Electrostatic disinfection is a method of eradicating germs and pathogens by coating surfaces with a specialized solution that is deployed through spray technology. It’s often referred to as ‘electrostatic cleaning,’ but this term is somewhat of a misnomer as the ‘disinfection’ component is a key distinguisher, meaning the process is much more effective than a simple cleaning.
In electrostatic disinfection, the positively charged mist deployed by the sprayer easily adheres to surfaces. Once the spray is released, the electrostatic properties of the mist take care of the rest. There is no need to worry about missing nooks and crannies, as the charged mist will be attracted to these areas and will effectively stick to the surfaces within the environment being sprayed, helping to kill any pathogens.
The electrostatically charged mist is created when the specialized solution, combined with air, is atomized by an electrode inside of the sprayer. The positively charged particles that result from this process are what allows the spray to effectively stick to every surface. Even if the mist is sprayed on only one side of an object, the particles will be evenly spread across the entire surface. This ensures total disinfection with simple blanket spray.
Studies show that electrostatic disinfection greatly reduces or eradicates a variety of pathogens from some of the most exposed and high-traffic surfaces like medical equipment and general hospital areas. One study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnbology Information found that electrostatic disinfection could provide rapid and effective decontamination of portable equipment and large open areas. After just minutes, these surfaces have been known to show a significant reduction in harmful pathogens.
In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), though its Office of Research Development, has found that, when compared to a standard backpack or manual sprayer, the electrostatic disinfection process is shown to be more effective. Because of the electrostatic cling technology, this method has also proven to produce less waste in comparison to other options.
In the face of the pervasive and fast-spreading COVID-19 pandemic, electrostatic disinfectant can be an effective tool for a variety of industries and settings to help ensure a sanitary and safe environment. Because of the minimal hazardous waste created by electrostatic disinfection compared to other methods, this process is ideal for office buildings, waiting rooms, schools, restaurants and other high traffic areas.
Electrostatic disinfection is not only more effective than alternative methods as a means of deploying disinfectant, it is more convenient and time effective. Since the positively charged mist is attracted to surfaces across the entirety of a spray environment and is naturally attracted to hard-to-reach areas, its deployment requires less time and labor input. It also helps conserve disinfecting solutions through optimal and even disbursement and even dries without needing to be wiped off, meaning less human contact with potentially infected surfaces.
Though electrostatic disinfection has been shown to be an effective and, in some cases, safer method of sanitation than others, it is still important to contact a professional if you are interested in this service. They will ensure both the cleaner and the client take the right steps to disinfect your place of work or personal space in a way that puts the safety and health of everyone involved first.
