Cleaning between clients isn’t the prettiest side of the bodyworker’s career but it is a very necessary part of the job. For independent practitioners with their own offices all of the cleaning falls to them – laundry, disinfecting, janitorial – or to a hired helper.
Massage Sheets – Laundering Standards
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control have recommended guidelines for handling and laundering linens in a health care environment. While a massage room may not resemble a hospital or clinic, these high standards can help the practitioner avoid microbial contamination.
Hot water is the key component to keeping massage linens clean. The CDC recommends 160 degree Fahrenheit water temperature for washing. While chlorine is also recommended some practitioners dislike the chemical aspect and turn to alternative laundry additives that are safer on the planet and their clients.
For proper removal of microbial properties follow these laundry steps:
- Start the hot water running in the basin.
- Add laundry soap to running water and any laundry boosters.
- Sort the laundry and load loosely into the washing machine – use gloves if laundry has been soiled with bodily fluids (such as menstrual blood, saliva, excessive sweat).
- Let run through a full wash cycle of at least 25 minutes.
- Remove laundry from washer and place into a dryer using heat to kill off any microbes that survived the washing cycle.
Natural laundry boosters and products are preferred by some offices. Here is a sample:
- Homemade fabric softener comprised of baking soda, vinegar, water and antiviral essential oils like geranium or eucalyptus.
- Hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice rinse aid to change the Ph level and brighten linens.
- Commercially produced alternative bleach products made with natural ingredients.
- Dish soap to remove massage oils from the sheets.
Hand Washing Guidelines for the Bodyworker
Some massage therapists have very little time scheduled between clients and may find it difficulty to meet safe standards in hand washing. The general rule of thumb is at least 30 seconds, if not a full minute, of brisk hand washing with antibacterial or antimicrobial soap and warm water. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are appropriate for use at the end of a session followed by hand washing with soap and water as soon as possible.
Cleaning the Massage Room
A leather or vinyl massage table can be wiped down with disinfectant spray or wipes. There are quite a few plant-based cleaners that meet anti-bacterial guidelines and are labeled as hospital grade.
Massage tools and accessories should be thoroughly cleaned after every use. Tools made of cloth and porous materials should be protected during use – such as plastic barriers for foot and hand warmers. Blankets and multiple use items should be washed regularly according to manufacturers directions.
If foot baths are employed in the treatment room proper cleansing techniques should be followed. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines on foot spa basins.
Sources:
- Guidelines for Laundry in Health Care Facilities, Centers for Disease Control, accessed online May 3, 2009.
- Recommended Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures for Foot Spa Basins in Salons, Environmental Protection Agency, accessed online May 3, 2009.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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