Killing Bacteria: Electrostatic Disinfection Sprayers

Campus recreation facilities are taking up more square feet than ever before, creating the need to find new and improved ways to sanitize large spaces for less money. There are many great methods of cleaning, including towels, disinfectant bottles and disposable gym wipes. When it is time for a “deep-clean,” enter the new world of electrostatic disinfection sprayers and antimicrobial surface protectants.

What is electrostatic disinfection, you ask, and how does it work with and improve my existing cleaning protocols?  Can it help my bottom line?

Electrostatic disinfection sprayers utilize electrically charged tips on the end of the sprayers to add a positive charge to droplets that literally seek out and wrap bacteria and germ-infested areas in a negatively charged world. This type of sprayer has been used in farming for many years and in the past several years is becoming more popular for schools and facility services. This is how farmers can efficiently mist tomato crops and “wrap” products instead of dripping chemicals in the top.

The force of electrostatic attraction is so strong that the droplets can, and will, reverse direction and move upwards, against gravity, to coat hidden surfaces. Electrostatic droplets tend to repel each other and not overlap, which provides for uniform dispersion and 100 percent coverage of the area that is being sprayed, and most sprayers have a coverage rate of over 2,000 square feet per gallon. These machines do typically need to be used at night, or in confined spaces, as they are creating a mist that patrons would likely not appreciate in the middle of a workout. Thus, they are highly effective in deep cleaning, and on your budget. So, yes, it can help your bottom line, while increasing efficiency. Before spraying any product, check with the manufacturer and/or check the MSDS sheet.

Antimicrobials:  Have you heard of them? They will be the new craze. A (bound) antimicrobial remains chemically attached to the surface on which it is applied. It functions by interrupting the organism’s delicate cell membrane. This prevents microorganisms from carrying on vital life processes. The antimicrobial acts on contact with organisms and can do so again and again. Imagine a cleaner that keeps working. Used in conjunction with the right electrostatic sprayer and you have a winner.

Does you disinfecting cleaner “kill” bacteria, and how long does it take to work? Kill claim and dwell time: Those are the two most important things to ask about when making the choice on your facility’s cleaning product needs. If it does not kill bacteria, why have it? If it has to be wet, for 15 minutes, why bother? Make sure your staff looks into these important housekeeping 101 items.

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Wayne Kotulic Jr. is the vice president of Texon Towel and Supply Company. He may be reached at 800.328.3966 or wmk@texontowel.com.