- July 17, 2018
- Nail care
- Ksenia Stepanishcheva
Many germs accumulate on manicure devices, so they need to be sterilized. The procedure eliminates bacteria, spores, hepatitis viruses, and HIV. Glasperlene sterilizer for manicure tools is great for professionals who perform manicures at home or in small salons. The rules for operating the device are described in the article.
Why is sterilization required?
Manicure tools come into contact with the skin, so their treatment is considered mandatory. If this procedure is not performed in a salon or by a professional at home, then you should not perform a manicure there.
Sterilization is necessary to protect against viral and bacterial infections and fungi. An improperly processed device can lead to infection with hepatitis C or AIDS. Because of this, you will need to spend a lot of money and effort on treating the disease. When performing a manicure yourself, you also need to perform this treatment.
What tools need to be processed?
Masters have a set of devices that are used to process nails before applying a decorative coating. Disinfection is needed for instruments that come into contact with skin and nails. This applies to:
- nail scissors;
- wire cutter;
- pusher;
- nail brushes;
- baffy, files;
- manicure table, roller and bath;
- LED or UV lamps for design;
- reusable forms for nail extensions.
It is also necessary to treat the room where the procedure is performed. The hands of the master and the client must be clean. Only in sterile conditions will a manicure be safe.
Pros and cons of glasperlene (ball) sterilizers
Glasperlene sterilizer has many advantages:
- Firstly, this is the time it takes to process the tools (20–40 seconds).
- Secondly, this is the quality of the instruments themselves. Glasperlene balls do not dull instruments or damage them; using a glasperlene sterilization device you can forget about chips and cracks on your instruments.
- Thirdly, accessibility - you can buy such a sterilizer in any professional manicure store.
- The fourth advantage is the ability to process several tools at once, which, again, saves your time.
- The Glasperlene sterilizer is completely safe for both the master and the client, and thanks to its compact size, it can be placed directly on the desktop, and it will not interfere with you.
- This sterilizer requires minimal maintenance - it is enough to clean it from dust with a regular cloth and replace the quartz balls once a year.
- Thanks to its long cooling time, it can be used to sterilize a large number of instruments in a short time, which is very convenient in beauty salons with a large number of regular customers.
The only drawback of this method of disinfecting manicure devices is that using it to sterilize plastic, silicone or glass devices is strictly contraindicated . The reason for this is high temperatures, which can damage both the instrument and the sterilizer itself.
Remember that it is necessary to sterilize manicure instruments before use, and using a Glasperlene sterilizer for this is reliable, convenient and profitable.
Glasperlene sterilizers
Device
The operation and design of most glasperlene sterilizers for manicure instruments are very similar. All devices are presented in the form of a plastic or metal box with a lid. Under the outer casing there is a glass made of heat-resistant material filled with glasperlen balls.
Near the heat-resistant container there is a heating spiral element, from which the set temperature is transferred to the glass filler. The hot balls come into contact with the surface of the instruments and perform sterilization. The device heats the balls up to 250 degrees. According to reviews, this device is one of the most popular among manicurists.
Description and design of the device
Glasperlene sterilizer
The operating principle and design of glasperlene sterilizers are the same. All models of devices for disinfecting manicure instruments are a plastic or metal box with a lid.
Under the outer casing there is a glass made of heat-resistant material, filled with glasperlen balls (translated from German, glasperlen means bugles or glass beads).
The heat-resistant container is surrounded by a heating spiral element, from which the set temperature is transferred to the glass filler. The hot balls come into contact with the surface of the instrument and sterilize it.
The device heats the balls up to 250°C.
Advantages
- The duration of immersion of instruments in the sterilization medium is several seconds. The short processing time is explained by the fact that glasperlene creates a higher temperature than other sterilizers.
- Small dimensions allow the device to be transported and conveniently positioned.
- Easy to use.
- More gentle than chemical and steam treatment of manicure instruments. Instruments treated with Glasperlene sterilizer last longer and require sharpening less often.
- The ability to use the necessary tools in the shortest possible time. Cooling of the processed product lasts 30-60 seconds.
- The duration of cooling of the balls in the switched off closed sterilizer reaches 60 minutes. This allows you to warm up the device for subsequent processing in a shorter time.
- Cost-effective: the service life of the glasperlene medium ranges from several months to a year.
Flaws
- Only the working part of the instrument is immersed in the glasperlene medium. The handle remaining above the layer of balls is not sterilized.
- The small capacity of the device limits the dimensions of the processed devices: the device is suitable for small objects.
- High temperature allows you to sterilize only metal manicure instruments in a Glasperlene sterilizer: nippers, scissors , tweezers, pushers. To the question “can cutters be sterilized in a Glasperlene sterilizer?” the answer is simple: if the cutter is made of metal, then it is possible. Other materials melt and damage the sterilizer and balls.
Advantages
A ball sterilizer has the following advantages:
- The instruments are immersed in the sterilization medium within a few seconds. The short processing time is due to the high temperature created by glasperlene.
- Thanks to its small dimensions, the device can be easily transported.
- Operating the device is not difficult.
- Processing of instruments will be more gentle compared to chemical and steam. The devices last longer and need to be sharpened less often.
- After processing, you can use the necessary tools. Cooling lasts 30-60 seconds.
- The duration of cooling of the balls in the switched off closed sterilizer is 60 minutes. This is necessary to warm up the device for processing in a short period.
- The duration of operation is up to a year.
According to reviews, the Glasperlene sterilizer is easy to use. If you follow the operating rules, the device will be an excellent assistant for a long time.
How to use a ball sterilizer: step-by-step instructions
When processing instruments, all rules prescribed by the manufacturer must be followed. By violating the sequence of actions, you can not only fail to achieve a positive result, but also damage the device. So, how to work with a ball sterilizer? Let's look at the step-by-step instructions:
- The flask of the device should be filled with sand or balls (depending on the type of sterilizer) and close the lid tightly until it clicks.
- After connecting to the network, the indicator should light up green. Once the ball sterilizer has heated up, the light should go off, indicating that the required temperature has been reached.
- The lid must be opened carefully so as not to burn your hands. Metal manicure tools are placed in a flask and processed in a closed device for 30 seconds , after which they must be removed and cooled.
It is unacceptable to process tools made of wood or plastic in this way - they may simply melt. While the surface of metal products after 40-50 seconds in the sterilizer can deteriorate significantly. When working with an electrical device, be sure to wear protective gloves to help avoid burns.
Read: How to assemble a gel polish starter kit
In this video, watch detailed instructions on how to use a ball sterilizer:
Discussion: there is 1 comment
- sporecounter:
January 30, 2021 at 8:58 amHigh-temperature ball (quartz) sterilizer, plastic case Description: Ball sterilizer with quartz balls, for manicure, pedicure and cosmetology instruments, sterilization temperature 250 degrees, sterilization time 20-30 seconds. Only the working surface is sterilized.
Answer
Flaws
But glasperlene sterilizers for manicure instruments also have disadvantages:
- Only the working part of the device is placed in the glasperlene medium. The handle located above the layer of balls is not sterilized.
- Due to the small capacity of the device, the dimensions of the processed tools are limited: the device can be used for small objects.
- Due to the high temperature, only metal instruments can be sterilized in the device: wire cutters, scissors, tweezers, pushers. The remaining materials melt.
Terms of use
The instructions for the Glasperlene sterilizer are simple. Placed devices must be treated with a disinfectant solution or manicure disinfectant. The tools must be dried: moisture will make the balls and metal container unusable.
How to properly sterilize manicure instruments? This procedure is simple, you just need to follow some rules. Sterilization of hairdressing equipment and manicure instruments is performed as follows:
- You should find in the instructions how long it takes to sterilize the necessary instruments.
- The device plug is inserted into the socket.
- The lid must be closed.
- Then the power button is pressed.
- You should wait for the warm-up time indicated in the instructions. Usually it is 12-15 minutes. When the desired temperature is reached, the light goes off. The presence of a glowing green LED indicates that the temperature is insufficient and warming up is in progress.
- You need to open the cover of the device.
- Manicure devices must be placed in glasperlen balls so that they do not touch the bottom and walls of the metal container. Nippers and scissors should be placed open to contact the cutting surfaces of the tools.
- Accessories must be in the sterilizer for the time specified in the instructions.
- After this, you should immediately use the manicure devices: they should not be stored, since only the working end will be sterile.
The ball sterilizer is stored away from heat sources. Compliance with operating rules allows for high-quality processing of devices.
User manual
When using for the first time after purchase, be sure to read the instructions for the device.
Step-by-step use of glasperlene sterilizer:
- When using for the first time, pour the balls into the device.
- Connect to the mains.
- Close the lid and press the power button.
- Wait until the balls are completely heated. The time is indicated in the instructions for the device - most often it is 12-15 minutes. Once the temperature reaches the maximum, the indicator light will turn off or change color.
- Open the lid and lower the tools so that they do not touch the bottom and walls. If the cutters are being sterilized, “sink” them into balls using tweezers. Scissors and nippers are immersed open so that the balls have access to the cutting parts.
- Leave the tools for the time specified in the instructions for the device - from 5 to 40 seconds.
- Use tools for their intended purpose immediately after removal.
See also: How to repair a plasma TV
Replacing balls
Before using Glasperlene sterilizer for manicure instruments, the suitability of the Glasperlene medium must be checked. If the balls change color or become cloudy, they are replaced with new ones. Old material cannot accumulate and release heat and does not disinfect.
It is important that the sterilization medium fills the metal cup 2/3 full. The device requires 1-1.5 packs of Glasperlene. How often do balls need to be replaced? This should be done at the following frequency:
- When signs of unsuitability are detected.
- Monthly when the device is used for a long time.
- If the load is average, then every six months.
- The balls can be used for no more than a year.
To extend the service life of the sterilization medium, every 1-3 months the balls should be washed with a 5% solution of baking soda and then with running water. The balls are placed in a sterilizer after complete drying. When used correctly, the device for processing hairdressing equipment and manicure devices will work smoothly.
Cautions and replacement of filler
It is worth remembering that sterilization in equipment with glasperlene filler is subject to pre-treated and dried objects with disinfectants, because Excess moisture trapped in the balls leads to their unusability and damages the internal heat-resistant container.
Storage of equipment is permissible at room temperature, avoiding proximity to heating systems and other sources of heat radiation.
Procedure for replacing the filler
The filler from the balls is replaced when they change their color (for example, they turn yellow or become cloudy).
The filler in the device, which is used during long hours of daily work, is also subject to monthly replacement. The average load allows use for up to 0.5 years.
See also: Thermal insulating paint. Popular liquid thermal insulators
The maximum permissible service life of the balls, regardless of their use, is 1 year.
To replace, about 1-1.5 packages of glasperlene are required, which allows you to fill a heat-resistant container to the required volume - at least 2/3 of the inner glass.
You can extend the life of the filler by treating the balls with baking soda, for which every 1-3 months you make a solution with a concentration of 5% (5 g of soda per 100 ml of water), immerse the balls in it, wash them thoroughly and rinse with running water. Only completely dried glasperlene is loaded back.
Best models
Various sterilizers are produced, so it is not so easy to make a choice. To make this easier, you should familiarize yourself with the best devices:
- Ultratech SD-780. The device is made in Russia. The outer panel is made of metal, and the inner bulb is made of ceramic. Ceramics serve for a long time, do not deteriorate from corrosion, and also protect against sticking of the glasperlen filler to the walls and bottom of the container. The temperature of the Glasperlene sterilizer heats up to 250 degrees in 15 minutes. The device cools down to a safe temperature in 20 minutes. It automatically maintains operating temperature. Sterilization is carried out in 15-20 seconds.
- Thermoest. The device has 2 modifications. The operating temperature is 190-290 degrees. The devices differ in power (up to 220 and up to 320 W), readiness time (25 and 30 minutes), and filler weight (170 and 270 g). The duration of disinfection is 20 seconds.
- Tau-quartz-500. An Italian device used in nail salons. The maximum operating temperature is 230 degrees. Large size of the metal flask located inside: height 5 cm, diameter 6.2 cm. Processing time - 10-15 seconds.
- Tool sterilizer. The budget device is suitable for home use. The temperature is 250 degrees. Warming up occurs after 12 minutes, and the processing time is 30 seconds.
Rating of glasperlene sterilizers
Glasperlene sterilizers are practically the same from each other from a functional point of view, but may have different heating temperatures, appearance and prices.
1st place RU-505
The first place in the top 10 best ball sterilizers for 2020 should be given to the model of the famous Russian brand RUNAIL - RU-505. A high-quality device, small in size, but distinguished by its high performance and service life. It can become an excellent home assistant or an indispensable equipment for any beauty salon.
The device does not require large amounts of electricity (power 55 W), and is distinguished by a durable white plastic case with turquoise inserts, which in turn is equipped with a lid and operating mode indicators.
It is not difficult to manage, maintain and maintain. ruNail RU-505 is capable of heating quartz beads up to 250 degrees. Among analogues in terms of performance, it is one of the inexpensive devices.
Advantages:
- long warranty period;
- high performance;
- operates at high temperature - 250 °C;
- suitable for many areas of use;
- compact, which allows you to place it even on your desktop;
- the case cover is equipped with high-quality fixation;
- high-strength plastic housing.
Flaws:
- No obvious shortcomings were identified in the ruNail RU-505 model. It is worth remembering that despite the fact that in comparison with analogues it costs less, to purchase it you will still have to pay more than 2,000 rubles.
2nd place ThermoEst CC-01
According to dentists, one of the best is the ThermoEst CC-01 model from the Russian manufacturer Geosoft, which represents a company specializing in the production of dental equipment.
The device is intended for dry disinfection of all-metal (without cavities, channels and locking parts) instruments used in dentistry and acupuncture therapy. In fact, ThermoEst CC-01 is a high-quality medical device for heat treatment of devices that come into contact with the skin of patients.
Dry heat treatment is carried out under heating to a temperature in the range of 190-290 degrees. The maximum duration of the sterilization process is 180 seconds, and the time required to heat the device from the mains is 25 minutes.
The device has a square shape and has compact dimensions - 10 x 10 x 11 cm (chamber diameter 5.3 cm). The device is characterized by an average weight of 1.5 kg and economical energy consumption of 70 W.
Advantages:
- registration certificate of Roszdravnadzor, developed by Russian specialists under the supervision of Israeli doctors;
- high maximum heating temperature of glasperlene filler – 290 °C;
- quick heating of the device until temperature stabilization (25 minutes) and only three minutes for the heat treatment process itself;
- simplicity and ease of use
Flaws:
- the price is unusually high for a glasperlene sterilizer - more than 15,000 rubles.
3rd place Professional ABC
According to cosmetologists and manicurists/pedicurists, the Professional ABC model from the American/Chinese brand IRISK should be included in the top three glasperlene sterilizers of 2021.
The device is designed for dry disinfection of small manicure equipment and is suitable for both personal use and cosmetology establishments with a limited number of clients.
First of all, this is a device that belongs to the category of inexpensive and affordable devices (up to 1000 rubles) with good quality of operation. The device does not have a particularly high maximum temperature threshold - 180 degrees, but at the same time completely cleans the smooth surfaces of stainless steel appliances.
The device comes with a bag of quartz beads sufficient to fill the flask once. The sterilizer does not look cheap, it is made of durable plastic with a well-fixed lid. The device operates from the mains (power 100W), has a durable plug, a power button and a bright green indicator.
Advantages:
- durable body, bulb and plug, well-fixed lid and pleasant appearance;
- long service life, manufacturer's warranty;
- presence of glasperlene balls in the kit;
- affordable (less than 1000 rubles);
- lightweight and small-sized;
- with keep warm function.
Flaws:
- not suitable for beauty salons with large client flows;
- The maximum temperature of the balls is lower than that of many similar sterilizers (180 °C).
4th place Sterilizer XDQ-501
The model of the device for sterilizing instruments Sterilizer XDQ-501 from China is called the best “home assistant” in the field of personal care. The device is recommended for use at home to disinfect small manicure and pedicure accessories made of stainless steel or for private manicurists serving a small number of clients.
See also: Comparison of Chinese and Russian machines
Sterilizer XDQ-501 has compact dimensions, a plastic case with a lid, a power button, a heating temperature of quartz beads of 250 degrees, a heating time from the mains of 30 minutes and a maximum duration of the sterilization process of 20 seconds. Important features of the presented model are the availability of several body color options and affordability.
Advantages:
- high quartz heating threshold – 250 °C;
- the best option for home use;
- quick process of preparing inventory for processing;
- body made of heat-resistant plastic;
- presence of a light indicator;
- the package includes quartz balls;
- does not dull the tool;
- inexpensive prices (less than 1000 rubles).
Flaws:
- the kit does not include instructions in Russian;
- The device is intended only for small items.
5th place Tau Quartz 500
In fifth place in the ranking of high-quality ball sterilizers is the model of the Italian brand Tau Steril - Tau Quartz 500. A powerful dry-heat device (170 W), used in dentistry and other fields of activity where complete processing of metal instruments is required. Considering the functionality and quality of the device, it is recommended for sterilization of orthomedical, surgical and cosmetic equipment.
Tau Quartz 500 is a square-shaped metal case with dimensions of 13 x 16 x 13.5 cm. On the outside, the device is equipped with a lid and a control panel, and inside there is a sterilization container with a diameter of 6.2 cm and a height of 5 cm.
Heat treatment of small products is carried out at a temperature of 230 degrees. The time of one cycle is affected by the area of application of the instrument: mirrors and probes - 2 s., endodontic needles and files - 5 s., surgical instruments - 10 s.
Advantages:
- can be used for beauty salons and general medical offices;
- fast processing time up to 10 seconds;
- high quality branded device;
- there is a registration certificate from Roszdravnadzor (in it it is marked as a dry-heat oven);
- includes a package of quartz balls:
- compact and powerful.
Flaws:
- expensive device on average 12,000 rubles;
- heavyweight device (2 kg).
Other varieties
There are other types of sterilizers that have their own characteristics. A UV sterilizer is in demand. According to experts, this cleaning method does not get rid of all microorganisms, so safety is not at a high level. It has been clearly established that hepatitis and HIV viruses are resistant to ultraviolet radiation. It is advisable to use this drive for storing sterilized and dried devices.
There is an ultrasonic device that is considered universal and safe. To use it, you need a special solution, which flows around the device during vibration, filling the cavity. Microbubbles collect and burst, which “remove” pathogenic microorganisms and rust from the surface. An ultrasonic device is used for small and large parts. The only downside is the high cost.
Another type of sterilizer is a dry-heat oven, operating at a temperature of 200-260 degrees. The downside is the processing time - 1-2 hours, increased price. Even basic models cost from 11 thousand rubles. This pays off in the salon, but it doesn't always pay off at home.
Instead of a dry-heat oven, an autoclave for manicure devices can be used. The device is presented in the form of a chamber in which high pressure is provided with temperatures up to 134 degrees. Such installations are used not only in cosmetology, they have long been used in medicine. An autoclave can sterilize devices in 15-20 minutes, but they can only be placed inside in a thin layer, in a small portion. The price of the device starts from 9 thousand rubles.
Peculiarities
The quartz sterilizer operates at a temperature of 250 degrees. Just half a minute is enough for the working surface to be processed. This device can be used directly during the work of a cosmetologist or hairdresser, right at the workplace. It must be used exclusively on devices that come into contact with the skin or are inserted under it.
The principle of operation of the sterilizer is simple: it is based on high temperatures (quartz balls are heated) that act on the working surface.
The body of the unit is made of plastic, and inside there is a special metal container where the quartz balls are actually located. During operation, the container must be closed with a lid.
Sterilization rules
Safe handling recommendations must be followed:
- If you use an oven, then when laying out the tools you need to maintain some distance.
- Do not remove hot objects, as burns cannot be avoided.
- Instruments must not be cooled with cold water. Cooling must be natural, otherwise the quality of the instruments will deteriorate.
- When choosing antiseptics and sterilizers, you need to pay attention to quality and functionality. For example, some cheap antiseptics are not able to fight viral and fungal infections.
It is important to adhere to the rules of sterilization. Then the manicure devices will be sharp for a long time, and corrosion and deformation will not appear on them for a long time.
The Glasperlene sterilizer for manicure instruments performs high-quality sterilization of instruments in a short time. The main disadvantage is that after treatment only the surface placed in the balls will be sterile. Manicure devices should be used immediately. The sterilizer will be an excellent assistant for craftsmen who work at home.
Which Glasperlene sterilizer is better to choose?
Today, there are a large number of glasperlene-type sterilizers, and each individual model has its own advantages and features. When purchasing a device of this type, you should pay attention to the functional potential of the device, especially temperature indicators, temperature maintenance time, etc. For this reason, below is a list of sterilizers located in different price and quality segments, after reading which you can choose exactly the device that suits your needs. corresponds to the tasks assigned to it.
Tau Quartz 500
This is a high-quality sterilizer of Italian origin located in the middle price category. The peculiarity of the device is its versatility, since it can be used to disinfect instruments used in cosmetology and surgical rooms. The heating temperature in the chamber is 230 degrees, which allows you to process tools almost instantly.
Ultratech SD-780
This is a domestic high-quality glasperlene sterilizer that can be used for processing instruments in cosmetology clinics, nail salons and other institutions that require disinfection of working instruments. A special feature of this device is a fairly spacious chamber made of heat-resistant ceramics, the temperature in which reaches 300 degrees. A mode of autonomous temperature support during the day is possible.
Ball sterilizer TNL
This device is a small sterilizer and it is located in the low price segment. The country of origin of the device is China. The peculiarity of the device lies in its small parameters, low power and fast heating, which are ideal conditions for sterilizing instruments at home. The heating temperature of the balls in the chamber reaches 240 degrees, which is quite enough for high-quality disinfection.
Irisk
A small and very easy-to-use sterilizer that allows you to quickly process instruments with the best efficiency. The device has a low cost, but its technical characteristics are superior to models in its segment. The maximum temperature that remains the same in a glass for a long time is 240 degrees.