What is Electrostatic disinfecting and how does it work?
In the cleaning and hygiene industry, “electrostatic cleaning” actually refers to electrostatic disinfecting. While these terms are often used interchangeably, in reality they refer to two very different infection control processes. Electrostatic cleaning provides no mechanical cleaning action, i.e., they do not remove physical soil. Rather, the electrostatic device is used to disinfect mechanically pre-cleaned surfaces.
Why should we use Electrostatic cleaning and disinfecting?
In reality, germs and bacteria spread into hard-to-reach surfaces faster than we can clean them away. In fact, colony-forming units of bacteria and viruses are hiding in many areas that we cannot access with current methodologies and equipment.
Imagine trying to apply a disinfecting solution to all the nooks and crannies that exist in a hospital, including wheelchairs, walkers, beds and other medical equipment. Additionally, let’s take a look at offices, which is another critical cleaning environment. There are a vast number of hard-to-reach areas that are potentially covered in pathogenic bacteria, like keyboards, phones, and desks. Remember that we are disinfecting to have a positive impact on workplace absenteeism as well as the overall health of a facility.
Electrostatic disinfection is the answer that healthcare and public infection control has been waiting for. Electrostatics provide a step that can now effectively augment the current processes that facilities use to protect the public from community based pathogens.
So how does Electrostatic cleaning work?
Electrostatic disinfecting is a way of quickly and evenly coating a surface with a disinfecting solution. This is done by using an electrostatic applicator that gives a charge to the disinfecting solution as it exits the nozzle. The charged molecules will repel each other, meaning they will be an even distance from each other, but will be attracted to the surface they are applied to. The charged particles have a charge strength greater than gravity allowing them to directionally target a selected surface very quickly providing near immediate room reentry.
The science behind it is detailed, but in the simplest of terms, electrostatic disinfecting works by providing a charge to a solution so that it electromagnetically sticks to a targeted surface, providing 360-degree coverage. In most instances, surfaces are neutral. So when an electrostatic disinfecting system provides a negative charge to the solution, the solution will be attracted to a surface with a different polarity creating a most efficient disinfecting clean.
Electrostatic cleaning FAQ's
Is Electrostatic Disinfecting safe?
Yes, electrostatic disinfection and the disinfecting sprays we use are extremely safe for operators, people present during cleaning, and people occupying the space after cleaning. Although it is safe, It is best for the rooms to be sprayed without people present just so we can provide the most efficient clean possible. Once the application process is complete and the disinfectant is dry, the space is safe for both people and animals to reenter. On average this may be a 30 minute drying process depending on the space.
How quickly does it work?
Electrostatic disinfectants begin to work immediately when sprayed and the surfaces should remain wet with applied solutions for at least two minutes to allow the appropriate dwell time.
How much does Electrostatic cleaning cost?
The cost for electrostatic disinfection depends on the location and size of the space to be disinfected, the number and size of objects in the space itself, and the frequency of services performed. An in person evaluation is best for an accurate quote but we can generally give a quote over the phone with this info. Normally our electrostatic disinfecting services will be in the range of 2.5 cents to 10 cents per square foot depending on square footage.
