your cosmetic laser equipment is an important maintenance task. Regular and proper cleaning extends the lifespan of your laser, helps ensure its safety for use, and helps you achieve the desired outcome of the procedure.
Maintain your laser equipment to benefit the overall cleanliness of your facility and the well-being of yourself, your patients, and your clients. Read this guide to understand how to clean your cosmetic laser equipment.
General Guidelines
Always use your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting your equipment; the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model are the only way to ensure the longevity and safety of your equipment. Avoid costly damage and downtime by following the correct cleaning methods.
Pre-clean devices before disinfecting to remove residue and debris. In general, manufacturers state to regularly clean and disinfect your cosmetic laser equipment with a soft, lint-free cloth and non-flammable and alcohol-free cleaning agents. Refrain from using isopropyl alcohol, as it can dry out plastic components and cause them to age and crack.
Your manufacturer’s instructions should recommend cleaning practices and agents. In general, you can use benzalkonium chloride and ESO S80—a compound of the broad-spectrum antimicrobial benzalkonium chloride—and the antiseptic and disinfectant chlorhexidine digluconate.
Ensure Clean Airflow
Your laser machine needs clean airflow, which is why it’s important to clean your cosmetic laser’s filters and vents to protect the device. Just like with other machines, dirty filters and vents can cause your laser equipment to overheat. And once debris enters the machine, it might create internal damage.
Regularly clean out the filters. Remove dust from vents on the side panels and fans with a vacuum to clean up any dirt or debris. Routinely dusting the room will help keep filters and vents cleaner, too.
Clean the Exterior Shell and Cables
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the exterior of the machine. Use mild soap and water to clean the laser machine exterior and follow with a hospital-grade disinfectant. Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the surface during cleaning and disinfecting. Avoid cleaning with alcohol.
When cleaning cords or cables, do not immerse them in the cleaning solution. Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to apply mild cleaners that do not dry out or otherwise damage the material.
Clean the Water Tank
Lasers typically require you to fill the water tank with distilled water or deionized water. Empty the water container every week and vacuum the filter. Use the manufacturer’s guidelines to clean the tank.
Filling the tank with the correct water, emptying it regularly, and cleaning it out correctly can prevent scale and buildup. Mineral buildup can create water flow problems, so it’s important to follow a regular cleaning schedule.
Clean the Handpieces
Clear away debris with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth and a solution suggested by your model’s manufacturer; mild cleaning solutions of soap and water are usually suitable. Avoid letting any liquids seep into cavities, then dry the handpiece completely. After cleaning, wipe the handpiece with a soft cloth dampened with a non-alcohol-based disinfectant.
Regularly cleaning your laser device components gives you the opportunity to inspect for damage. If your handpiece is broken, it could prevent you from giving your patient or client the results they want. The most common cause of handpiece damage is getting dropped. If you notice scratches, dents, deformation, or other damage to the handpiece, avoid using it and let a technician service it.
Clean the Touchscreen
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the touchscreen. Typically, you should wear gloves while cleaning and disinfecting the touchscreen. Do not spray any cleaning or disinfecting liquid directly onto the monitor as that can cause liquid to enter the device.
Power down the device before cleaning. Then, dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth with water or a gentle cleaning solution—avoid cleaning products that can cause discoloration, such as non-diluted bleach or ammonia. Wipe the screen gently in small circular motions, then wipe dry.
To disinfect the touchscreen, power down the device. Dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth with an approved disinfectant—the cloth should be damp but not soaking. Rub the solution over the screen in small circular motions and let the surface remain wet for the required time, then wipe dry.
Clean and Disinfect Laser Eye Protection
Clean and disinfect laser protective eyewear before and after use, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for your eyewear model. If you use cleaning solutions or methods contrary to the manufacturer’s instructions, you might cause undetectable damage to the eyewear. Once cleaned and disinfected, store eyewear in a clean place, such as its original container.
Some manufacturers suggest cleaning laser protective eyewear with mild soap and warm water. You don’t want to scratch any surfaces—especially the lenses—so be sure to use a non-abrasive soap. Clean your hands, then rinse the eyewear with warm water and use your fingertips to apply a small amount of soap. Do not use circular motions to rub the soap in, as this might damage coatings.
Next, rinse the eyewear without rubbing. Dry it completely by pressing, not rubbing, a soft, lint-free cloth against the eyewear. At every stage of cleaning and drying, you want to ensure you do not scratch or otherwise damage the eyewear and its protective coatings. Store the cloth in a place where it can stay clean, and wash cleaning cloths weekly without fabric softener or dryer sheets.
Inspect laser protective eyewear regularly, such as before and after use and before and after cleaning. Check for scratches, dents, holes, discoloration, or misshapen parts. Do not use damaged eyewear. Sometimes, the manufacturer can make repairs; otherwise, throw away damaged eyewear and replace it.
Avoid sharing laser protective eyewear if possible. If sharing is unavoidable, you can ask the manufacturer for instructions on best cleaning practices. Remember to clean eyewear before and after each use, regardless of whether you’re sharing the equipment.
Get Your Cosmetic Laser from All States M.E.D.
All States M.E.D. offers new and refurbished cosmetic laser equipment for use in dermatology and cosmetic surgery facilities. Aesthetic lasers can help you give your patients and clients the look they desire; whether it’s skin regeneration, removal of unwanted hair, or improving the look of scars, we have a laser for your services. Search our selection today.
