Why shouldn’t pumice stones be reused in pedicures?

A common question in pedicure training is: “Can pumice stones be reused?” The short answer is no. Pumice stones are porous, which means they trap skin debris, moisture, and bacteria, making them impossible to disinfect properly. Reusing them in salons not only risks spreading infection but also goes against best hygiene practice. Students and professionals alike need to understand why pumice stones should never be reused and what safer alternatives exist.

The Hidden Dangers of Reusing Pumice Stones and Foam Blocks

1) They are porous

• The foam and pumice-like surface is full of holes. Skin cells, oils, blood droplets and microbes get pulled deep into the material.
• You cannot properly clean or disinfect a porous item. Disinfectants need a clean, non-porous surface and full contact time. In a spongey block, debris and microbes remain protected inside.
• Reusing a porous implement creates a real cross-infection risk for fungi, bacteria and viruses.

2) Hygiene rules and liability

• In many regions, reusing porous implements on multiple clients is not allowed under salon hygiene standards.
• If a post-service infection occurs and you reused a porous tool, it is hard to defend your practice or insurance claim.

3) Skin safety

• These blocks can remove skin too quickly. That increases the chance of micro-tears and makes feet more vulnerable to infection.
• Over-exfoliation disrupts the skin barrier. Clients can rebound with thicker callus, soreness or fissures.
• Never use aggressive abrasion on clients with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or any open skin.

4) Product and tool compatibility

• Disinfectant soaking degrades foam and adhesives, so the tool sheds grit and becomes even less hygienic with each reuse.
• Bits of degraded foam can contaminate foot baths and are difficult to rinse away.

What to use instead

Safe Alternatives to Pumice Stones

• Stainless steel foot paddle with single-use adhesive grit pads. Use a fresh pad per client, then remove and discard. Clean and disinfect the metal handle between clients. There are a few good options on the market now, remember you need more than 1 that requires more investment – but in a professional salon it’s the only way to go.
• Autoclavable stainless steel tools with smooth, non-porous surfaces that tolerate proper cleaning and high-level disinfection or sterilisation.
• Single-use disposable files if a metal system is not available. One client only, then bin.

Technique tips for students

1. Assess first. Identify callus vs corns vs cracks. Refer when in doubt.
2. Soften safely. Use a professional callus softener (urea or lactic-based) or a short soak. Avoid over-soaking.
3. File with control. Light pressure, limited passes, and don’t “chase pink”. Focus only on thickened areas.
4. Stop at smooth. The goal is reduction, not baby-soft skin. Leave some protection.
5. Finish and protect. Rinse, dry thoroughly, then apply a targeted moisturiser with urea (10% urea is best) and don’t forget a good quality nail & skin oil to maintain results.
6. Home care advice. Daily emollient, weekly gentle reduction if needed, never use blades or “cheese-grater” rasps.

Why Pumice Stones Be Reused in Salons Is a Hygiene Risk

Reusing foam pumice blocks is a hygiene and safety risk because they are porous and cannot be reliably disinfected. Train students to choose non-porous, disinfectable tools such as a stainless steel foot paddle with disposable grit pads, follow a controlled reduction technique, and apply strict single-use and cleaning protocols.

Remember – if your doing your own feet – you can use what you like, for clients in a professional salon setting you need to take disinfection and sterilization seriously.