What should be done with tools after they have been cleaned but before being disinfected?

After tools have been cleaned, allowing them to air dry is crucial for effective disinfection. When tools are air-dried, any remaining moisture can evaporate, which is important because disinfectants work best on dry surfaces. This minimizes the risk of dilution of the disinfectant solution and ensures that it can effectively eliminate any remaining pathogens.

Additionally, air drying helps to avoid the growth of bacteria that might occur if the tools are stored in a damp environment, such as in a damp towel. Storing tools in a wet or damp condition can foster bacterial growth, which counteracts the purpose of cleaning and disinfecting the tools in the first place.

Other options, like reclening with soap or disinfecting immediately, might not be necessary if the tools were adequately cleaned initially. Each stage of the cleaning and disinfection process serves a specific purpose, and allowing tools to air dry fits perfectly into the protocol for ensuring safety and hygiene in eyelash extension practices.