UV Light for Room Disinfection
Why is it important to Disinfect Rooms?
Disinfecting rooms has never been more important to the public than it is today. Shared spaces and places where people gather, especially those with high turnover rates, end up harboring germs left behind by each individual. Remember, all airborne particles eventually settle on surfaces, especially horizontal surfaces.
When droplets land on horizontal surfaces, they carry germs that can survive there for varying lengths of time depending on factors such as the type of surface, the environment (temperature, humidity, etc.), and the specific microorganisms in question. Some germs can survive for just a few minutes, while others can persist for several days. To reduce the risk of spreading germs, it is important to frequently clean and disinfect common high-touched surfaces, and to practice good hand hygiene.
Common high touched surfaces that are important to remember when disinfecting a room include door handles, countertops, light switches, keyboards & computers, tabletops, armrests, handrails, faucets, floors and more.
Disinfecting rooms can prevent the spread of disease-causing pathogens and create a healthy environment. UV light is the most effective solution for room disinfection (99.99% effective on bacteria and viruses when irradiated at specified dosages) and is becoming an increasingly common solution in many settings.
Do UV Light Sanitizers Work for Room Disinfection?
UV light sanitizers work very well for room disinfection, especially surfaces and air. Minimizing distance, optimizing angle, eliminating shadowed areas, and maximizing light intensity are the factors determining effectiveness.
UV light sanitizers depend on “line of sight” meaning any surface that is blocked or not receiving direct exposure from the UV source will be untreated. Eliminating shadows is critically important for effective UV disinfection.
“Dose” delivered to the target depends on distance and follows the inverse square law. To overcome larger distances, longer exposure times are required (or efficacy is sacrificed). Because most surfaces have texture, the angle of incidence, or the angle the light is hitting the surface is very important.
Did You Know?
Dimer UV light solutions are the only whole-room UV disinfection systems that feature a patented variable angle wing that enables users to minimize the distance from their lamps to their target, expose each surface with an optimized angle of incidence, and move around barriers to eliminate shadows.
Pro Tip
The most efficient and effective way to disinfect a horizontal surface is by using a horizontal lamp that is parallel to its target surface.
Pro Tip
The most efficient and effective way to disinfect a horizontal surface is by using a horizontal lamp that is parallel to its target surface.
What is the Best Way to Disinfect a Room?
Over time, use of chemicals or UV light to disinfect a room can cause damage to the treated surfaces. Chemical disinfectants are tedious and time consuming. Areas are missed frequently, and chemical products are not applicable on electronics or fabrics. And as a result of overexposure during room disinfection, most UV products gradually cause damage or discoloration to surfaces (like patio furniture left out all summer).
At Dimer, we have worked tirelessly to create the best way to disinfect a room. Dimer UV light sanitizers are convenient and efficient. Our patented UV light solutions effectively and consistently disinfect surfaces in seconds without ever overdosing or causing damage to the room itself. Easily disinfect rooms of 1,000 sq/ft in less than 10 minutes.
Use a wet wipe to eliminate any visible dirt, grime, trash or gunk. Then use a Dimer UV light solution, like the UVHammer, to shine germicidal UVC light directly to every square inch of your target. Remember, anything shadowed will not be effectively treated.
Important Rooms for UV Surface Disinfection
Operating Rooms
In operating rooms, UV light may be used to disinfect equipment and surfaces before and after surgeries to reduce the risk of infections. It is also used in some hospitals to decontaminate entire rooms between patients.
Labs & Radiology
Many labs are unable to use chemical disinfectants frequently, especially in sensitive environments. When disinfection is necessary (and often overdue), personnel and materials need to vacate the area for long periods of time.
Emergency Rooms & ICU
Emergency rooms are high-traffic areas with a high risk of transmission of infectious diseases. Disinfecting helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of diseases to patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.
Patient Rooms
Regular disinfection of patient rooms helps to prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria, which can cause infections and illnesses. Disinfecting patient rooms is critical for maintaining the health and safety of patients and staff, and for enhancing the healing process.
Medical Offices
Medical offices treat patients with a wide range of illnesses and conditions, and as a result, they are at a higher risk of infection transmission. By regularly disinfecting surfaces and equipment, you can help to prevent the spread of infections and keep patients, staff, and visitors safe.
Event Venues
A clean and disinfected event venue which brings large groups of people together can create a more positive and enjoyable event experience for attendees. This can improve customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business for the venue.
Hotels
When checking into a hotel room, guests often “make themselves at home.” They make the furniture and environment their own. Common hotel room activities leave germs all over the room. Because chemical disinfectants can only be applied to hard surfaces, and not fabrics or electronics, many surfaces can harbor contagious germs.
Office Spaces
After a stretch of work unlike any other, we are finally able to reopen the workplace. We invite guests, attend conferences, and meet our colleagues at the water cooler to talk about the game. Eventually someone says: “Something is going around the office.”
Restaurants
Restaurants must maintain a clean and sanitary environment to ensure the health and well-being of customers. Regular disinfection helps to prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria, which can cause foodborne illnesses and infections.
Warehouses
Warehouse personnel represent the backbone of a business. When a virus spreads across workers, shared workstations and warehouse spaces are a critical transmission point. Often the high touch areas are sensitive and inapplicable for a liquid chemical solution.
Athletic Facilities
What do people do at the gym? They sweat. Sweat and other bodily fluids enable germs to survive even longer on surfaces. Wiping down the machine after a set with an already sweaty towel is limited in its effectiveness.
Schools & Universities
Schools and universities bring together large groups of people, making them susceptible to the spread of infections. By regularly disinfecting classrooms, common areas, and equipment, you can help to prevent the spread of infections and keep students and staff safe.
