The Disinfecting Benefits of Chlorine Dioxide
While sanitizing and disinfecting have always been critical, never before have they been as important as they are now. In order to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other potential threats, the correct products and processes are essential. Chlorine Dioxide is a great way to achieve this.
Chlorine Dioxide
One of the most powerful, yet safe options, is Chlorine Dioxide. It is a highly effective sanitizer and disinfectant yet is safe to use in a range of environments.
While it is a given that all public spaces need to be regularly and effectively sanitized, some products make this more challenging than others. Chlorine Dioxide is an ideal solution.
Hospitals, workspaces, schools, restaurants, other businesses, and even homes need a safe and powerful disinfectant. Some products can be hazardous to the people in the environment as well as the objects and contents of the space. You need something that is not harmful yet still strong enough to combat germs, bacteria, and viruses.
With many of the stronger disinfectants available, one has to use great caution. It generally requires the use of gloves, goggles, and often a respirator.
It is important to understand the difference between Chlorine and Chlorine Dioxide (CLO2). The latter is far safer, more gentle, and less caustic. It is also safer for the environment as it produces minimal harmful byproducts.
Quality Chlorine Dioxide products break down into a safe and simple salt that is not harmful to others and is biodegradable. The good products are EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), and FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) registered and approved, proving their safety.
Why use Chlorine Dioxide?
While being a highly effective sanitizer, Chlorine Dioxide is relatively fast and easy to apply. One of the most important benefits is that it is safe for humans and pets. This means that it can be used in hospitals, schools, restaurants, gyms, homes, and any other area where sanitizing is needed.
It produces no Halocetic Acids or trihalomethanes which are harmful to the environment. It is safer to use than most bleach options, antimicrobials, and other antiseptics. Many other products are toxic and potentially harmful if not used with extreme caution.
This means that Chlorine Dioxide is safe for people, children, pets, and those applying the product. There is no need to disrupt normal operation of the facility in order to treat with Chlorine Dioxide.
While care must be taken when applying the solution, no gloves, goggles, masks, or respirators are needed. No PPE is required when applying Chlorine Dioxide.
It is effective against a range of viruses, bacteria, and mold. It is useful in combating a range of allergens. This will create a safer and healthier environment for all.
Chlorine Dioxide contains no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and it is odorless and colorless. This allows it to be used on soft or hard surfaces and even on fabrics.
It is effective against COVID-19 as well as MRSA and has been used to treat areas after Hurricane Katrina (to eradicate mold), treat Anthrax infected areas, and even purify drinking water.
How is Chlorine Dioxide applied?
There is a range of application methods. The product generally comes as a ready to use disinfectant. On non-porous surfaces at risk of bacteria, mildew, or mold, one would generally use it undiluted. It is ideal for high touch zones.
Only if the surface is particularly dirty should it first be cleaned with soap and water. If the area is relatively clean and in need of disinfecting, one can simply spray with Chlorine Dioxide.
What is important is that the object or surface is sprayed with enough product to allow it to remain wet for a minimum of 10 minutes. This is critical as that is the amount of time needed for Chlorine Dioxide to be effective against bacteria and viruses.
The great thing is that one can simply allow the spray to dry. There is no need to wipe up after application. This saves time and reduces disruption when the product is used.
As it is NSF approved, it can be used in food production, restaurants, and related areas. In this case, the solution should be diluted. Depending on the brand used, it is normally one part Chlorine Dioxide to 9 parts water. Surfaces can be sprayed the same way described above. It can be used on surfaces, utensils, countertops, cutting boards, and even carpets.
For small areas and household use, it can be applied using a simple spray bottle. For larger areas such as hospitals, offices, schools, and other public areas, a fogger or electrostatic sprayer is the most efficient and effective way to treat objects and surfaces.
Stat Sanitizing uses only the best products and has the equipment, skills, and experience to disinfect and sanitize your facility correctly. They use quality Chlorine Dioxide products where necessary to ensure the safety of people in the facilities they operate in.
The process, when done correctly, is fast, safe, and non-invasive. This means that there will be little to no disruption of normal activity while ensuring the area is correctly sanitized. It can be used on all surfaces including floors, carpets, walls, and ceilings. Using the correct equipment also makes the process more economical.
An experienced company will understand the correct application and process to ensure maximum effectiveness. They will be able to access the area and advise on the costs and time needed to do the job correctly with minimal wastage or disruption.
Final thoughts
When used and applied correctly, Chlorine Dioxide is an ideal choice to eliminate mold, bacteria, and viruses. Given the current threat of COVID-19 and other potential risks, it is the responsibility of all facilities, hospitals, schools, and public areas to do everything in their power to minimize the threats.
It is clear that effective sanitizing is important and Chlorine Dioxide is one of the many products that quality companies will use to ensure the safety of people in your environment. Ensure your sanitizing company is using the correct products and procedures.