- June 11, 2020
- in Commercial Cleaning
- by Joshua Rollins
The Coronavirus pandemic has shaken the world to its core, causing widespread fear, especially pertaining to public health. As some States slowly begin to lift lock-downs and others prepare for reopening, anxiety around further spread of the disease still lingers. If you’re a facility manager or owner, you’re likely especially worried about how to keep building occupants healthy when life returns to normal. Two effective cleaning methods that are gaining popularity and easing the minds of building owners are electrostatic disinfectant sprayers and ultraviolet (UV) light sterilization. Here, we’ll describe the two methods and help you understand which one might be right for your facility.
Electrostatic Disinfectant Sprayers
Electrostatic disinfectant is a technology used to apply disinfectant in commercial buildings. This relatively new type of application assures simplified, efficient and effective coverage of surfaces. Simply fill the sprayer’s tank with a safe, EPA-approved, water-soluble disinfectant and pull the trigger. The electrostatically charged droplets are so attracted to the targeted areas, that they create a wraparound effect of consistent, comprehensive coverage. According to EMIST Innovations, a leading manufacturer of these types of sprayers, research indicates that electrostatic application is 8 times more effective than using an uncharged sprayer. EMist states that this approach is drastically more efficient and effective than the spray-and-wipe method.
Ultraviolet Light
UVC – the shortest wavelength of UV – has long been used in hospitals and other sterile environments to safeguard occupants from the spread of illness. UVC breaks down viruses, bacteria and other pathogens by deactivating their DNA and destroying their ability to multiply. This type of cleaning method typically uses a UVC lamp that breaks exposed germs down so that they are no longer harmful.
Which One is Right for Your Facility?
While both UV light and electrostatic disinfectant sprayers are effective forms of decontaminating a surface, there are some key differences and similarities that might help you to decide which cleaning application is right for you:
- UV Light uses a physical process to sterilize germs by breaking down their DNA; disinfectant sprayers use a chemical process to kill germs.
- Electrostatic disinfectant sprayers are able to create a wraparound effect on surfaces; whereas, germs need to be directly exposed to UV light in order for cleaning to be effective.
- UV Light does not require a solution to operate, whereas electrostatic disinfectant sprayers require you to refill their tank with a water-soluble cleaning solution before each use.
- Both methods should be applied by someone trained in using the equipment and their relative safety measures.
- Both methods are relatively cost-effective.
More and more facilities are adopting these two types of methods in their cleaning routine, and rightfully so. They each have their own strengths in fighting the spread of disease and easing the minds of facility managers, but your facility’s unique needs will ultimately determine which method will work best for you.
If you’re interested in introducing one of these methods to your cleaning routine, but you’re still unsure which one is right for you, please contact us for assistance in choosing the option that is right for your unique situation.
Whatever your professional cleaning needs, don’t be afraid to reach out if you have any questions!