The #1 Reason Spa Equipment Fails (And How to Prevent It)

Why the Same Equipment Keeps Breaking

If your steamer, mag lamp, or towel warmer always breaks in the same room, under the same tech’s care, that’s a red flag. It’s not bad luck. It’s likely lack of care or improper use.

Spa equipment isn’t just plug-and-play. It needs regular TLC.

Without it, even high-end gear will eventually give up.

What Most Spa Pros Don’t Know About Maintenance

Let’s be real: no one teaches you how to care for your gear in beauty school. So, most techs end up guessing or doing nothing at all.

Here are a few truths most people never hear:

• Steamers need distilled water. Always. Tap water = mineral buildup = dead steamer
• Hydrodermabrasion handpieces should be flushed after every use. Not just wiped down
• Treatment tables with motors should be unplugged overnight if not surge protected

It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things.

Smart Ways to Prevent Equipment Breakdowns

Let’s move from problems to solutions. Here’s how to make your gear last longer and work better:

1. Create a Weekly Cleaning Ritual

Assign a day. Post a checklist. Keep it simple — but consistent. A quick wipe with proper disinfectants goes a long way.

2. Label the Water Bottles

Keep a bottle labeled “Distilled ONLY” by each steamer station. No more excuses.

3. Train Your Team (Even If It’s Just You)

Learn what each machine needs, not just how to use it. Many brands offer free care guides—read them.

4. Buy Equipment Built for the Long Game

Yes, quality matters. The “cheaper” wax warmer that needs replacing every year isn’t saving you money.

5. Use Surge Protectors

Power surges kill motors. One $20 surge protector can save your $600 electric bed.

Quick Checklist You Can Start Using Today

How often should you do what? Here's a simple guide:

Daily:

• Empty and dry steamers
• Flush hydrodermabrasion handpieces
• Unplug or protect powered equipment overnight

Weekly:

• Wipe down cords and base units with proper cleaners
• Check cords and plugs for wear or damage
• Clean electrode surfaces (high-frequency/galvanic tools)

Monthly:

• Deep clean facial steamers (descale if needed)
• Inspect electric tables for mechanical wear
• Test surge protectors and replace if needed

Use this as a base. Tape it to your room door. Share it with your team.

☑ Steamer emptied and dried daily
☑ Use only distilled water
☑ Hydroderm handpieces flushed & air-dried
☑ All motors unplugged or protected overnight
☑ Cords checked weekly for damage
☑ Clean soft parts with manufacturer-approved solution
☑ Keep manuals in a binder or saved digitally
☑ Track repairs or odd noises (journal or notes app)

What Breaks Most (and Why)

Want to know where to start? These are the top 5 pieces of spa equipment that tend to break most often due to poor maintenance:

1. Facial Steamers

• Why they fail: Mineral buildup from tap water, not cleaning out the reservoir, and leaving water sitting for days.
• How to prevent it: Always use distilled water, empty and dry it daily, and do a deep clean weekly (check if your model needs vinegar or citric acid flushing).

2. Electric Massage & Treatment Tables

• Why they fail: Burned-out motors from power surges, overloading, or lack of lubrication.
• How to prevent it: Use a surge protector, don’t overload with heavy lifting (especially while clients are on the table), and unplug overnight if not in use.

3. High-Frequency or Galvanic Devices

• Why they fail: Cords getting twisted or tugged, storing them improperly, and using harsh cleaners on the electrodes.
• How to prevent it: Gently coil cords, avoid yanking from the base, and store them in padded containers when not in use.

4. Mag Lamps

• Why they fail: Lens scratches, yellowing, or broken adjustment arms from being pulled or jerked without loosening the knobs.
• How to prevent it: Always loosen adjustment knobs before repositioning, avoid touching the lens with products on your hands, and clean the lens gently. Use a microfiber cloth and a manufacturer-recommended lens cleaner to avoid scratching or damaging any coatings on the lens surface.

5. Towel Cabinets

• Why they fail: Being overfilled or underfilled, lack of regular wipe-downs, and chemical residues from towels (like fabric softeners) that break down internal components.
• How to prevent it: Fill according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, wipe out the interior weekly, and avoid using towels with heavy detergent or softener residue.

Pro Tip: It’s smart to have a spare steamer, mag lamp, towel cabinet, or even a portable treatment table on hand. This gives you backup when something inevitably needs repair or servicing.

But What If the Manual’s Useless… or Missing?

You’re not alone — a lot of spa equipment manuals are vague, outdated, or just gone. Here’s where to turn when that happens:

Try These Trusted Resources:

• If you got the equipment from Universal Companies —
  Many product pages have user manuals and troubleshooting guides. Plus, live chat support and hands-on help from equipment specialists.
• Esthetician Facebook Groups & Reddit Threads
  Look for groups like “Advanced Esthetician Lounge” or r/Esthetics — search the group for your machine’s name + “cleaning” or “maintenance.”
• YouTube
  Search "[your machine name] + maintenance" or "[your brand] + how to clean." Prioritize videos posted by educators or distributors over influencers.
• Call the Brand Directly
  Most reputable manufacturers have support lines — and many will email you a manual or walk you through basic care.

When equipment fails, it’s easy to blame the machine. But more often, it’s about how we treat it. Think of your spa gear like your car–routine care keeps it running for the long haul.

You don’t need to be an engineer; just a little more mindful. Your equipment (and your budget) will thank you.

Universal Companies is proud to have a team of experienced spa advisors on staff and welcomes you to consult with our professionals about spa products and supplies, including ingredients, equipment, and retail. Dedicated to the success of spa professionals everywhere, we're grateful to be recognized with multiple industry awards (thank you!) and proud to support the spa industry through mentorship and sponsorship.