Sunbed Maintenance & Hygiene - What You Need to Know

How to Keep Your Sunbeds in Perfect Condition and Deliver the Best Tanning Results

If you want your tanning business to grow and keep clients coming back, ensuring your sunbeds are in top working condition is essential. Whether you run a salon, gym, spa, or treatment centre, consistent maintenance of your tanning equipment is key to achieving optimal performance, customer satisfaction, and safe operation.

Poorly maintained sunbeds not only reduce tanning effectiveness but can also put your clients at risk and ultimately cost your business in both repairs and lost bookings. Here's how to keep your sunbeds running safely and efficiently:

1. Replace Sunbed Tubes at the Right Time

One of the most important factors in delivering a deep, even tan is ensuring that your UV lamps are performing at their best. Sunbed Tubes have a limited lifespan—typically between 500 and 800 hours. After around 80% of this usage, the intensity of UVA and UVB output starts to drop, meaning customers won’t see the results they expect.

To maintain consistency, always replace all tubes at the same time rather than mixing old with new. This ensures an even tan across the body and helps you avoid customer complaints.

Important tip: UV lamps are at their most powerful during the first 50 hours of use. Be sure to inform customers when lamps have just been changed, so they can adjust their session times accordingly. All Tansun Sunbed UV lamps are 0.3 compliant.

You’ll find a wide selection of UV, Collagen, and Infrared lamps listed on our website—though these cannot be purchased directly online, they’re available to request or enquire about, so we can get the right information to you. Browse our lamp listings to find the right fit for your equipment.

2. Maintain All Sunbed Parts, Not Just the Tubes

While tubes are a priority, other components also need attention. Fans, timers, control panels, acrylic shields, and facial tanners should all be inspected regularly. Maintenance frequency depends on usage—if your sunbed is in near-constant operation, weekly checks may be required.

Be mindful of the operating environment too. Without proper ventilation or air conditioning, excessive heat buildup can lead to component failure.

Staff training is another critical factor. Misuse by untrained staff can cause unnecessary wear and tear or equipment faults. Make sure your team is familiar with your sunbed models and follows manufacturer guidelines at all times.

3. Prioritise Hygiene

Cleanliness is a key part of sunbed maintenance. After every session, sunbeds should be sanitised using products specifically designed for tanning equipment. General cleaning products can damage the acrylics or reduce the lifespan of key components.

A clean and hygienic tanning environment reflects well on your business and gives clients confidence in your professionalism. For cleaning solutions, sanitisers and other consumables, visit our Tanning Supplies section to view available options.

Partner with a Specialist

Regular maintenance reduces breakdowns, extends the life of your sunbeds, and helps you deliver exceptional tanning results. If you’re looking for professional servicing and support, Tansun Leisure is here to help.

Visit our Sunbed Servicing and Maintenance page for more information on the support we provide. Or give us a call on 0121 580 6200—our team is always happy to offer guidance or book a maintenance visit.