Salon Talk: How to Keep Your Grooming Space Clean, Safe and Professional
Running a dog grooming salon in New Zealand involves more than clipping, bathing and drying. Behind every beautifully groomed dog is a workspace that is clean, sanitised and safe for both pets and people. And while many groomers excel at maintaining their equipment, salon-wide hygiene often becomes one of those tasks that slips during busy seasons.
A clean grooming salon is not just about looking tidy. It prevents illness, reduces risks, protects your reputation and keeps every dog that enters your space healthy and comfortable. Whether you operate a busy salon, a home setup or a mobile van, this guide outlines how to maintain hygiene safely and effectively.
Why Salon Hygiene Matters
Preventing Illness and Cross-Contamination
Every dog arrives with its own mix of bacteria, coat debris, skin conditions and potential pathogens. Without proper cleaning between grooms, fungal infections, kennel cough, parvovirus, fleas, parasites and skin bacteria can transfer from one dog to the next. Going from a dog with a yeast infection to a puppy with a developing immune system highlights why sanitation between dogs is essential, not optional.
A solid hygiene routine protects your clients, your staff and your reputation.
Odour Control Indicates Air Quality
Grooming salons naturally come with smells, but lingering odour often signals bacteria buildup and poor airflow. Effective odour control is not about masking smells, it is about removing the source. Fresh air, clean surfaces and the right odour-neutralising products help maintain an environment that feels healthy and welcoming.
Client Trust and Professional Presentation
New Zealand pet owners expect salons that feel clean, smell clean and are clean. A tidy workspace signals professionalism and care, helping clients feel confident leaving their dog in your hands.
Longer Life for Tools and Equipment
Hair, dander, soap buildup and residues can damage tools and furniture. Regular cleaning extends their lifespan and reduces repair costs.
The Essentials of Safe, Effective Salon Cleaning
Below is a practical hygiene routine using professional grooming-safe products that clean properly, rather than simply wiping surfaces.
1. Daily Disinfection for Surfaces, Cages and Work Zones
After every dog and again at closing, high-contact areas require disinfecting with a cleaner that eliminates bacteria, fungi, viruses and odour-causing germs.
Recommended product:
[product=fidos-bath-kennel-floor-cage-cleaner-disinfectant-5l]
A powerful cleaner designed for the real grime of grooming salons. Ideal for cages, floors, tubs and heavily used surfaces. It lifts dirt while disinfecting, making it perfect for end-of-day deep cleaning. Use diluted as directed and allow proper contact time.
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2. Tool Hygiene for Clippers, Scissors, Blades, Combs and Brushes
Dirty grooming tools are a fast route for bacteria transfer. Even with blade washes and sprays, deep sanitation should be part of your routine.
Recommended product:
[product=groom-professional-uv55-uv-tool-steriliser]
A UV steriliser kills microorganisms on metal and plastic tools without heat, moisture or harsh chemicals. Suitable for scissors, combs, nail tools, grooming attachments and non-electrical accessories. Use between grooms or at the end of the day for added hygiene that clients notice.
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3. Safe, Salon-Wide Sanitising Throughout the Day
Frequent cleaning calls for products that are effective but not overpowering. Choosing the right sanitiser allows you to refresh surfaces often without creating heavy fumes.
Recommended products:
[product=progroom-protect-sanitiser-concentrate-5l]
A strong, peppermint-scented cleaner that cuts through grime and leaves a noticeably fresh aroma. Ideal for grooming tables, walls, tubs, floors and tools.
[/product]
[product=mipuchi-professional-grooming-series-odour-neutraliser-sanitiser-5l]
A gentler, naturally fragranced New Zealand-made option that neutralises odours and sanitises without overwhelming fragrance. Great for daily surface cleaning, reception areas, bedding and general surface freshening.
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Use either product depending on your salon’s needs and scent preference.
Cleaning Safety Tip: Cleaning products are essential, but only when they are used correctly. Incorrect dilution, strong chemicals in small spaces or mixing products can create safety risks for animals and people. Proper ventilation, clear labelling, correct storage and sticking to one product type at a time ensure a safe working environment. Choosing cleaners designed for grooming environments, rather than generic household chemicals, further reduces risk.
Tips to Clean Your Grooming Salon Safely
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Follow correct dilution ratios. Using more product than directed does not increase effectiveness and can damage surfaces or irritate skin.
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Wear protective gear such as gloves, eye protection and aprons.
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Ensure proper ventilation. Open windows, use extractor fans and allow areas to air out after heavy cleaning.
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Avoid mixing chemicals. Stick to one cleaner at a time.
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Keep pets out of cleaning zones until surfaces are fully dry.
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Store all products securely with clear labels.
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Train staff so everyone knows what to use, how to dilute it and how often each area needs sanitising.
Consistency is key to hygiene.
A Sample Daily Cleaning Routine for Groomers
After each groom:
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remove hair from table and floor
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wipe table and tub with ProGroom ProTect or MiPuchi Sanitiser
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clean blades and sanitise tools, or place them in the UV55
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refresh bedding with MiPuchi if needed
End-of-day clean:
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sweep and mop with Fidos Bath Kennel Floor Cage Cleaner Disinfectant
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disinfect crates, tubs, tables and drying zones
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run tools through the UV55
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clean staff room surfaces
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use MiPuchi or ProTect through salon and reception to clean surfaces and neutralise odours
- remove any rubbish
Final Thoughts: A Clean Salon Is a Safer Salon
Your grooming salon should look, feel and smell like a place pet parents can trust. A consistent cleaning routine protects dogs, staff and your business reputation. With the right products and a clear plan, maintaining salon hygiene becomes efficient and stress-free.
The more you invest in cleanliness, the more your clients will trust your care. A clean grooming salon is not just good practice, it's good business.