Treat Your Table with TLC - Some Bodywork Massage Tool Advice

Keep it clean: As all massage therapists know, you absolutely must wipe down both your table and your face cradle between each client to avoid any risk of infectious contamination that could pass from a client to you or from one client to the next.

Because table upholstery is porous, sweat, skin cells, makeup or massage oil or cream residue can be left behind, all of which may contain infectious bacteria. For general cleaning between each client, use a cleaning solution containing 10 percent mild liquid soap and 90 percent warm water to wipe down both the table and the face cradle. Let the solution dry, then spray and wipe with plain water to remove any residue. Let the table dry again before covering with any linens, pads, or towels.

Alcohol solutions or wipes are not recommended, as they evaporate too quickly to be very effective. They can also dry out the upholstery and may eventually cause it to wear and crack. Try not to use scented cleaning products, particularly citrus, as some clients may react badly to any lingering fragrance. If your table or face cradle cover has developed stains, make a solution of 10 percent all-purpose cleaner and 90 percent warm water. Dampen a cloth and gently rub to remove stain, and then use another cloth dampened with just water to remove any cleaning solution residue.

For a tough stain, it’s time to bring in the heavy-duty ammo, in the form of a solution of 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water. Using a white cloth dampened with this solution, rub the stain gently until it is gone, and then use another cloth dampened with just water to remove any bleach residue. Let the table air dry after removing any stain before covering it with linens.

Have table, will travel: If you travel to your clients with a portable table or chair, don’t store either in your car for long periods of time when not in use. A closed-up car can get extremely hot, which may damage the upholstery. You should also always keep your table or chair in a carrying bag when not in use to prevent wear and tear.

Time for a tune-up: When you bought your car, you probably also purchased a warranty that covered any authorized tune-ups for a certain length of time which probably saved you a considerable sum of money. Most table manufacturers offer similar warranty deals, which are generally a good idea, particularly if your table sees a good amount of use. There are minor repairs you can do yourself, such as tightening loose nuts, bolts or hinges, but something more complicated should be a job for a repair person.

Giving Your Linens Some Love

The other main tool you use, aside from your hands and your table, are your linens and any table toppers, such as pillows or pads. While your linens help make your table look inviting to your clients, they serve a purpose beyond just looking pretty. Linens provide a barrier between your clients’ skin and the table and face cradle upholstery. This also means that your linens will need to be changed out between each client to avoid any possibility of pathogen transfer. It’s quite obvious that your linens will be your second biggest expense, next to your table.

Luxury linens at an affordable price: Because you will require multiple sets of linens per day, you will need to consider the proper balance between cost and comfort. While 100 percent cotton is the most popular and affordable fabric, it wears out the fastest and can be difficult to clean, requiring stronger detergents and bleach. Although cotton-synthetic blends are easier to clean and are more durable, they are not as soft as 100 percent cotton. Some of the more exotic fabrics, such as bamboo, hemp and soy do feel softer, but are more expensive. This can be a factor to consider when you realize that you need to have multiple sets of linens.

Washing your dirty linens: As a massage therapist, you will probably end up doing more laundry for your work than you will be doing for yourself and your family. Here are some tips to help you care for your linens as you put them through repeated wash and dry cycles.