Since the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic, sales of disinfectants and chemical sprays have skyrocketed. But there is growing concern about the impact (both personal and environmental) of such vast use of chemicals in our homes, workplaces and other premises. In fact, the World Health Organization has even advised against the use of fogging or fumigation disinfectants, as the chemicals used can cause respiratory problems in people. (Source: ‘Cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the context of COVID-19’, published by the World Health Organization in May 2020).
If you’re looking to reduce your reliance on chemical disinfectants during and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve included our top tips below for going chemical-free in your sanitizing strategies.
1. Ensure your cleaning / sanitizing practices are thorough. This applies whether you’re using chemical or chemical-free disinfection – a surface cannot be sterilized or disinfected if it has not first been properly cleaned. Cleaning does not need to include chemical sprays, you can use soap and warm water to effectively clean most surfaces. Soap disrupts a virus’s fat membrane, making it easier to kill, and it also removes any dirt or grime from the surface to allow disinfectants to reach viruses and bacteria. It’s best to minimise clutter too, as objects or clutter equate to additional surface area for harbouring viruses and bacteria. The more surface space you have the more likely you are to accidentally miss a spot; which could result in ineffective disinfection.
2. Increase Airflow / Ventilation. As we know, Covid-19 is primarily spread through droplets and close contact transmission. By installing devices to circulate airflow (or keeping windows / doors open), airflow is constantly being diluted with fresh air to minimise risk of virus transmission. Chemical-free airflow sanitizers also exist, which can be implemented if desired – such as upper-room or ceiling mounted UV sterilizers.
3. Investigate chemical-free disinfection options. While many common disinfection methods are centred around chemicals – such as fogging or ozone disinfection – there are highly effective chemical-free methods available which have been tried and tested against Covid-19 and other viruses. UV sterilizing is a strong option, which uses ultraviolet light to eradicate viruses and bacteria. UV sterilizing has been used in hospitals for decades, and is proven to be highly effective. UV sterilizers use powerful ultraviolet bulbs to produce UV-C radiation, just like the UV-C radiation produced by the sun. UV sterilizing is the easiest way to disinfect a full room, as UV sterilizers are used by simply switching them on and leaving the room. Alternatively, there are natural disinfectants which may be of more interest if you prefer manual disinfection. These include: vinegar, alcohol and some essential oils. These are used by applying liberally to a surface, and leaving for a period of time to allow them to work. Once given sufficient time, these non-toxic disinfectants can be wiped from the surface. (It’s important to note that while these ingredients – essential oils, vinegar and alcohol – have disinfectant properties, none have been proven 100% effective in lab tests. As a result, multiple rounds of disinfection may be required to reach a ‘sterile’ surface result.)
If you’re investigating chemical-free options for your sanitizing strategies, you may be interested in learning about the Muv-X UV room sterilizer. The Muv-X provides hospital-grade sterilizing for businesses of all sizes, and has been independently tested by an FDA approved testing laboratory. It is proven to be highly effective against SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19), while being mobile and easy to use.
Find out more about the Muv-X here: https://www.cwappliedtechnology.com/uv-steriliser/
Recent Comments