Which method is NOT acceptable for sterilizing instruments?

The method that is not acceptable for sterilizing instruments is using dry sterilizers or UV lights. While these methods can aid in sanitation, they do not provide the level of sterilization required for tools used in a professional setting, such as a cosmetology practice.

Sterilization requires the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including spores, which are resistant to many common methods of disinfection. An autoclave, for example, uses high-pressure steam to achieve this level of sterilization effectively. Using an EPA-approved disinfectant is acceptable for disinfection but does not qualify as sterilization, as it may not eliminate all pathogens. Boiling water can kill many germs, but it is not reliable for ensuring complete sterilization. Thus, the reliance on dry sterilizers or UV lights does not meet the mandated standards for effective sterilization in the cosmetology profession.