When you run a med spa, maintaining a spotless, safe, and compliant environment isn’t optional — it’s legally required. But many spas fail inspections for simple reasons: inconsistent cleaning, wrong products, or unclear protocols.
This blog walks you through the essential cleaning protocols to meet (and exceed) health inspection standards.
Whether you’re prepping for a surprise visit or building staff training from scratch, this guide gives you the confidence to stay inspection-ready year-round.
Why Med Spa Inspections Matter
State and local health departments treat med spas like hybrid medical facilities. That means OSHA, state board, and even HIPAA regulations may apply — especially if your treatments involve needles, bloodborne pathogens, or medical equipment.
Failing an inspection can lead to:
- Hefty fines or mandatory shutdowns
- Client trust erosion
- Public records or negative publicity
- Lost licenses or practitioner penalties
7 Cleaning Protocols Med Spas Must Follow
Use these as your baseline — and make sure your staff knows them by heart.
1. Use EPA-Registered Disinfectants (Not Just “Cleaning Wipes”)
Health inspectors want to see hospital-grade disinfectants with an EPA registration number. Generic wipes or all-purpose sprays won’t cut it — especially for treatment areas.
👉 SONO Disinfecting Wipes are EPA-registered and designed for clinical environments.
2. Disinfect All Treatment Surfaces Between Clients
This includes:
- Treatment beds
- Chair arms and headrests
- Countertops
- Devices that touch the skin
Use residue-free wipes that won’t degrade vinyl or acrylic. Wait for full contact time (typically 2–5 minutes) before reusing the surface.
3. Follow a Documented Cleaning Schedule
Inspectors often ask for written proof of:
- Daily/weekly cleaning routines
- Who performed the cleaning
- What products were used
Tip: Keep a cleaning logbook at your front desk or in the breakroom. You can also download a free checklist here:
4. Train Staff on Proper Disinfection Techniques
Make sure team members:
- Know how long disinfectant needs to sit
- Understand which products are safe for which surfaces
- Wear gloves when handling cleaning agents
- Don’t reuse disposable wipes or towels
Bonus: Do mock inspections quarterly to stay sharp.
5. Pay Attention to Hidden Touchpoints
These areas are often missed — and inspectors know it:
| Missed Area | Solution |
|---|---|
| Light switches | Quick swipe with disinfecting wipe |
| Device buttons & screens | Use electronics-safe wipes |
| Drawer handles | Wipe before/after shift |
| Credit card terminals | Disinfect at least 2x/day |
6. Label and Store Cleaning Supplies Properly
Don’t store disinfectants near food, client refreshments, or treatment tools. Use labeled bins, avoid mixing chemicals, and keep SDS (Safety Data Sheets) available on site.
7. Keep Restrooms & Reception Client-Ready
Your bathroom says everything about your standards.
- Sanitize toilets, handles, and sinks multiple times daily
- Restock soap and paper towels
- Disinfect front desk counters and pens between uses
Inspector-Proof Product Picks
Here’s what we recommend for med spa inspections:
- SONO Disinfecting Wipes – EPA-registered, residue-free
- Gloves – Disposable, non-latex
- Neutral floor cleaner – For daily mopping
- Alcohol wipes – For tool disinfection
- Label maker – For storage areas and cleaning products
- Cleaning log binder – To document protocols
Shop Med Spa Cleaning Supplies →
Final Thoughts
Health inspections aren’t just a hurdle — they’re a chance to prove that your med spa puts safety, professionalism, and compliance first. When your protocols are tight and your supplies are up to par, inspections become routine — not stressful.
Need help building a protocol for your team? SONO can help. Our disinfecting products are trusted by med spas nationwide, and we’re here to make your operations smoother (and safer).