Cleaning a tanning bed is not optional — it is a hygiene and safety requirement. The warm, enclosed environment of a tanning bed creates ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to accumulate on acrylic surfaces, especially between sessions. A proper cleaning routine protects users, extends the life of the equipment, and keeps the unit performing at its best.
Whether you own a home tanning bed or manage a salon unit, the principles are the same: the right products, the right technique, and a consistent routine. Here is everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Always unplug the tanning bed and let it cool for at least an hour before cleaning.
- Use only tanning bed-specific disinfectants and cleaners — bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and abrasive products all damage acrylic surfaces.
- The acrylic surface requires the most consistent care — clean it after every single session.
- Deep clean the full unit including reflectors, fans, and frame at least once per week for home use, or after every session in a salon setting.
- Inspect bulbs, starters, and filters monthly and replace them before they fail rather than after.
- Microfibre cloths prevent scratching the acrylic; paper towels and rough fabrics should be avoided.
- Never spray cleaning products directly onto electrical components, bulbs, or fans.
- Odour is usually a sign of accumulated organic matter — regular cleaning prevents it from developing.
What You Need to Clean a Tanning Bed
Using the right products is essential. The acrylic shield of a tanning bed transmits UV light, and harsh chemicals will cloud, scratch, or crack it over time — reducing tanning effectiveness and potentially creating safety hazards. Standard household cleaners are not appropriate.
Gather the following before you start:
- Tanning bed-specific disinfectant: Products from specialist brands such as Norvell or Tanning Essentials are formulated to kill bacteria and fungi on acrylic without damaging the surface.
- Tanning bed-specific cleaner: Removes sweat, body oils, and tanning lotion residue from the surface.
- Tanning bed polish: Optional for periodic use; restores clarity and shine to the acrylic after cleaning.
- Microfibre cloths: Multiple clean ones — one for disinfectant, one for cleaner, one for polish if used. Microfibre cleans effectively without scratching.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from cleaning chemicals.
Never use: bleach, ammonia, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, abrasive scrubs, or regular household disinfectant sprays. These degrade acrylic clarity over time and can leave residues that irritate skin during a session.
How to Clean a Tanning Bed Step by Step
Step 1 — Unplug and Cool
Switch the unit off and unplug it completely. If the bed has been used recently, leave it to cool for a minimum of one hour. Cleaning a warm bed accelerates chemical evaporation from cleaning products, which can damage the surface and create fumes in an enclosed space.
Step 2 — Spray Disinfectant on the Acrylic Surface
Put on your gloves. Spray tanning bed disinfectant evenly across the entire acrylic surface — top and bottom panels. Leave it to dwell for the contact time specified on the product label, typically two to five minutes. This dwell time is what actually kills bacteria and fungi — wiping immediately reduces effectiveness.
Step 3 — Wipe Off the Disinfectant
Using a clean microfibre cloth, wipe off the disinfectant, working from the centre outward to avoid dragging debris across the surface. Pay attention to the edges, corners, and the hinge area where sweat and oils tend to collect. Use a fresh section of the cloth as each area becomes soiled.
Step 4 — Apply and Remove Cleaner
Spray the tanning bed cleaner across the acrylic surface and spread evenly with a clean microfibre cloth. This removes residual body oils, lotion buildup, and any remaining marks. Wipe off with a fresh, dry cloth, working in straight strokes to avoid streaking.
Step 5 — Clean the Reflectors and Fans (Weekly Deep Clean)
For weekly or deep cleans, spray a small amount of cleaner onto a cloth (never directly onto the reflectors or fans) and wipe down the reflectors. These can accumulate dust and reduce UV output if neglected. For the fans, use a dry cloth or compressed air to remove dust — do not spray liquid near fan motors or any electrical components.
Step 6 — Apply Polish (Periodic)
Polish is not needed at every clean but is useful monthly or when the acrylic begins to look dull. Apply a thin, even layer with a clean cloth, allow it to dry for a few minutes, then buff off with a fresh cloth in circular motions. Polish restores surface clarity and a degree of UV transmission efficiency.
Step 7 — Inspect the Bulbs, Starters, and Filters
While the bed is open, take a moment to inspect the bulbs. Discoloured, flickering, or visibly damaged bulbs should be replaced — degraded bulbs produce uneven and less effective UV output and should not be run until they burn out. For guidance on replacement, see our article on how to change tanning bed bulbs. Starters and filters should be inspected monthly and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines.
Step 8 — Reassemble and Plug In
Once cleaning is complete and the surface is fully dry, close the bed, plug it back in, and allow it to reach operating temperature before the next session.
How Often Should You Clean a Tanning Bed?
The answer depends on usage frequency:
- After every session: The acrylic surface — the part in direct contact with skin — should be disinfected and wiped after every single use. In a salon setting this is mandatory. For a home unit used by one person, you might apply a quick disinfectant wipe after each use and do a fuller clean weekly.
- Weekly: Full clean including reflectors, fans, and frame. This prevents buildup of dust and debris that affects UV output and air circulation.
- Monthly: Deep clean, polish application, bulb and starter inspection, filter check.
How to Prevent Tanning Bed Odour
The characteristic smell some tanning beds develop is caused by accumulated sweat, body oils, and tanning lotion residue breaking down on the acrylic surface. Consistent cleaning after every session prevents this entirely. If odour has already developed:
- Do a thorough clean of the entire interior, including the areas under and around the reflectors where residue collects.
- Leave the bed open to air out fully after cleaning before closing and plugging in.
- Avoid heavily scented tanning lotions, which leave more residue and can be harder to clean thoroughly from the surface.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
- Using household disinfectant sprays: Products like Dettol or Lysol contain alcohol or other chemicals that cloud and damage tanning bed acrylic over time.
- Cleaning a hot bed: Heat accelerates chemical breakdown and evaporation. Always cool the unit first.
- Spraying directly onto bulbs or electrical components: Spray onto the cloth, then wipe. Never spray liquid near electronics.
- Skipping the dwell time: Disinfectants need contact time to be effective. Spray and immediately wipe is a common but ineffective approach.
- Using paper towels or rough cloths: These scratch acrylic. Microfibre only.
Final Thoughts
A tanning bed that is cleaned consistently performs better, lasts longer, and is significantly safer to use. The routine itself takes only a few minutes per session once it becomes habit — the bigger effort is the weekly deep clean, which with the right products rarely takes more than 20 minutes.
If you are building or refreshing your home tanning setup, our guides on changing tanning bed bulbs and the tanning bed time chart are worth reading alongside this one for a complete maintenance and usage picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to clean a tanning bed with?
A tanning bed-specific disinfectant followed by a tanning bed-specific cleaner — both applied with microfibre cloths. Specialist brands like Norvell and Tanning Essentials formulate products specifically for acrylic surfaces. Avoid anything containing bleach, ammonia, alcohol, or abrasives.
How do you wipe down a tanning bed?
Spray disinfectant onto the acrylic surface, allow the stated dwell time, then wipe from centre outward with a clean microfibre cloth. Follow with cleaner applied the same way, then a final dry buff with a fresh cloth.
Should the underside of the acrylic shield be cleaned every time?
The top surface (the side in contact with skin) should be cleaned after every use. The underside does not come into direct contact with users and can be cleaned weekly as part of your deeper maintenance routine. Check it for cracks or damage that could affect UV transmission during those weekly checks.
How do I stop my tanning bed from smelling?
Consistent cleaning after every session is the most effective prevention. If odour has developed, do a thorough deep clean of the whole interior, leave the bed open to air fully after cleaning, and ensure you are using tanning lotions that are easy to clean from acrylic surfaces.
How often should tanning bed bulbs be replaced?
Most tanning bed bulbs have a rated lifespan specified by the manufacturer — commonly between 500 and 1,000 hours. Replace them on schedule rather than waiting for visible failure. Degraded bulbs produce uneven UV output that affects results and can cause uneven tanning. See our full guide on how to change tanning bed bulbs for step-by-step instructions.