Are you having doubts hiring an electrostatic disinfecting service provider for your commercial property?
Q: What is electrostatic disinfection?
Electrostatic spraying or disinfection is a process of spraying an electrostatically charged mist onto surfaces and objects.
The electrostatic sprayer is electrically charged, allowing the specialized solution and disinfectants to wrap around and evenly coat all types of surfaces.
Designed to kill germs, bacteria, and different types of viruses. It’s a safe, timesaving, effective, and touchless application, which means zero cross-contamination.
Q: How does electrostatic disinfection work?
Electrostatic disinfection treatment is a process used in commercial cleaning and disinfecting that harnesses electrostatic forces for ensuring cleaned surfaces are free of germs.
Electrostatic sprayers use positively charged particles to make disinfecting chemicals electromagnetically cling to targeted surfaces with a negative charge. It uses an electrode inside the sprayer to atomize the cleaning solution. The particles exit the nozzle in the form of a spray which clings around all touchpoints it can find.
For example, no matter from which angle you use it for the disinfection of surfaces, the droplets created by the electrostatic sprayer make the disinfectant stick to areas such as chairs, under tables, or desks.
Although easy to apply, well-trained personnel is essential for the optimal application process and the safety of the staff.
Q: How much does it cost?
The cost typically depends on the type of facility and square footage of the area which requires treatment.
In the long-term, electrostatic disinfection protects businesses against costly financial issues associated with contagious healthcare infections and reduces costs associated with supplying effective disinfectant solutions.
Q: Is it effective against COVID-19?
It depends, as it does not, in itself, kill COVID 19 or the Coronavirus.
The disinfectant utilized in conjunction with this technology must be on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Registered Antimicrobial Products for Use Against Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the Cause of COVID-19, typically referred to as List N.
This combination, when properly applied, will be effective against COVID-19 spread.
But keep in mind that it is an excellent solution to use during the disinfection process, as a high-quality sanitizing agent.
The technology is also highly effective for infection prevention against other contagious viruses, such as Aids, Influenza, HIV, and MRSA.
Q: What type of properties are best suited for electrostatic disinfection?
Electrostatic disinfection is an effective option for a host of commercial environments including:
- Office buildings
- Hospitals and other healthcare settings
- Retail stores
- Apartment buildings and condominiums
- Educational facilities
- Hotels and other hospitality venues
Electrostatic disinfection is effective in hard-to-reach places where germs may exist. After applying the disinfectant, the product “air-dries” and requires no further steps.
Q: What about hard to reach surfaces, will they also be disinfected?
One of the many benefits the electrostatic technology has is that all surfaces, even areas or upholstered surfaces that can’t get wiped down, are disinfected through this technology. It will reach places that are visible, targeting at the same time the least-accessible areas.
How is it used?
Simply point and spray. That’s reassuring when you think of irregularly shaped or hard to reach objects, including the underside and backside of surfaces.
This is because it is not only disinfecting the tops of surfaces but underneath and all the way around too.
Q: How long will electrostatic disinfection take?
This will depend on the size and nature of the area being disinfected. The electrostatic disinfection service can reduce the disinfecting amount of time significantly versus manual methods, with some estimates by as much as 50%.
A properly equipped and trained technician can cover a significant square footage footprint from a productivity perspective.
Q: How long does electrostatic disinfection last?
It doesn’t create a protective barrier. It, rather, disinfects or kills, germs, and viruses on targeted surfaces, but it will not stop these areas from becoming contaminated again.
The frequency with which electrostatic disinfection is required is up to you – with some facilities such as schools, gyms, and medical uses opting for more frequent service.
Continued use is of great benefit and should be considered, especially for high-traffic places, as it prevents recontamination with harmful bacteria.
Q: Does it leave a residue?
Yes, it may leave a light layer of residue on any visible area, as this process creates a fine mist and is allowed to dry naturally.
Dwell time routines mean that the product is left on surfaces without removal to maximize the disinfection process.
Q: How quickly does electrostatic spray disinfection work?
It begins to work immediately after application, and the surface should remain wet for at least two minutes to obtain the maximum result of the chemicals applied.
Q: Is electrostatic disinfection safe to use on all surfaces?
Yes, it can be safely carried out around electronics such as keyboards, laptops, and monitors.
Recommendations are that the product is not sprayed directly at close range, but to spray at a distance of 2-3 feet.
While electrostatic disinfection is safe to use on all surfaces, testing fabric surfaces, for example–chairs, first on a spot basis is recommended.
Q: Is electrostatic disinfection safe for those nearby during application?
Yes, electrostatic disinfection is absolutely safe for not only the person applying it but is safe also for occupants within the facility and the employees.
Please note that while the typical disinfectant product is not caustic, is it recommended that occupants not be present during application and for 20 minutes after to allow dry time.
Q: Is electrostatic disinfection environmentally friendly?
Yes, it is safe for plants and the environment if used only with green cleaning products.
The technology is considered an eco-friendly method because it sprays up to 65% fewer chemicals per square foot.
Q: Is electrostatic disinfection approved by CDC?
It depends on the chemicals and practices used in the application process. Make sure to opt for the services of a company trained in personal hygiene practices consistent with the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Q: How should businesses prepare for electrostatic disinfection?
Businesses using the services of a professional company can prepare the space by removing all storing items that do not need to be sprayed, such as clothing, dishware, and papers.
At the same time, all clutter and unnecessary items should be removed from the working area and floor to grant easy and efficient access for the cleaning team.
Q: WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED SURFACE COVERAGE?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) performed substantial research and reported their findings in a report called COVID-19: Electrostatic Sprayers and Foggers for Disinfectants.
Regarding surface coverage, the EPA found that manufacturer’s recommended that disinfectant should be applied at a rate of between 2 and 53 ounces per 1000 ft2. The EPA did not include the recommended surface coverage for foggers because these devices are used for “volumetric (aerosol) decontamination.”
Some manufacturers of electrostatic sprayers placed more emphasis on “wetness” instead of surface coverage. More specifically, they emphasized that efficacy is achieved when the surface is coated and left with contact (dry) time. This process of allowing the product to remain on the surface is also known as “dwell time.”
The consensus was that the majority of disinfectants remained wet on the surface for 10 minutes before drying.
Q: What are the main benefits of electrostatic disinfectant?
Electrostatic disinfection services should be part of your robust facility’s cleaning and disinfection plan, as bacteria, mold, and other health risks can live on surfaces and spread.
Keep in mind that this application method ensures all surfaces and objects are adequately and uniformly coated with an approved disinfectant.
Electrostatic disinfection may also have financial benefits by reducing employee absences stemming from illness and the subsequent lost productivity that results.
Servi-Tek Facility Solutions is a leading electrostatic disinfection service provider. We deploy an experienced staff that is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment and products.
We will create a customized disinfection plan based on the needs of your facility. Schedule a call with us today to find out how we can help you.
