Clean surfaces and areas do not require a lot. Choose a disinfectant for tattoo shops to ensure proper safety for yourself and your clients. You can choose from liquids, foam formulas, or even wipes for simple disinfecting.
A tattooing process is not complete without a few essentials. These essentials could include hardware equipment, but also the essential cleansing products for all surfaces and materials within the tattoo shop.
Since tattoo shops are places where health could be at risk, the hygiene there has to be at peak maximum level, same as in hospitals in a way! There is no room for letting something go unnoticed or superficially cleaned.
Everything has to be perfectly sterilized, clean, safe, and this includes surfaces and objects crucial for the tattooing safety and area around the artist and the client. Today we will help you select the best disinfectant for tattoo shop areas, and ensure proper all-around hygiene in the space you work in.
Best overall
Premium Pick
Budget Pick
These 10 picks are the best disinfectants for tattoo shop areas we found for you. Some are in the formula of a liquid cleanser, some are foams, and some are wipes – regardless, every single one is highly effective, and comes with the utmost benefits. Refer to them below in detail before you make your pick.
Why you need a disinfectant for tattoos
You need a disinfectant for the tattoo shops because this is the place of utmost hygiene and standards, same as hospital premises. This type of area has to offer the ultimate safety and hygiene for your clients who trust you with their bodies and overall health. Any contaminant could result in skin reactions or something worse – so there is nill space for doubt here!
A disinfectant for tattoos is essential for keeping the skin healthy and safe against contaminants that could irritate it. A tattooed skin (fresh tattoo) is fragile and very gentle, irritated as well, and injured. If you don’t cleanse it with a special type of cleanser, there is a risk of bad tattoo healing, itching, scabbing in a bad way, and even permanent tattoo damage.
Best Disinfectant for Tattoos in 2022
1. Cavicide – Surface Disinfectant and Decontaminant Cleaner
Best Overall
Cavicide – Surface Disinfectant
Choose this disinfectant for tattoo shops if you are all about being sure of the effectiveness and expert approval for it too. This one removes all pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and toxic ingredients in your tattooing area – without damaging any surface at all!
The first listing is the best overall, the Cavicide brand and a disinfectant that is EPA-registered as well. This formula will effectively kill any pathogens in less than a few minutes, and it is highly functional for HCV, HBV, and TB, but also lipophilic and hydrophilic viruses, then bacteria like MRSA, Salmonella, and VRE, and fungi as well.
This formula is also non-caustic, which means it is perfect for even the most delicate surfaces, won’t corrode or damage them, and is at the same time an ultrasonic cleaner too. Most importantly, it is not toxic, even though it kills harmful things of any kind upon contact.
Product dimensions are 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches, with a total weight of 5 pounds.
Pros
- EPA-registered
- Kills pathogens in less than minutes
- Kills lipophilic and hydrophilic viruses
- Kills bacteria and fungi
- Non-caustic
- Not toxic
Cons
- Ensure with the seller that the expiration dates are not overdue expired upon shipping
- The smell is quite strong
2. Virex Tb Hospital-Grade Disinfectant
Runner Up
You can clean all surfaces in the tattoo shop with this gorgeous-scented disinfectant that will leave a pleasant lemon freshness behind. Safety and hygiene above all with few minutes for it to work, and on all common surfaces as well.
As the premium pick, we select the Diversey Store and their brand Diversey, with a disinfectant that comes in a pack of several pieces. This formula is lemon-scented and it will make the area cleansing so much more pleasant than regular chemicals. It is all clean in one step, in a few minutes. No more MRSA, HIV-1, HBV, VRE, MRSE, VISA, GRSA, PRSP, Herpes Simplex 1 and 2, Adenovirus, Influenza, Rotavirus, and more that also trigger unpleasant odors.
As far as surfaces, this formula is ideal for porcelain, floors, walls, and even plastic. Easy and simple, ready for usage, no need to dilute with water, and can be used with mops, sponges, or cloth. In the pack, you get 32-ounce containers (12 of them).
Product dimensions are 14.56 x 11.06 x 10.56 inches, with a total weight of 13 pounds.
Pros
- A few pieces in the pack
- Lemon scent
- Few minutes until the effect
- Kills all harmful things on surfaces
- Good for porcelain, plastic, floors, and walls
- Ready to use (no dilution)
- For mop, sponge or cloth applying
Cons
- Not enough nozzle heads for all bottles in the pack (ensure and check with the seller before shipping)
- Ensure proper expiration dates with the seller!
3. Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
Budget Pick
In terms of bacteria, you surely want a disinfectant for the tattoo shop that ensures utmost safety above all. Choose these lemony wipes and no need to get ready to use them – take one or a few and wipe surfaces clean!
This offer is something that is a bit different, only structure-wise, but with just as potent an effect as liquid disinfectants. As disinfecting wipes pick, we have the brand Lysol with these fresh lemon-scented wipes. Easy and practical to use, not messy, and you are just a few wipes away from a squeaky clean and risk-free surface area.
These wipes effectively clean off any risk of virus, among other threats like numerous viruses and bacteria, there are, with a success rate of 99.9% (8 total viruses and cold types). Not just this, but with such wipes, you’ll remove pet dangers, allergens, pollen, and even dust mites. It is fit for all household or tattoo shop surfaces, and it is very absorbing (soaks in more than plain paper towel material). The best thing is you can use this on gadgets too! And, this package includes 4 separate pieces of it too.
Product dimensions are 4.13 x 16.5 x 8.5 inches, with a total weight of 1 pound.
Pros
- Practical wipes, easy to use instantly
- Lemon scent
- 99.9% effect
- Works for allergens, pet dangers, dust mites
- Absorbing material
- Used on gadgets too
Cons
- Ensure good proper packaging to avoid leakages (consult seller)
4. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Choose these fresh-scented wipes if you want to have a practical disinfectant for tattoo shops. Effective at all times, never drying, and packed neatly and practically for it! They are fit for all common areas surfaces.
At number 4 we have another offer of disinfectant wipes, from the brand Clorox. These wipes are safe and pleasant, and this is foremost because they contain no bleach that stings and releases an unpleasant odor. Their scent is clean and fresh, very pleasant, and they are packed neatly in a package that has a lid, not just a sticker that dries them off after some time.
These wipes also clean off viruses remains or risk in less than 1 minute! The effect is a sure 99.9% success, and the wipes have a structure of thick 3 layers too. The pack is so conveniently made that taking wipes off does not disassemble the rest remaining. They are fit to use in kitchens, tattoo shops, bathrooms, also on finished wood, steel, or also sealed granite surfaces.
Product dimensions are 7.56 x 4.69 x 8.63 inches, with a total weight of 3.75 pounds.
Pros
- Fresh and clean type of scent
- No bleach
- Packages with anti-dry lid
- Less than a minute for the effect
- 3 layers structure
- For all common areas
- Wood, steel, and granite areas
Cons
- Some packages lack the anti-dry lid (consult seller!)
- Some packages have wipes folded in ways that don’t allow taking just one easily (manufacturing/packaging mistakes, rarely)
5. Metrex Disinfectant
Choose these fresh-scented wipes if you want to have a practical disinfectant for tattoo shops. Effective at all times, never drying, and packed neatly and practically for it! They are fit for all common areas surfaces.
From the brand Metrex we list for you an incredibly powerful disinfectant for the tattoo shop. This formula was carefully made and the disinfectant overall meets the crucial OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. This cleaner is a 3-in-1 formula that disinfects perfectly and decontaminates too. What is best is that you can use it safely on most common surfaces and non-porous areas too. The package is a practical spray nozzle bottle.
Product dimensions are 9 x 3 x 3 inches, with a total weight of 1.5 pounds.
Pros
- A safe formula that meets high standards of health and hygiene
- Practical bottle with a nozzle for spraying
- For most common surfaces and non-porous areas
Cons
- Ensure with seller proper and thick packaging to avoid damage during shipping
- Some bottles lack the nozzle for spraying (check this with the seller)
6. Solimo Disinfecting Wipes
Pick these disinfectant wipes for the tattoo shop if you are a very practical person that needs a few wipes to have a clean space – nothing more! With this, you get 3 packs, gorgeous scented, and extremely effective to create a clean and safe area.
The brand Solimo offers a pack of 3 separate wipes packages for disinfecting. They are all superbly scented with a specific fresh, clean, and lemony scent. One of the packages has 75 wipes of Fresh scent, and the other two packages are the tangy Lemon scent, so in total, you will receive 225 wipes.
Their formula is extremely effective, killing 99.9% of bacteria or viruses and contaminants (staph, E.coli, cold, flu, salmonella). The wipe itself is quite thick and highly absorbing for even the messiest areas. You can use them on doorknobs, kitchen counters, tile floors, light switches, and all such common areas/objects. The wipes have a warranty for 1 year and refund.
Product dimensions are 12.75 x 4.25 x 8.28 inches, with a total weight of 4.61 pounds.
Pros
- 3 packs in 1 offer
- Fresh and Lemony scent
- Practical (wipe)
- Effective for removing contaminants 99.9%
- Absorbing and thick
- For all common areas
Cons
- Some bottles lack the nozzle for spraying (check this with the seller)
7. Micro-Scientific Disinfectant Cleaner and Sanitizer
You can now disinfect all areas in the tattoo shop with this disinfectant, safely and fast, but most importantly, without mattifying some materials. It will make every area safe and clean, even plastic – and it won’t damage any of it!
From the Micro-Scientific Store, we have a disinfectant for a tattoo shop that works like a charm. This disinfectant is a gallon pack of potent cleansing formula that works within 2 minutes, killing all fungi, bacteria, viruses, and is even tuberculocidal. Feel free to use this on common areas, but also plastic, chrome, steel, brass, aluminum, copper, and for the plastic, you’ll notice this doesn’t damage or mattify it.
Product dimensions are 6.15 x 6.15 x 11.75 inches, with a total weight of 8.3 pounds.
Pros
- Economic gallon pack
- Effect in 2 minutes
- Kills all contaminants effectively and perfect
- Good for all areas, especially chrome, brass, copper, aluminum
- Does not mattify plastic
Cons
- Consult the seller carefully; some orders ship Opti-Cide 3, instead of the plain Opti-Cide Max here
8. ServprOXIDE Surface Disinfectant
ServprOXIDE Surface Disinfectant
This disinfectant for tattoo shops is the best choice for you if you are not a fan of harsh smells and chemicals. This formula will not make you dizzy, nor pose a risk for the safety of kids, pets, and foods. It will also not harm your skin without gloves!
From the brand SERVPRO, we mention the exquisite safe, effective, and hospital-grade disinfectant for tattoo shops. This one also comes as a gallon jug package, worth its price and lasting a long time too. The formula is safe and not unpleasant, since it doesn’t have bleach in it, yet it kills all contaminants and hazards with a success rate of 99.9%.
It can be used on both hard and soft surfaces, so you can wipe off it, spray it however you prefer – and no need for gloves when you use it! It is not a hazardous formula for children, pets, or contaminating food. You can use it anywhere, safely and effectively as well.
Product dimensions are 7 x 4 x 12 inches, with a total weight of 8.88 pounds.
Pros
- No scent
- Safe around foods, pets
- Large jug amount
- No need for gloves for using it
Cons
- Due to its safety and non-scented formula, you might need to use it more often for more potent effectiveness (or in larger amounts)
9. Hustle Butter Tattoo Wash and Tattoo Cleanser
This disinfectant for tattoos is your best pick if you want to use something soothing on your skin that is also cruelty-free. Very practical, just one or two pumps to get the product out, and you can use it on piercings too. Great aftercare for most types of skin.
Not just speaking about surface disinfectants, but now we suggest a tattoo disinfectant as well, from the brand Hustle Butter. This formula is amazing for soothing the irritated skin in need of healing, and also perfectly cleansing and balancing the tattooed skin overall.
This is a mix of soap and cleanser that prevents redness and infections and is great for the aftercare of piercings too. Removes skin greasiness, residue, impurities, and possible irritants with its safe, soothing, vegan ingredients.
Product dimensions are 8 x 1.97 x 1.97 inches, with a total weight of 8.01 ounces.
Pros
- Practical pump-foam bottle
- Nice scent
- Vegan ingredients
- A mix of cleanser and soap
- Good for piercing aftercare too
Cons
- Could cause a bit of sensitivity for those with extremely sensitive skin
- Use more of it for deep cleansing (large amount)
10. Diversey Envy Foaming Disinfectant Cleaner
Diversey Envy Foaming Disinfectant
This disinfectant for tattoo shops is a great pick if you want to get a few bottles of hospital-quality disinfectant that acts in just less than a few minutes. With its liquid-foamy formula, you can cover a larger area at once too.
And the last mention, not the very least, of course, the brand Diversey and their pack of 12 bottles of disinfectant for tattoo shops, each bottle of 19 oz. cleanser. This is a hospital-grade effectiveness disinfectant that is in the aerosol form; removing all bacteria, contaminants, and viruses instantly, in less than 3 minutes.
No more risks of hepatitis, MRSA, HIV, VRE, or anything else on the surfaces around you. It is safely used on plastic, vinyl, metal, plaster, glass, fiberglass, enamel, ceramics, grout, and laminates as well.
Product dimensions are 10.05 x 10 x 8 inches, with a total weight of 14.15 pounds.
Pros
- 12 bottles offer in the pack
- Hospital-grade safety
- Fast effect
- For almost all surfaces as well
Cons
- The foam is a bit watery to spread easily
- The scent is a bit unpleasant
How did we pick and test
These were the main and best features we looked for in the examples of the best disinfectant for tattoo shops:
- Officially registered and high grade
- Fast effect in less than a few minutes
- Works on bacteria, fungi, viruses, contaminants
- Does not damage the surface
- No toxic ingredients
- Ready to use
- Few packs/pieces included
- Pleasant scent
- Thick and absorbing material (if wipes)
- No bleach in the ingredients
- Practical bottle/nozzle
- Not damaging the skin
Disinfectant for Tattoo Buyer’s guide
How often can I use the disinfectant for tattoo shops?
You can and should use this type of disinfectant at least 1-2 times per day. With so many clients in and out, or even just one or two clients per day, you never know what type of contaminants enter your tattoo shop; whether from unwashed hands, shoe soles, or clothes. It is ideal if you could do a quick disinfecting after each person (in the exact area of their sitting), and as far as floors and furniture or surfaces, you should disinfect certainly once per day.
How often should I use the disinfectant for tattoos?
You should cleanse the fresh tattoo 2-3 times per day, or in some cases more if you sweat a lot or you feel it too greased up and dirty. Just cleanse it, and rinse, and lastly apply the moisturizer as usual.
Can I use the disinfectant on some furniture in the tattoo shop?
Of course. Most, if not all of the disinfectants are suitable not just for hard areas and surfaces, but for fabrics like those of furniture too. Simply check the labels and descriptions of the reviews to see which exactly are fit for all surfaces around you.
What if the disinfectant touches my skin?
Some of the disinfectants could have more ingredients than usual, or more harsh ones for an extremely needed disinfecting – and those usually list precautions or label them, so no worries. In this case, you need to use gloves. But, most formulas are safe enough even if they touch your skin – just wash and rinse the contacted area. Otherwise, with mops or clothes or similar, no product should in any major way contact your skin.
What to use for the disinfectant in your shop/areas?
You can use the disinfectant with any wiping cloth, or wiping wet mops and similar. But, if you need to disinfect smaller areas, faster and more practical, go for the wipes form – just as effective, for smaller or top surfaces.
Conclusion
As you have surely convinced yourself, a disinfectant is something essential and crucial to have. And by this, we mean both largely and locally; disinfecting the tattoo shop, as well as disinfecting the freshly tattooed skin.
So, since the safety of your clients comes above anything else, this means the tattoo shop should be perfectly clean at all times, and for that, you need to choose a disinfectant that works best for you. Let’s recap; the winner was the best overall brand Cavicide with a disinfectant that does not damage surfaces, kills all contaminants, and works very fast. Then, second place was the premium pick Virex with a disinfectant that smells fresh and lemony and is ready to use without diluting it. As a third place, we chose the disinfecting wipes pick, Lysol, with wipes that are easy to use, very absorbing, and smell like lemon.
When it comes to health and client’s bodies, there is no room for shortcuts in hygiene. Keep in mind, wipes would be great for top and smaller areas and objects, and disinfectant liquids/foams for all the rest.
Read also: Best Anti-Itch Cream for Tattoos
