Think the autoclave is a long-dead relic of the past? Not so. In this blog, we’ll break down why an autoclave machine can actually be an essential tool for your shop, whether you’re a tattoo artist or piercer. You’ll learn how autoclaves work, how they can boost client trust, streamline your workflow, and save you money over time. And of course, we’ll point you to high-quality sterilization gear.
Let’s dig into why autoclaves matter and how they can make a real difference in your shop.
What’s an Autoclave?
An autoclave is basically your shop’s personal sanitation overlord. Using pressurized steam, autoclave machines sterilize critical tools you use every day. For piercers, this includes:
- Body jewelry
- Forceps
- Pliers
- Piercing Needles
Pro Tip for Piercers: You’ll find body jewelry pre-sterilization services on our Web store, saving you valuable time. Let us handle it – here.
For tattoo artists, you’ll be sterilizing:
- Tattoo grips
- Tattoo tubes
- Tattoo tips
Basically, if you plan to reuse it, you need to clean it right—and an autoclave is the MVP of that process. Piercers already know this like the back of their (gloved) hands. After all, there aren’t many safe reusable options out there (i.e., the dreaded piercing gun). To keep clients safe and your shop up to hygiene standards, sterilizing jewelry and tools in-house is just part of the job.
How Does an Autoclave Work?
It’s not magic, but it’s close.
When the sterilization chamber is loaded with supplies, the door is sealed and the sterilization process begins.
Sterilization Steps for an Autoclave Machine
- Conditioning: Air gets sucked out of the chamber using a vacuum or gravity.
- Exposure: Steam fills the chamber, pressure and temp ramp up (usually between 250–275°F), and germs start to meet their doom.
- Exhaust: Steam and pressure release, your tools cool down, and voilà: sterile, ready-to-use equipment.
How long this takes depends on the machine and what you’re sterilizing. Always follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (IFU) like its gospel. Trust us, cutting corners here is not the move.
Autoclave Machines for Tattoo Artists – Pointless or Practical?
If you’re a tattoo artist, you may think the autoclave is more or less obsolete. Why? Because of the wide array of disposable, single-use supplies that make your job a helluva lot easier. Not to mention, high-level disinfectants like Madacide tend to be enough to sanitize critical areas and equipment.
However—hear this out—if you knew how much value an autoclave could bring to your workflow, your wallet, and the planet, you might just reconsider going (partially) reusable.
Benefits of Using an Autoclave in Your Shop
Having an autoclave machine at the ready to sterilize items in-house has many long-term benefits:
- Reusable tools + an autoclave = long-term savings. Disposables might seem cheaper up front, but reusables pay for themselves fast. Check out Autoclavable versus Disposable Tools for more info.
- Yes, disposable supplies come pre-sterilized and individually packaged. But an in-studio autoclave machine goes a step further. It’s visible proof that you take hygiene seriously and leave nothing to chance. Clients notice that. It signals you’re not just meeting minimum standards—you’re exceeding them. And that kind of commitment builds serious trust.
- Reusable tools + sterilization = less waste. That means fewer trash runs, fewer sharps containers to stock up on, and a smaller carbon footprint overall. Big picture? Less landfill clutter, fewer sad sea turtles. You get to keep doing what you love, feel good about it, and win extra points with clients who care about the planet.
If You’re Not Using an Autoclave Machine
As mentioned above, autoclaves are non-negotiable for piercers. But if you’re a tattoo artist who’s Team Disposable Gear through and through, you can still maintain a gold-standard sterile setup. Here’s what to double-check every time when you’re going autoclave-free:
Tattoo Hygiene Checklist (No Autoclave Edition):
- ✅ Use only pre-sterilized, single-use needles and tubes
- ✅ Check expiration dates and sterilization indicators on all packaging
- ✅ Discard all single-use items immediately after each client
- ✅ Disinfect all surfaces with an EPA-registered, tuberculocidal solution
- ✅ Use barrier film and clip cord covers to minimize cross-contamination
- ✅ Wear fresh gloves for every step of the process—no exceptions
- ✅ Keep clean and dirty zones strictly separated
We Got What You Need
Switching to reusables and in-house sterilization might seem like a big shift for a bustling tattoo shop, but it’s easier than you think. We’ve got a solid lineup of top-rated sterilization equipment and supplies to help you get started with confidence:
Autoclaves
- Tuttnauer EZ9 Automatic Autoclave with Printer
- Tuttnauer 1730 ValueKlave
- All American 50X-120V Electric Autoclave Sterilizer
Sterilization Supplies
- Saferly Sterilization Heat Seal Autoclave Pouches
- Saferly Internal Steam Indicators
- Medline Class 5 Steam Integrator Strips
Biological Testing
Thoughts for the Road
Sure, disposable supplies have their perks in a busy tattoo shop. But autoclave machines and reusable tools bring something else to the table: long-term value, reliability, and more money staying in your pocket where it belongs.
So, hop on the sterilization train. Your clients, your budget, and your future self will thank you.
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