WARRANTY
F.O.X Nails USA is the official US distributor of MicroStop.
We take full responsibility for all warranty-related issues and provide 1-year manufacturer-backed warranty through our own US based service center — no international shipping required.
Our team is here to assist you directly with any service or warranty concerns.
Extended warranty options are also available for those who wish to add extra years of coverage and peace of mind.
How to properly sterilize manicure tools in a dry heat sterilizer?
The sterilization process in a dry heat sterilizer is as follows: place the tools, which have been pre-cleaned and dried, on the removable tray. Lower the tray into the sterilization chamber, close the sterilizer lid, set the sterilization time and mode using the buttons, wait for the timer to go off, and then wait for the sterilizer to cool down a bit.
How to turn on a dry heat sterilizer?
- Plug the sterilizer into the power source.
- Press the button on the back panel.
- On the front panel, press the button and use short presses to select the desired mode (note: for sterilizing in craft pouches, choose a mode no higher than 180°C).
- After selecting the mode, hold the button for a few seconds to start the chosen cycle.
Please note: The button on the front panel is not touch-sensitive — it must be pressed.
Does the dry heat sterilizer start sterilizing immediately or does it need to heat up?
Once you set the sterilization mode to 180°C for 60 minutes, the dry heat sterilizer will first begin heating up after the sound signal.
It takes about 10–15 minutes for the chamber to reach the required temperature of 180°C.
Only after reaching this temperature will the timer start counting down the set 60 minutes. This ensures your tools are properly sterilized under the exact conditions.
If you choose other modes (200°C for 30 minutes or 160°C for 150 minutes), the process stays the same:
- 10–15 minutes for heating up.
- Sterilization begins once the set temperature is reached.
This is the only way to guarantee safe and effective sterilization.
Recommended sterilization modes for trays and kraft pouches
Sterilization: kraft bags or tray?
If you sterilize tool sets in a tray, choose one of these three modes:
- 200°C for 30 minutes
- 180°C for 60 minutes
- 160°C for 150 minutes
If you sterilize tools in kraft paper bags, only these two modes are suitable:
- 180°C for 60 minutes
- 160°C for 150 minutes
Important: High temperature alone doesn’t guarantee effective sterilization. The processing time is just as important. That’s why it’s crucial to strictly follow the recommended sterilization modes.
To ensure proper sterilization, you’ll need Class IV indicators.
All MicroSTOP kraft bags come with built-in Class IV indicators, either printed directly on the bag or included as special stickers.
If you prefer sterilizing in a tray, these indicator stickers can be purchased separately.
How to properly sterilize tools?
1. Soak the tools in a disinfecting solution, prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Thoroughly rinse the tools under running water.
3. Dry the tools. Remove any water droplets (e.g., with a paper towel). Place the tools on the dry heat sterilizer tray and set it to the "drying" mode at 80°C for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can wait for the tools to dry completely without using the "drying" mode.
4. Place the dried tools into craft pouches or on the dry heat sterilizer tray.
5. Select the sterilization mode.
6. After the sterilization cycle is complete and the signal sounds, open the sterilizer. Wait for it to cool down to 20-30°C, turn off the button on the back panel, and unplug the sterilizer.
What is the difference between a dry heat sterilizer and an autoclave?
Air sterilizers (dry heat sterilizers) use hot, dry air for sterilization. Pathogens are destroyed by high temperatures (starting at 160°C) and extended exposure time.
Steam sterilizers (autoclaves) use hot steam under pressure. In this case, pathogens are destroyed at lower temperatures, typically between 126°C and 135°C.
Is it okay to overload the dry heat sterilizer and stack pouches on top of each other?
Overloading the dry heat sterilizer can interfere with the circulation of hot air inside the chamber, which may not only prevent proper sterilization of the tools but also cause overheating and potential damage to the device.
That's why we recommend arranging the tools in a way that doesn't block the ventilation openings by more than 70%.
Can I use autoclave pouches in a dry heat sterilizer?
No, autoclave pouches are not suitable for dry heat. Autoclaves use steam at lower temperatures, while dry heat sterilizers operate at much higher temperatures. Autoclave pouches can burn, melt, or compromise the sterilization process. Always use pouches made specifically for dry heat.
Is it normal for a residue to form in a dry heat sterilizer?
A smell or residue during sterilization is a normal occurrence when using craft paper pouches, as the paper contains resins. When heated, these resins are released and can settle on the surfaces of the dry heat sterilizer over time. However, if you clean your sterilizer regularly, the residue will not accumulate.
Is it normal to see dust on the rubber seals inside the door?
Yes, that’s totally normal! The dust comes from the mineral wool insulation inside the unit — it can shift a bit during shipping and settle on the rubber parts. It doesn’t affect performance and can be wiped off easily.