Electrostatic Disinfection Services

Electrostatic Spraying & Fogging

Facts about Electrostatic Spraying & Fogging

System4 offers electrostatic spraying services. Here we will explain what electrostatic spraying is and how it works. We will also outline what the main benefits are of spraying or fogging and which type of businesses should consider it to minimize the risk of a Covid 19 infection. Because this service is relatively new, we have included a list of questions that we get most often from customers.

What is Electrostatic Spraying? How does it work?

Electrostatic spraying uses a disinfectant chemical that is electrically charged, allowing the disinfectant to wrap around and evenly coat all types of surfaces. As the chemical exits the electrostatic sprayer, it gets a positive electrical charge. The droplets then become attracted to all neutral, or negative surfaces, covering the visible area, underside, and backside, with the sanitizing agent.

For objects or hard-to-reach places, the cleaning technician only has to point and spray; the nature of the mist allows it to coat surfaces evenly, and envelope objects—even if the mist is only sprayed from one side.

In summary, Electrostatic spraying disinfects any surface or object the equipment is pointed toward, but more importantly, it wraps around objects, providing a more thorough encapsulating with disinfectant.

Electrostatic spraying uses a disinfectant chemical that is electrically charged, allowing the disinfectant to wrap around and evenly coat all types of surfaces.

What is Fogging? How does it work?

With fogging, the equipment generates a fog or Ultra Low Volume (ULV) droplets. Through vaporization, airborne and surface-based pathogens are targeted. Similar to electrostatic spraying there is no need to move furniture or equipment for the treatment to work.

Through gravity, the disinfectant will descend on the surface and kill any pathogens that reside there. Unlike electrostatic spraying, the fogging will not cling to vertical surfaces or to the underside of chairs and tables and is therefore less effective in covering all surfaces that are touched on a daily basis.

What is the benefit of electrostatic disinfection?

The main benefit of electrostatic disinfection – of disinfecting fogging – is that you can cover a large area in a short amount of time. Businesses that are looking to minimize impact in terms of interruption to service prefer to use electrostatic disinfection because the building can be reopened approximately 30 minutes after treatment.

If your building contains rooms or areas that are sensitive to grime and germs, such as R&D facilities, clean rooms, kitchens, food production and health care facilities, then electrostatic spray cleaning is the best option for disinfecting all surfaces and equipment in these areas.

The primary benefit of electrostatic spray disinfection:

Reduces the time it takes to cover and disinfect all surfaces and hard-to-reach places
Improves infection control against the spread of viruses such as Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19
Reduces human error as it applies chemicals more efficiently, in a controlled manner, at the right dosage
Reduces human error as it provides uniform coverage versus manual disinfection where areas might be overlooked
Reduces the risk of business interruption related to COVID-19 outbreaks
Mitigates the risk of employee illness
Improves employee morale with the knowledge that steps are being taken to make/keep the building safe for use

FAQ’s about electronic spraying & fogging

What areas or buildings are suitable candidates for spraying or fogging?

Fogging and spraying can be used in facilities including, but not limited to:

Does spaying or fogging negate regular cleaning?

One key point is that neither fogging, or spraying, will eliminate the need for regular cleaning. The best results are achieved if surfaces are wiped clean with a CDC/EPA approved chemical. If a surface is dirty, the disinfectant that is sprayed WILL kill any pathogens that are on the outer layer, and for this reason, it is still an efficient approach to making or keeping the building safe. However, spraying will not remove surface dirt. For best results: clean first, disinfect second.

Is spraying or fogging safe?

Yes. The chemicals used are effective at killing pathogens that are on surfaces. During application, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE – Masks, gloves, eye protection) should be used and vapors should not be inhaled. Once Spraying/Fogging is complete, it is safe for staff/customers to return to the building after 30-minutes.

Is treatment only recommended after a confirmed case?

Treatment is highly recommended after a confirmed case, however, it is also recommended to make it part of a preventive schedule to help minimize the risk of cases from occurring.

Can disinfectant be sprayed with a regular sprayer?

In theory, yes, but the electrostatic feature is what makes the disinfectant stick to the surface and it sprays more evenly. If a regular sprayer is used it can lead to over-application and/or droplets.

Should I choose Fogging or Electrostatic Spraying?

Which approach to choose depends on a number of factors. There is a budget component because fogging is slightly less expensive than spraying. Electrostatic Spraying is more effective as it is better at treating vertical surfaces and/or underneath armrests, table edges, etc. When the building has a lot of surface area that does not respond well to positively charged particles, it may be more economical to choose Fogging to achieve the same result.

Will the chemical stain furniture?

The chemical is perfectly safe for virtually all surfaces. Sometimes a slight residue will be visible on the surface to the naked which will not affect the equipment or furniture.

Should desks be cleared of paper and other items?

While it is fine to leave items on the desk it is recommended to clear them.

How long does it take to treat a building?

Treating a building is relatively fast – which is one of the main benefits of spraying. A building of 10,000 square foot can be done in 1 to 2 hours.

How long does the disinfection last?

The disinfection is a one-time benefit, where pathogens that reside on the surface are killed. As soon as someone touches the surface in question there is the risk that harmful pathogens are left behind. There are solutions available that can last much longer such as Microshield360.

Next Steps

Interested in learning more about electrostatic spray disinfection technology and how it would benefit your building? Contact System4 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Our response time to perform electrostatic disinfection for positive COVID-19 cases and presumptive cases is short, and we can be mobilized within as little as a couple of hours’ notice. The disinfection service is performed by a Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Certified Technician.

Customer review

March 9, 2021

System 4 is awesome! They have been cleaning for our company since I started two years ago and they do amazing work. Pay great attention to detail and I feel they keep our work environment sanitized and fresh so there are no worries during this pandemic. I appreciate Cory so much he always checks in after the jobs are done and always asks if there is anything else we need. Great customer service and great work ethic is their main priority.

Ms I.