As everyone slowly adapts to the new normal, it’s essential to find ways to continue to be safe even when you’re at home. It includes following health protocols that centre on cleaning and disinfecting and teaching others how to disinfect coronavirus and other common viral pathogens best.
To effectively reduce the risks associated with the COVID-19 strain and limit its spread, you need to ensure that all surfaces are clean with either a detergent, soap or water mixture. But with a prevalent virus that scientists are still learning more about, what control measures can you put to protect your household from possible contamination?
Understanding the Spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 has a fast reproduction rate with water droplets resulting from sneezing and coughing. When a person diagnosed with COVID-19 sneezes, talks, or coughs, they’re likely to spread the harmful virus at a short distance. At times, these droplets can quickly settle on any surrounding surface that it lands on, otherwise known as fomite transmission [1].
Studies showed that the new strain of coronavirus could last up to 72 hours on both stainless- steel and plastic surfaces. So, it’s essential to practice stringent disinfecting and hygiene measures to prevent its spread. Even if the country slowly lifts its restriction, it’s necessary to remain vigilant and cautious to avoid waves of COVID-19 cases from reappearing soon.
The simplest way to keep your house clean is by mopping the floors and cleaning all surfaces with antibacterial spray. However, if you have more funds, fogging can also be an excellent choice.
There are various types of deep cleaning that involve fogging. The most common type is a TR19 compliant clean, which involves profoundly cleaning the kitchen and ducting to eliminate grease build-up and other harmful pathogens.
Typically, a specialist contractor performs fogging in the area with the help of specialised tools and cleaning methods. The task primarily involves praying a very fine mist using a spray gun to eliminate the virus and other disease-causing pathogens. The contractor then leaves the solution for 6 hours until it completely evaporates.
Fortunately, readily available fogging devices are designed to make it easier to sanitise your home without hiring a specialist contractor. Some even come with free disinfectant so that you wouldn’t have to worry about buying one.
Disinfectant fogging can saturate an entire room by purifying and eliminating all types of harmful pathogens from the area and other solid surfaces. It’s highly suitable for high-risk areas such as the entryway and the kitchen.
There are various kinds of foggers and fogging methods available in the market today, each with its unique benefits and application:
Chemical Fogging
Chemical fogging offers the broadest range of solutions that are fast and easy to do. However, the chemicals used in such devices tend to linger around the treated area, which might cause some adverse effects on the lungs.
Ionisation
Ionisation offers the most comprehensive surface coverage and often produces long-lasting results. Yet, it’s less effective than the other options on the list, especially when getting rid of bacteria.
Ozone
Ozone is another option on the list that produces fast-acting results without leaving any residue. However, it’s pretty difficult to store since it’s considered an unstable compound.
Chlorine Dioxide
Chlorine dioxide is another effective solution that doesn’t leave any residue on surfaces. But it uses chlorine gas, so you need to ensure that you follow rigorous temperature parameters.
Ultra-Low Volume (ULV)
ULV disinfectant fogger uses a specially formulated antimicrobial solution that converts to a vapour to disinfect the area. The machine produces a mist-like fog that envelopes the sight and covers everything that it reaches, including floors and other surfaces.
Understanding the Benefits of Fogging
Eliminates Germs, Bacteria, and Viruses
Fogging every room in your home drastically eliminates the viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens which may harm your health. It can even eliminate the coronavirus strain, which may be lurking deep within the nooks and crannies inside your home. People should perform disinfectant fogging after their home has been exposed to a particular airborne pathogen to prevent it from spreading.
It Gets Rid of Mould and Allergen
You’ll never know what could be floating right in the air you breathe. That’s why it’s essential to do everything you can to ensure that you don’t breathe any harmful pathogens that may cause adverse effects on your health.
Aside from killing germs and bacteria, foggers can also eliminate fungi and other allergens, which may trigger an allergic reaction even when inside your home. It can be helpful, especially to those suffering from seasonal allergies.
Deodorizes Your Space
The disinfectant vapour coming from the machine can help eliminate odours from germs and bacteria, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean the entire day. It’s an effective way to address the foul smell of your garbage. It can work on tobacco smoke odour, too. You can quickly freshen up your space by using a disinfectant fogger.
Summary
Overall, foggers are an efficient way to give you peace of mind knowing that your entire household is protected from potentially harmful pathogens. So, whether you’re a healthcare professional, a business owner, or want to keep your home protected from any virus, having a fogger machine is essential to keep those harmful pathogens at bay.
Using fogging machines won’t require you to move any of your furniture around to reach those tight spaces inside your house. The fog-like solution can effectively pass through every nook and cranny and cover the entire surface with an excellent disinfectant.
Therefore, using such a machine doesn’t only save you time and money, but it also helps address all your worries regarding your health. Doing your part in disinfecting your home greatly reduces the chances of contamination and reduces any chance of fomite transmission.
