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Why Businesses Are Demanding Electrostatic Disinfecting for COVID-19

Since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers have improved how they test, diagnose, and treat patients and how to keep the virus from spreading. One critical piece of the puzzle has been the optimization of cleaning and disinfecting, especially in commercial facilities.

Electrostatic sprayers were actually invented about 80 years ago. Back then, they were used to improve painting quality by ensuring full coverage and more even application. Today, the same general principles of electrostatic technology are being used to slow the spread of COVID-19 in commercial facilities.

What Is Electrostatic Disinfecting and Why Is It So Effective?

Electrostatic disinfecting is a process that uses a special sprayer to give disinfecting solution a negative charge as it passes through the nozzle. This negative charge causes the solution’s molecules to repel each other and spread, while also adhering better to the surface being sprayed.

Without getting too deep into the science, the disinfecting solution is applied more evenly and electromagnetically sticks to the surface with greater strength. Compared to traditional disinfection techniques, electrostatic disinfecting is far more thorough and efficient.

Some companies use the term electrostatic cleaning, which implies that the process cleans the surface. This is incorrect. The purpose of electrostatic disinfecting is to kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens to prevent cross-contamination.

If a company offers “electrostatic cleaning” without confirming that the surface has already been cleaned to remove dust and debris, you may want to look for other options.

EnviroClean can perform both services – the initial cleaning followed by electrostatic disinfecting.

Types of Buildings and Surfaces That Are Ideal for Electrostatic Disinfecting

Clients across a wide range of industries have contacted EnviroClean to request electrostatic disinfecting, especially companies that offer essential services and must continue to operate regardless of risk. These include but are not limited to:

  • Distribution centers and warehouses
  • Shipping/delivery companies
  • Hospitals and medical facilities
  • Utilities
  • Office buildings
  • Schools and daycare centers
  • Retail and grocery stores
  • Foodservice companies
  • Vehicles (tractor cabs, delivery vehicles, buses, etc.)

Electrostatic disinfecting can be performed on virtually any surface but is typically focused on high-touch areas, such as door handles, light switches, bathrooms, kitchen appliances, vending machines, phones, conference rooms, and manufacturing equipment.

Because the mist from an electrostatic sprayer is so fine, it can be safely used on electronics, copy machines, workstations, and other surfaces that might be at risk with other types of disinfecting.

Questions to Ask About Electrostatic Disinfecting

During the early days of the pandemic, electrostatic disinfecting solutions were scarce. Now that they have become more accessible, companies are coming out of the woodwork to provide electrostatic disinfecting services. Here are a few questions to ask before deciding who to hire.

Are your disinfecting solutions EPA-approved to kill COVID-19?

EnviroClean uses Clorox Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfectants and Diversey Oxivir Tb, both of which are approved by the EPA to kill COVID-19.

What is the dwell time of your disinfecting solutions?

Dwell time is the amount of time a solution must be on a surface to properly disinfect, or kill pathogens like the coronavirus. For some solutions, dwell time can be as high as 10 minutes. EnviroClean uses disinfecting solutions with dwell times of 30-60 seconds.

What types of sprayers do you use?

We use professional cordless electrostatic sprayers, both backpack and handheld models, from Victory Innovations. These sprayers allow us to apply disinfectant faster and achieve full, consistent coverage with less solution.

EnviroClean’s Electrostatic Disinfecting Services

We offer preventative electrostatic disinfecting, which can be performed as part of nightly or weekly cleaning services. We also have daytime porter and matrons who disinfect different areas of a facility on a rotating basis throughout the day.

Whether your facility has remained open or plans to reopen after a long period of time, preventative services reduce risk and give employees and customers peace of mind. We recommend this service as an additional safety precaution, even after most of the public has been vaccinated and the risk of COVID-19 subsides.

We also offer electrostatic disinfecting in response to a confirmed case of COVID-19. We can arrive at your facility quickly to prevent spreading, minimize disruption and downtime, and satisfy union contract requirements for a safe work environment.

To learn more about our electrostatic disinfecting services, schedule a walk-thru, or request a quote, contact us today!