How I Sterilize My Tools at Becky’s Foot Care
When it comes to foot care, safety and hygiene are my top priorities. As a registered nurse and foot care provider, I take sterilization very seriously to ensure that every client receives safe, high-quality care.
Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can easily spread if foot care tools aren’t properly sterilized. That’s why I follow the same medical-grade sterilization protocols used in hospitals and dental clinics. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I keep my tools clean, safe, and ready for every appointment.
Step 1: Cleaning
Before sterilization, tools must be thoroughly cleaned. After each use, I:
✔ Remove any visible debris
✔ Scrub tools with medical-grade cleaning solutions
✔ Rinse them thoroughly to prepare for the next step
Proper cleaning is essential because sterilization is only effective on clean instruments.
Step 2: High-Level Disinfection
Once cleaned, tools are placed in a high-level disinfectant solution that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This ensures that no harmful microorganisms remain before moving on to full sterilization.
Step 3: Autoclave Sterilization
I use an autoclave, which is the gold standard for sterilization. Autoclaves use high-pressure steam and heat to completely destroy any remaining bacteria, fungi, or viruses. This is the same process used in hospitals and dental offices. The tools are all placed in their packages before going into the autoclave and sealed.
✔ Tools are placed in sterilization pouches
✔ The autoclave reaches temperatures over 270°F (132°C)
✔ After the cycle, tools are 100% sterile
Step 4: Safe Storage
Once sterilized, tools stay sealed in their pouches until they’re ready for use. This ensures that they stay sterile and are only opened right before your appointment.
5-Check Sterilization Process
I go above and beyond to ensure my tools are sterile.
Here’s how I keep you safe with a thorough 5-check sterilization process:
✅ Internal + External Indicators: Every single instrument package includes both internal and external chemical indicators to confirm proper sterilization.
✅ Daily Spore Testing: A biological indicator is used every day the autoclave runs to make sure even the toughest spores are killed.
✅ Cycle Printouts: Each sterilization cycle is printed and reviewed to ensure it meets the exact time, temperature, and pressure requirements.
✅ Class 5 Chemical Indicator: A Class 5 Chemical Indicator is added to every load to ensure all sterility parameters are met and the tools are safe for use.
✅ Visual Inspection + Tracking: After sterilizing, I inspect every pack and log the results — because your safety matters.
Single-Use Tools & Extra Precautions
For certain procedures, I use disposable, single-use tools to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination. I also follow strict hand hygiene and glove protocols to provide the safest care possible.
Why This Matters
Proper sterilization isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential for your health and safety. Poorly sanitized tools can lead to infections, fungal issues, or more serious complications. At Becky’s Foot Care, you can feel confident knowing that every tool I use is thoroughly cleaned, sterilized, and handled with care.
If you have any questions about my sterilization process or foot care services, feel free to reach out! Your foot health is my priority.
– Becky
