Montana Cosmetology Licensure Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer is 10 minutes, which aligns with standard protocols for disinfecting tools in a cosmetology setting. Disinfectants are designed to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces or tools; however, the effectiveness of these products can depend heavily on contact time. In the case of most disinfectants used in the cosmetology industry, a contact time of approximately 10 minutes is typically recommended to ensure that the product has sufficient time to work effectively.

Options that suggest shorter or longer durations may not provide the optimal assurance of complete disinfection. For instance, tools soaked for only 5 minutes may not achieve the desired level of pathogen reduction, which could pose a risk of infection. Conversely, while a longer soaking time, such as 15 or 20 minutes, could be effective as well, it is often unnecessary and can lead to potential damage to the tools or waste of disinfectant solution. Thus, a 10-minute duration provides a balanced approach, ensuring that tools are properly disinfected while maintaining their integrity and conserving resources.