What Is the UV Disinfection Process?

After COVID-19, many businesses are wondering what’s the best way to keep their space clean and disease-free. Chlorine is a commonly utilized and highly effective disinfectant, but the trade-off is that it can contaminate your space with pervasive and harmful chemicals that can linger long after cleaning. If you want to protect your staff’s health without relying on potentially dangerous chemicals, UV disinfection may suit your needs best.

What Is UV Disinfection?

UV disinfection involves using handheld devices or mobile units to expose surfaces to strong UV-C light with wavelengths between 200 and 280 nanometers. The light invades bacteria, viruses or other harmful organism’s cells and destroys their genetic material, eliminating their ability to reproduce and effectively inactivating them.

Eco-friendly and chemical-free, UV-C is a great alternative for businesses aiming to improve their sustainability without sacrificing disinfecting effectiveness.

UV disinfection is used in a variety of settings where effective elimination of pathogens is vital but there’s an interest in not exposing building occupants to potentially dangerous chemicals. From treating wastewater and disinfecting aircraft cabins to cleaning doctors’ offices and auto dealerships, UV-C disinfection is becoming an increasingly popular method of chemical-free sanitization. 

Steps of UV Disinfection

Preparation: Before disinfecting the area, the surface needs to be cleaned of any dirt or debris so there’s nowhere for bacteria and viruses to hide.

Exposure to UV Light: The light is emitted onto the surface at wavelengths up to 300m – 20 to 30 seconds per surface is typically enough to eliminate the microorganisms’ DNA or RNA. How long the exposure should last depends on how close the light is to the surface and how large or tough the microorganisms are.

Monitoring: Without proper gear, UV disinfection can be hazardous, especially if uncovered skin or eyes are exposed to the light. Expert cleaners know to wear gloves and goggles while monitoring the UV light to ensure it stays at a sufficient level for disinfection. One of the primary benefits of UV radiation is that aftercare is minimal, as light doesn’t leave any residual chemicals that need to be wiped down.

Advantages and Drawbacks of UV Disinfection

UV radiation is a highly effective disinfectant that eliminates the need to handle toxic chemicals. UV light inactivates a wide range of bacteria and viruses. Unlike chlorine, UV requires minimal equipment and has no residual effect that could contribute to hazardous chemical exposure without thorough post-cleaning treatment. Overall, it’s fast-acting and safe for building occupants once the lights are turned off and removed.

That said, while the lack of chemical residue can be beneficial, it can also hamper its efficacy. Once the light is turned off and natural light streams in, microorganisms can occasionally reverse the damage and begin repairing themselves in a process known as “photoreactivation”, which can mitigate the potency of the cleaning.

Ultimately, UV disinfection may not provide residual protection against recontamination once the next workday begins. As a result, for strong bacterial concerns, UV radiation may need to be followed by chlorination or oxidization to inhibit microbial regrowth.

At West Texas Commercial Cleaning, we have experience cleaning a wide variety of businesses – from car dealerships and oil facilities to hospitals and banks. Our team has the know-how to evaluate what type of disinfectant a specific area needs and how to maximize its efficacy so business owners can worry less about potential ailments impeding operations. 

The Professional Janitors and Cleaners Odessa and Midland Businesses Trust for Thorough Sanitation

At West Texas Commercial Cleaning, we’re dedicated to ensuring businesses are clean and sanitary to protect West Texas workers, safeguard operations and give business owners less to worry about. Our team is qualified, insured and available 24/7 to provide meticulous cleaning and janitorial services that put your business’s needs first.

Receive prompt and confidential commercial cleaning services you can trust. Call 432-552-9520 or explore our disinfectant cleaning services to schedule a free quote today.