Maintenance Issues

Acrylics should be removed periodically and cleaned on the top and bottom because dust can collect on the surfaces of the acrylic. Whenever you are using a cleaning product on a machine or the acrylic surface, call and speak to the bed manufacturer or the supplier to make sure the product will not damage the unit or the acrylic. The more the unit is kept clean, the better opportunity there is to locate a potential problem that otherwise might go unnoticed.

In general, tanning bed maintenance is a very important responsibility of the salon owner and his or her staff. The benefits from proper bed maintenance can greatly improve a salon’s performance and overall reputation. Regular maintenance will increase the overall life of your equipment as well as increase the return on your investment from your equipment.

The most important thing to remember is to ask questions if you are not familiar with something. Although there are many points about machine maintenance that could have been elaborated on in more detail, if a salon owner follows these tips along with some common sense, operating through a busy season and solving problems quickly can be accomplished easily.

Maintenance basics include:

1.) Check the warranty. Some companies will void a warranty if you remove anything but the acrylic shield, starter or lamps.

2.) You can and will lose up to 20 percent of your tanning power through dust buildup alone. Most units have an air-cooling system for the lamps, which becomes a giant vacuum cleaner for room dirt. Dust buildup on the lamps and the bed components can have a significant effect on the units overall output and the lamps’ intensity.

3.) Hair clogged in the vents and fans will make your tanning bed overheat, causing it to work twice as hard. Thus, the possibility of burning out your fans, motor or lamp sockets is great, leaving you with a bed that cannot be used until repaired. You easily can avoid this by following a regular cleaning schedule.

4.) One of the most important and overlooked components of a tanning bed is the acrylic shield. The factors that determine how often an acrylic shield must be replaced depend on how well it is manufactured and fabricated and the kind of wear and tear the bed undergoes from customers. The most common cause of acrylic breakdown is using the wrong disinfectants and cleaners on the beds and allowing customers to use outdoor lotions and oils during their tanning session. Use only those products that specifically state they are safe for indoor tanning; if you don’t, you may have to replace your shields more often than you like.

5.) Check the voltage going to the tanning bed checked periodically.