Oh, this is such a hot topic during this COVID-19 pandemic! I've been asked my opinion on this topic a lot lately. So let's take a closer look at the difference between each of these pieces of equipment or accessories: microfiber wash cloths, sterilization box, steam machine and electrostatic sprayer. You will be able to make an informed decision. However, I can already tell you that all these disinfection solutions are good! But they all have their own particularities and appropriate uses. Let's unravel all this.
Washing cloths
First, anyone who has attended my training knows how important it is to choose quality microfiber cloths. Yes, you'll see wash cloths for $0.50 per wash. But these will only last you a maximum of 100 washes. For example, cloths made in China, those sold at the 1$ store and others, are indeed microfiber, but of very low quality. You'll see it after the first wash: they will have already changed color, texture, and even shrunk! Be alert.
Having tested a large number of washcloths, I have adopted those sold by Vileda. I also invite you to visit the site Vileda in French Or Vileda in EnglishThese linens have a durability of 300 to 500 washes depending on the linen chosen and the way in which the washing will be carried out. In fact, among the conditions, it is necessary not to use bleach or fabric softener and to wash the linens between 60 and 65 degrees. The texture, color and size will remain in accordance with what you purchased. They are used as much for their cleaning capacity as for disinfection.
Microfiber cloths are useful, just like other cleaning and disinfecting methods. However, I know that the investment cost is higher these days since you really need a lot of them. According to Public Health, it is recommended touse 4 instead of 8 sides of the cloth. So, all the more reason to buy quality so that it lasts you 1 to 2 years depending on your use.
Vileda has several versions of microfiber. PVA Micro is my favorite for washing and disinfecting. NanoTech is excellent and of interesting technology. The MicroTuff is the most economical, but still of good quality. And finally, they even have disposable cloths in case of significant contamination.
The dry steam engine
This equipment is very versatile, as it serves several purposes, including disinfection. An exceptional quality of this equipment is that this method is environmentally friendly, using no chemicals. The equipment I suggest uses dry steam. You will therefore find this equipment at all recognized distributors throughout Quebec. This specialized equipment will be useful for decontamination, disinfection, or degreasing. I have also written a full article on this subject. A great advantage of this equipment is that the steam reaches the already dry surface. Therefore, there is no need to wipe the surface! This equipment is useful in several sectors such as:
- Hotelier: Disinfecting mattresses is very easy using dry steam. This can be done between each rental!
- Food and pharmaceuticalThis equipment is particularly useful for removing mold, especially. And what about decontaminating a large commercial kitchen? You'll have to use much less force to remove the dirt.
- Commercial and industrial: Whether it's for a disaster or to disinfect a hard-to-reach or difficult-to-clean surface, areas contaminated by smoke or cigarette odor are completely eliminated.
- Hospital: Excellent for disinfecting wheelchairs and many other equipment.
The electrostatic sprayer
First of all, we now have the pleasure of having this type of equipment here in Canada. The company Pax Innovations actually made its own electrostatic sprayer. It is called Pax 100. It really has a lot of qualities. This device is excellent when you need to quickly disinfect large surfaces. Think of large high school cafeterias. Or for disinfecting restrooms very frequently in a shopping mall. This equipment is now available from only a few suppliers in Canada, including Sani-Depot.
- He is lightweight, portable, ergonomic for the employee. It is used 3-4 feet from the area you want to disinfect.
- Works with all water-soluble disinfectants.
- Well designed. The nozzle is already integrated and you don't have to nothing to assemble.
- It can be used for 8 hours before recharging. Which is not negligible at all. To fully recharge it, it will take 3.5 hours. I particularly like that the battery is internal. So no mishandling possible !!
- The tank weighs 5.4 pounds and contains 600ml. You will cover 6000 sq ft with a single container.
- Really fast. For example, to disinfect a 10 x 10 foot office, you will need: 10 seconds! You'll save 80 to 90% of time. Perfect if you have a lot of space to cover in a short time.
Be careful, the surface will still need to be relatively clean. And you will also need to respect the contact time before wiping it off. Many disinfectants take 10 minutes to eliminate viruses and bacteria. Others take 5 minutes, such as ES 15 (ready to use) or its diluted version, the ES 364 that I like since they don't have no smell. For asthmatics, it's wonderful!. Or 1 minute using the Diversey Oxyvir disinfectantYou can find all of these disinfectants at many distributors. The best way to ensure that no one enters the bathroom before the disinfectant has taken effect is to lock the door during cleaning and disinfection.
Sterilization box
This small, small accessory can be used for several disinfection activities. Sterilization is carried out using UV ray. So, no danger to the environment or to the employee. The box does not weighs practically nothing! When you put your small objects in the box and start this accessory, the process will take just a few minutes. Really very easy to use, you will not need training. However, this is really limited to very small items only. It destroys all germs and viruses. And how much will this little accessory cost you? Only about fifty dollars. Of course, there are different models and sizes. Here's what you could sterilize:
- Your keys, cell phones
- Jewelry, watch, headphones,
- Vision or safety glasses
- Washing brush
- Sterilization of small, worn, deformed or porous materials
- And even your single-use or fabric masks!!
So in conclusion, you will see that all these means have their usefulness and are all effective to eliminate bacteria, germs and viruses. But I would use them for different tasks each. So, for the manual washing, nothing better than the microfiber clothYou can also use it to clean different surfaces and for many sectors.
There sterilization box is portable and very practical for all small objects that we often overlook. Myis also for the famous masks helping us fight the COVID-19.
There dry steam engine used to disinfect wheelchairs, materials that cannot be wetted, places that are difficult to access or wash. For example, for disinfect a damaged and worn surface, presenting indentations or porous surfaces.
And I would use the electrostatic sprayer to disinfect the large areas quickly.
So, as you see, all these disinfection equipments are complementary to each other!
