Oregon Cosmetology State Laws and Rules Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Towels used in cosmetology must be laundered properly to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of bacteria and other pathogens. The correct method involves utilizing commercial laundering or a non-commercial process that employs hot water, as this temperature is effective in killing germs and bacteria that may be present on the towels.

Hot water is beneficial because it not only aids in sanitizing the towels but also helps in removing oils, hair products, and other residues that can accumulate during cosmetic procedures. Utilizing commercial laundering processes often ensures that the towels receive a thorough cleanse, which adheres to health and safety standards mandated by the state.

Other methods, such as hand washing in cold water, may not achieve the same level of cleanliness, and using a microwave or soaking towels in bleach can also fall short of providing comprehensive sanitation. The use of microwaves for sanitization is not a widely accepted method for cleansing linens in a professional setting, as it does not uniformly sanitize the fabric and can pose safety risks, while soaking in bleach might damage the fibers of the towels and does not guarantee the complete elimination of all pathogens in a manner consistent with professional laundering standards.