Which manicure essential should be discarded and replaced after each use?

Which manicure essential should be discarded and replaced after each use?

• A. Glass file
• B. Orangewood stick
• C. Nail clippers
• D. Cuticle pushers

Answer: (B)

The key idea is infection control through disposable versus reusable tools. Orangewood sticks are porous wood, which makes them difficult to clean thoroughly between clients. Bacteria, fungi, and other debris can linger in the wood, so they can’t be safely reused. For that reason, they’re intended to be single-use and discarded after each client to prevent cross-contamination. In contrast, glass files, nail clippers, and cuticle pushers are nonporous and designed to be cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized between clients, making them reusable when proper sanitation procedures are followed.

The key idea is infection control through disposable versus reusable tools. Orangewood sticks are porous wood, which makes them difficult to clean thoroughly between clients. Bacteria, fungi, and other debris can linger in the wood, so they can’t be safely reused. For that reason, they’re intended to be single-use and discarded after each client to prevent cross-contamination.

In contrast, glass files, nail clippers, and cuticle pushers are nonporous and designed to be cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized between clients, making them reusable when proper sanitation procedures are followed.