Cleaning and Hygiene in Tattoo Shops: A Complete Professional Guide

Posted on April 22, 2025

Infection control and hygiene are essential in any environment where skin is broken and exposed, which makes them critical in tattoo studios. 

Maintaining a clean, compliant workspace not only protects clients and staff but also strengthens your professional reputation. In the tattoo industry, hygiene is more than a regulatory requirement, it’s a visible demonstration of care, safety, and professionalism.

The Importance of Hygiene in Tattoo Shops

Tattooing involves contact with bodily fluids and the potential for bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Without proper cleaning procedures, the risk of infection rises significantly, not just for clients, but for artists and staff as well. A well-maintained studio demonstrates professionalism, builds client trust, and helps ensure compliance with local authority regulations and insurance conditions.

Clean environments are not just safer; they’re more efficient, easier to manage, and more likely to pass routine inspections by environmental health officers (EHOs). In short, good hygiene underpins everything a responsible tattoo studio represents.

Cleaning Procedures in Tattoo Shops: Daily, Between Clients, and Beyond

A consistent cleaning routine should be built into the daily running of the studio. Before opening, surfaces should be wiped down and disinfected, PPE should be prepared, and the studio should be visually inspected to ensure it’s ready for client appointments.

Between each client, the tattoo chair, armrests, trays, and all surrounding surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected. Artists should change gloves, dispose of single-use items, and replace any protective film or coverings used during the session. Handwashing facilities should be cleaned regularly throughout the day, especially if they are used frequently during procedures.

At the end of each day, a deeper clean should be performed. Floors should be mopped using an appropriate disinfectant, bins emptied and wiped down, and all common touchpoints, including light switches, door handles, and reception areas, should be sanitised thoroughly. Toilets and washbasins must be cleaned to clinical standards, particularly if shared with clients.

In addition to daily routines, studios should also schedule weekly or monthly maintenance. This might include reviewing stock levels for cleaning products and PPE, servicing sterilisation equipment such as autoclaves, and checking expiry dates on disinfectants and barrier items. Documentation and record keeping are also important not only to keep track of what has been done, but to ensure your studio can demonstrate compliance if inspected.

High-Risk Areas That Need Special Attention

Not all surfaces carry the same level of risk, so it’s important to identify and prioritise high-contact areas. Tattoo machines and clipcords, for example, are handled throughout the procedure and should always be covered with protective film and cleaned thoroughly afterwards.

Chairs and stools, work surfaces, sinks, taps, and any area where equipment is prepared or cleaned must be disinfected regularly. Reception counters, payment terminals, and seating in the waiting area also need attention, especially during busy periods or in shared spaces.

Floors should not be overlooked. While not a high-contact surface, they can still harbour bacteria and should be cleaned with a disinfectant that is suitable for use in clinical or healthcare environments.

Choosing the Right Products and Tools

Using the right cleaning supplies is just as important as using them consistently. Household products are not suitable for professional tattoo environments, and all disinfectants should meet EN standards for effectiveness against viruses and bacteria.

Studios should stock appropriate surface disinfectants, such as chlorine-based or alcohol-based products, along with clinical wipes for quick disinfection between appointments. Disposable gloves, aprons, and face masks should be used as needed and changed regularly to prevent cross-contamination. Sharps bins and clinical waste containers must be available for the safe disposal of needles and contaminated items. For studios using reusable equipment, autoclaves must be properly maintained and tested to ensure complete sterilisation.

All products should be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, and where required, COSHH assessments must be carried out and documented.

Regulations and Hygiene Standards in the UK

Tattoo studios in the UK are regulated at a local level, with individual councils overseeing licensing and inspections. Environmental Health Officers assess everything from the physical setup of the studio to the cleaning procedures in place. Failure to comply can result in fines, license suspension, or closure.

Studios must also adhere to general workplace health and safety legislation, including proper handling and storage of cleaning chemicals under COSHH guidelines. Clinical waste must be collected by a licensed provider and disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Personal hygiene for staff is equally important. Artists should wash their hands before and after every procedure, change gloves between tasks, and be trained in all aspects of hygiene and infection control. Consistency and documentation are key, not only for safety, but for transparency and accountability.

Avoiding Common Hygiene Mistakes

Even well-meaning studios can fall into bad habits. One of the most frequent issues is the reuse of items intended for single use. This includes gloves, barriers, and even ink caps. Once used, they must be disposed of correctly. Another common oversight is skipping cleaning between clients, particularly during busy periods, but this is when hygiene matters most.

Improper storage can also cause issues. Clean and dirty equipment should never be stored together, and cleaning products should be kept away from tattoo supplies to avoid contamination. Finally, it’s important to avoid using unsuitable cleaning products. Household cleaners are not designed for clinical environments and may not be effective against bloodborne pathogens.

Keep Your Studio Clean with F2 Medical

Hygiene is one of the most visible and important aspects of any tattoo business. Clients may not see your sterilisation logs or your council registration, but they will notice how clean the chair is, whether you change gloves, and how you handle your equipment.

By putting clear, structured cleaning procedures in place, tattoo studios can operate with confidence, protect their staff and clients, and maintain the high standards expected of a professional setting.

At F2 Medical, we supply a range of PPE and cleaning equipment for all of your tattoo shop requirements.