No matter where you work or spend most of your time, it’s now more important than ever that your immediate environment is clean and disinfected. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, and many of those infected with this virus aren’t even aware of it, as they may be asymptomatic (not showing signs of illness), but still contagious. So, community facilities that have to stay open during this pandemic must take every precaution possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which transmits via respiratory particles. This means that every surface must be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis, which can be challenging when it comes to hard-to-reach areas and equipment that’s regularly touched (i.e. shopping carts, ATMs, etc.). Misting and electrostatic disinfectant spray come in handy for taking care of those difficult surfaces. . But what are these processes, exactly? Are they practical? And are they safe?

What is Misting Disinfection?

Misting disinfection simply refers to the application of disinfectant products via the distribution of small particles in the air, as opposed to wiping down surfaces after targeting them with a spray bottle. This mist can be wet (also referred to as fogging disinfection or sterilization) or dry. A wet mist can leave moisture on surfaces, while a dry mist will not. Misting disinfectants can be applied manually or automatically via a misting or fogging device that’s on a timer.

What is Electrostatic Disinfection?

Electrostatic disinfection is similar to dry and wet misting. It involves the distribution of disinfectants in a disinfecting spray, which covers surfaces, even if they're small and hard to reach. However, these particles are charged via an electrode, which allows them to strongly cling to nearby surfaces of the opposite charge. This attractive force allows for a more powerful and targeted approach to cleaning and disinfecting, enveloping objects from all sides.

Advantages of Misting and Electrostatic Spray Disinfection

We’ve already mentioned some of the notable benefits of misting and electrostatic spray disinfection methods. These include disinfecting hard-to-reach and frequently touched surfaces and setting up an automated system for keeping key areas clean and free from infectious diseases. However, there are additional advantages to using these methods as well. Not only do these processes make cleaning and disinfecting easier and more efficient -- it also helps protect professional disinfecting services workers from becoming infected. Even using a manual misting device or electrostatic sprayer provides more distance between the worker and the surface being disinfected than when using a cloth. This added distance, combined with proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE) is crucial for staying safe when cleaning and disinfecting areas.

Is it Safe to Spray Disinfectants?

There is currently conflicting data on the safety of misting disinfection methods at large. Certain brands claim that their products are non-corrosive, environmentally-friendly, and safe for humans, though some organizations warn against the use of fogging, especially in specific circumstances, such as near patient locations in healthcare facilities, etc. Electrostatic spraying seems to be safer because disinfectant particles quickly stick to surfaces rather than linger in the air to be breathed in. Ultimately, the professional disinfecting cleaning services you work with should only use these products as directed and deliver all necessary warnings before beginning to mist a room.

Disinfect Every Nook and Cranny with Misting

The Budd Group has developed CDC-compliant coronavirus disinfection services to help our clients gain peace of mind, protect their people from infectious disease, and comply with all relevant mandates. In addition to remediation and deep disinfection, we offer misting and electrostatic spray disinfection. These services will ensure that all of your facility’s surfaces are properly disinfected, even those that are difficult to access otherwise. Don’t waste precious time sifting through several disinfection companies to get your facility up to speed during these challenging times. The Budd Group is ready to help. To learn more about our services, our people, and our mission, give us a call today at 800-221-8158.