California Cosmetology Written ExamNail CareMedium
Per California Code of Regulations Title 16, what must a licensee do to pedicure foot spa basins between each client?
- ASpray with rubbing alcohol and immediately dry with a clean towel
- BEmpty the water and refill for the next client without further cleaning
- CWipe with a dry towel and rinse with warm water
- DClean to remove debris, then disinfect with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the full manufacturer contact time
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Clean to remove debris, then disinfect with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the full manufacturer contact time
California regulations require foot spas to be cleaned of all visible debris and then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade (or hospital hospital-level) disinfectant, left wet for the full contact time listed on the product label, after every client.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Alcohol spray with immediate drying does not allow proper contact time and isn't the required protocol.
- B. Reusing water without cleaning/disinfecting violates health and safety regulations.
- C. Wiping and rinsing alone does not kill pathogens; disinfection is mandatory.
Foot Spa Disinfection
California law requires foot spas to be physically cleaned of debris and then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant for the full label contact time between every client.
- Must be done after every single client
- Debris removal comes before disinfection
- End-of-day cleaning is also required in addition to between-client steps
Memory trick: Clean, then kill — never skip the drill