Ink Cups: Hygiene, Sterilisation & Safety
Hygiene is an essential part of tattoo safety. Even sealed ink cups should be quickly sterilised to protect your client and maintain professional studio standards.
With a few simple steps and 70% alcohol, you can raise your hygiene levels and create a clean, trustworthy environment for every tattoo.
Ink Cup Hygiene
In tattooing, safety always comes first. Even though ink cups arrive sealed, they go through many stages before reaching your workstation.
A quick sterilisation step helps ensure client safety and maintains the professional standards every studio should follow.
How to Properly Sterilise Ink Cups
Here’s a simple, effective sterilisation process suitable for most studios:
- Prepare a Clean Area
Cover your surface with fresh paper towels or barrier film. Make sure your hands and gloves are clean before starting.
- Use 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
Fill a small disinfected container with 70% alcohol, the ideal concentration to kill pathogens and prepare materials for safe use.
- Soak the Cups
Place a handful of cups into the alcohol. Give them a gentle mix using a clean mixing stick
- Let Them Dry
Lay the cups over clean paper towels and allow them to air-dry completely. Take only what you’ll use for the session and store the rest in a sealed, clean container.

Maintaining a Sterile Tattoo Environment
Sterile ink cups are just one part of a bigger picture: Clean workstation, Correct PPE, Disposable barriers, Safe ink management, Proper waste disposal.
Clients notice when a studio is clean, organised, and professional; it builds trust and encourages return visits.
TATTOO BOUTIQUE
Biodegradable Rinse Cups
Eco-friendly and practical
Black Pearl Nitrile Gloves
Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves For Tattoo Artists:
Biodegradable Tattoo Ink Cups
Made from plant-based
Cleansing Swabs Wipes
ideal for skin cleansing and sterilization
FAQs
Do ink cups come pre-sterilised?
They come clean, but not fully sterile, which is why disinfecting them is recommended.
Can I reuse ink cups?
No. Ink cups are single-use items and must be properly disposed of after every client.
Should I sterilise silicone ink cups the same way?
Yes, the process is the same regardless of material.
Is 70% alcohol enough to sterilise ink cups?
Yes, it’s the ideal concentration for safe disinfection in tattoo studios.
Join the Tattoo Boutique Newsletter
Be the first to know about new arrivals, artist features, and exclusive offers.
Subscribe NowPrev post
Ink Cup Style & Creativity
Updated on 03 December 2025
Next post
Different Types of Ink Cups
Updated on 28 November 2025