Let’s be real for a second—running a salon can be chaotic, but in the best way possible. You’ve got back-to-back balayages, a walk-in asking for a complete transformation, and a phone that won’t stop ringing. While this is great for business, in the middle of all that creative magic, your salon furniture can take a serious beating. We’re talking hairspray layers thick enough to be their own geological formation, mystery dye splatters, and enough hair clippings to knit a sweater.
While you’d rather be behind the chair creating looks than scrubbing baseboards, keeping your space pristine is crucial for your business vibes. Your clients aren’t just paying for a cut; they’re paying for the experience. Sitting in a stained chair or looking into a streaky mirror can instantly kill the mood. Plus, your equipment is a major investment, so you should take good care of it if you want it to last. If you don’t know where to start for cleaning your salon equipment, our guide is here to help all salon owners—from the newbie to the seasoned professional.
The Basics of Salon Equipment Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning salon equipment, knowing what to use (and what to avoid) can save you from accidentally ruining your furniture. While the goal is the same across the board, the way you achieve it will vary by equipment, so let’s look at each one individually to learn how to care for it most effectively.
Cleaning Your Salon Stations
Your salon stations are the workhorses of your shop. They hold your tools, your coffee, and your client’s attention for the entire appointment. The biggest issue here is product buildup. Hairspray, texturizing powders, and mousses create a sticky residue that attracts dust and hair.
To clean laminate surfaces without damage, start with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. The heat helps dissolve sticky hairspray. If water isn’t enough, a mild, non-ammonia glass cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water will do the trick. Avoid harsh scrubbing pads, as they create microscratches where dirt can permanently settle. No matter what, remember to always dry the surface immediately to prevent water from seeping into the seams and causing swelling.
As for your mirrors, never spray cleaner directly onto the glass. The liquid can drip into the frame and cause “black edge” or desilvering over time. Instead, spray your cleaner onto a lint-free cloth first, then wipe for a streak-free reflection.
Upholstery and Styling Chair Care
Your styling chairs are vulnerable to some harsh chemicals and constant friction. The number one rule is to avoid alcohol or bleach-based cleaners on vinyl. While you want to sanitize, these products dry out the material, leading to brittleness and cracking. Once vinyl cracks, it can’t be properly sanitized and looks unprofessional.
For regular wipe-downs, stick to warm, soapy water. If you need to disinfect for health codes, look for products specifically labeled as “vinyl safe” and wipe the chair with plain water afterward to remove any chemical residue. For hair dye stains, always try to act fast. Wipe the dye while it’s wet. If it sets, a small amount of hairspray can help lift the color, but be sure to clean the spot with soap and water right after.
Maintaining Shampoo Bowls and Units
The shampoo area should be a relaxing escape, not a plumbing nightmare. Every shampoo unit needs a hair trap in the drain—this is non-negotiable. It catches hair before it can create clogs. Make it a mandatory part of your closing routine to empty and rinse these traps to avoid slow drainage and backups.
When cleaning the bowl itself, know your material. Porcelain bowls are scratch-resistant and can handle mild abrasive powders to remove color rings. Acrylic bowls, however, should be treated more gently. Use soft cloths and non-abrasive liquid cleaners to avoid scratches that can harbor bacteria and cause permanent stains.
Creating a Salon Cleaning Schedule
When it comes to cleaning your equipment as a salon owner, knowing how to clean it is one thing; actually doing it consistently is another. Fortunately, a structured cleaning schedule turns a massive job into manageable daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly tasks. This keeps your salon looking perpetually fresh, not just during a spring-cleaning frenzy.
Daily Routine
Keeping your salon flawless starts with habits you repeat every single day. Start by sweeping floors regularly to stay on top of hair clippings—no client wants to walk through yesterday’s trims. Wipe down your salon stations between appointments, taking care to clear away residual hair and product buildup for a clean workspace.
While sanitizing your tools after each client might mainly be for health code compliance, it also reassures every guest that their safety comes first. Don’t forget to empty trash bins before the day ends—nobody wants to look at overflowing bins. Knock out these essentials daily, and you’ll always be one step ahead on cleanliness.
Weekly Routine
Your weekly tasks should focus on deeper cleaning that goes beyond the daily sweep. This is your chance to tackle the grime that builds up over a busy week. Once a week, give your workstations a more thorough wipe-down, focusing on drawer fronts, handles, and shelving where product dust accumulates.
You should also address your styling chairs. Pump each chair all the way up and inspect the hydraulic pump shaft. Hair tends to wrap itself tightly around this mechanism. If left, it can work its way into the seal, causing the pump to fail. Carefully cut away any wrapped hair with scissors or a razor blade.
Monthly Routine
Your monthly cleaning tasks are all about preventative maintenance. These are the jobs that save you from expensive repairs down the road. Start by flipping your rolling trolleys and stools over. The wheels collect an incredible amount of hair, which eventually jams the casters and scratches your floors. Use tweezers or a seam ripper to pull all the hair out of the wheel axles.
This is also a good time to deep clean your shampoo bowls, using a specialized cleaner to remove any mineral buildup from hard water. Check your chair bases and footrests for any signs of rust or dullness and give them a good polish.
Yearly Routine
Once a year, it’s time for a deep dive. This is when you evaluate the condition of your equipment and decide what needs to be repaired or replaced. Take a critical look at your upholstery. Are there any small tears that could get worse? Are the seams still intact? Maybe you need some updated salon stations to replace your out-of-date ones.
Take this time to also check the stability of all your furniture. Tighten any loose screws on chairs, tables, and cabinets. Use this opportunity to touch up any chipped paint or scuffed surfaces. A yearly audit helps you catch small problems before they become big, expensive ones that could hurt your salon’s image.