Electrostatic sprayers are expensive and in short supply right now. Many of our customers are frantically trying to buy them, but do you really need one? Depending on your application, investing in an electrostatic sprayer could save you thousands of dollars in the long run in labor and chemical costs.
How Does Electrostatic Disinfection Work?
Electrostatic sprayers create a fine mist. This mist then passes over electrodes that give a positive charge to the droplets in the mist. The fine mist tends to cling to negatively charged (grounded) surfaces in the room. If working properly, electrostatic cleaning equipment results in an evenly wet surface. Because the mist is so fine and electrically charged, it tends to wrap around objects even if you are not spraying directly at them. Along with the proper cleaning chemicals, your electrostatic spayer can effectively become a disinfectant or sanitizer spray gun. This mist is ideal for applying disinfectant to objects that are multidimensional or are in hard to reach places.
Is Electrostatic Cleaning Effective?
Dispensing and applying cleaning solutions with an electrostatic spray gun can be a highly effective way to apply disinfectants and sanitizers to surfaces that are traditionally hard to reach or frequently accumulate germs. The misting method can cover areas regularly missed by traditional spray-and-wipe techniques.
When applying any type of disinfectant or sanitizer the following rules always apply:
- The label is the law. All EPA list N disinfectants will include a clear set of instructions for proper application. Most likely these instructions will not include the exact device to be used for applicating.
- Surfaces should be clean before application whether the sprayer is electrostatic or not.
- Surfaces need to be uniformly wet. This requires a great deal of product if you are using a pump sprayer.
- A specific amount of “dwell time” is required for the kill claim of the disinfectant to be 100%. This means the surface must stay wet for generally 10 minutes. This amount of time can vary with different products. Check your label! Enough disinfectant needs to be applied so that it does not dry before the recommended dwell time.
- Most kill claims are for hard surfaces only. Claiming that a fabric or other porous surface is completely disinfected is usually not possible electrostatic sprayer or not.
Are Electrostatic Sprayers Safe?
IMPORTANT: Always check your disinfectant label for compatibility. Many disinfectants are flammable. Spraying them through an electrostatic sprayer will turn your sprayer into a flame thrower! I would not recommend putting flammables in any type of sprayer by the way. It is just too dangerous. Factory Cleaning Equipment can help you select the right electrostatic cleaning tool for your building and specific application and ensure that your purchase will help you safely achieve a healthier workspace and environment.
Can a Disinfectant Spray Gun Help Me Save Money on Cleaning?
Electrostatic Sprayers can reduce labor costs 75% or more. Using a trigger or pump sprayer is far more time consuming and exhausting, especially in large areas. With many disinfectants, wiping down surfaces after spraying is not necessary. The person doing the work simply mists all the surfaces in the room and lets them dry.
Will I Use Less Disinfectant in an Electrostatic Cleaning Machine?
Your product consumption will drop significantly using an electrostatic sprayer. Commercial trigger sprayers can dispense up 3.5 ml per stroke. The droplets dispensed are large and generally do not wet the entire surface. This causes the person doing the work to use even more. Most of the time it is necessary to pre-moisten a towel or sponge with some disinfectant to wipe behind the trigger sprayer. Since electrostatic sprayers dispense a fine mist, you will use much less disinfectant overall, saving your budget and storage space.
What Type of Electrostatic Disinfecting Sprayer Do I Choose?
If you are disinfecting a home or a small office, trigger and pump sprayers along with a micro-fiber cloth should do the job. If you are tackling a larger facility then an electrostatic sprayer will most likely save money in the long run. Handheld cordless sprayers are very convenient. Their only limitation is capacity - you will be refilling them about every 15 – 20 minutes. Backpack cordless disinfectant sprayers are also available at a higher cost. These will let you continue working without stopping for a much longer period.
How Do I Purchase Electrostatic Cleaning Equipment?
Be careful what you purchase! This industry is not regulated and there are many sub-standard products floating around on the internet. If the price is low and the company has them readily available, beware. The deal might be too good to be true. Always try to buy from a reputable company that will be able to take care of you before and after the sale.
Factory Cleaning Equipment partners with professional brands and we’re available to answer your questions about electrostatic cleaning equipment, products and accessories, disinfectant and sanitation solutions. Our team understands the challenges you are facing. We are providing your business with valuable information and products through the pandemic and want to help to keep your business a healthy work environment. Our professional team can help you improve your cleaning procedures by choosing the right electrostatic cleaning machine for your unique application requirements. Reach out today and let us match you with the best equipment and cleaning solutions.