We looks to address top FAQ about disinfectants and foggers in the hope that it will clarify your questions and queries about foggers.
Fogger Disinfectant Machines:
Foggers and sprayers are machines for thoroughly applying disinfectants, which most people are aware of by now. These products have provided us the ability to deal with the daunting task of disinfecting and sanitizing our environments during this challenging and stressful time.
These fogging machines have the ability to cover large areas as they are very mobile, many are not heavy and some are handheld models.
There is no great difficulty in the operation of these fogger disinfectant machines. Our portable and wireless models, give operators the flexibility and versatility of using this equipment without the need for power sources and extension cords.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed daily life. New information comes out every day, and it can feel overwhelming at times. Here are answers to some questions you may have.
Frequent Questions Answered:
1. What are foggers and electrostatic disinfectant sprayers?
Foggers and sprayers are machines that apply disinfectant faster, with a light spray or fog, allowing comprehensive disinfecting and sanitization of surfaces, with no wiping or drying. It has many advantages, and the most significant benefit is that it is not harmful to the environment or humans when used with recommended disinfectants.
Conventional spraying and wiping can often be done incorrectly, whereas these machines will provide better coverage, including hard to reach areas.
Electrostatic sprayers have an added benefit in that an electrical charge is applied to the disinfectant, which helps with how it covers surfaces. This is not a perfect solution, as it works best on surfaces that are a natural electrical conductor (e.g. metals), as opposed to an insulator (e.g. glass/plastic).
It is usually recommended that people and pets not be in the immediate vicinity during the operation of fogging or spraying, however, our disinfectants are very neutral, safe, and approved by Health Canadian and USA governmental certifications. The disinfectant fogger and the electrostatic sprayer can be sprayed and people are able to reenter the respective area very shortly after treatment. This allows you to deep-clean your environment quickly and kill bacteria and viruses.
The concept of a fog or light spray is that you do not need to wipe the surface after use, therefore saves a lot of time. Some sprayers can be used to air-dry surfaces in the case of over-spraying.
2. Why fog? What problem does it solve?
As you know from seeing any kind of fog, it dissipates quickly, and if using a thermal fogger, the fog is applied dry which is highly beneficial for sensitive surfaces such as electronics (computers, keyboards, remote controls, etc.) or porous surfaces (fabrics), and hence is a great feature of many foggers today.
3. What disinfectant solution should we use for fogger machines?
For the fogger machine, the use of a water-based disinfectant solution such as Environize Anolyte Disinfectant, Vital Oxide Disinfectant, or Ultra-Lyte Disinfectant is acceptable.
The disinfectant solution used in the fogger machine should be of the correct chemical composition to kill the viruses and germs on surfaces.
We carry products and solutions designed for this very purpose. If you are unsure of which foggers or sprayers and disinfectant to use, we have in-house experts ready to help you. Products (foggers, sprayers, and disinfectant) for every environment are available on Disinfect & Fog's official website, you can easily purchase and have them delivered to your doorstep.
4. Can I use fogging or electrostatic spraying to help control COVID-19?
The fogging and the electrostatic spraying can be of great help to all of us even during these hard COVID-19 days, and yes! It is an excellent product for the control of the COVID-19.
These products help remove and kill the virus and the germs from surfaces and areas, but the fogging and the electrostatic spraying process alone cannot control COVID-19.
Ensure all the other steps such as wearing a mask, sanitizing and washing your hands often, and maintaining social distancing are also done.
5. What is the difference between a cold fogger and a thermal fogger?
The difference between a thermal fogger and cold fogger is simple.
Focusing on the names, the thermal fogger is a fogger that uses the heat to vaporize the disinfectant solution, creating a dry fog.
The cold fogger is the opposite. It does not use heat for the process of vaporizing the liquid, and it uses the cold method, which in most cases uses the air pressure to spray the liquid disinfectant in (ULV) small particles.
It should be added that both the thermal fogger and the cold fogger were initially used for pest control before the outbreak of the COVID-19.
6. What is the difference between an electrostatic fogger and ULV fogger?
The electrostatic fogger or sprayer has a slightly larger micron of spray that is positively charged when it leaves the fogger. This produces a positive charge that becomes attracted to negatively charged surfaces.
ULV fogger, on the other hand, produces an Ultra Low Volume disinfectant spray with smaller micron droplets providing a uniform coverage on the surface.
7. Are foggers safe to use on all surfaces?
The disinfectant itself is not damaging to surfaces and can be used on any surface. The one thing to be aware of is the type of fogger being used. If you need to disinfect electronics and fabrics, you should use a thermal fogger since the disinfectant applied is dry.
The nature of fogging is that the particles are so small and evenly distributed that even ULV or electrostatic fogging, which does expel a light mist, will be safe on most surfaces.
8. Is it safe for the person applying it?
Yes! Foggers are not harmful to the environment, humans, pets, or plants, as long as the recommended disinfectant is used.
This means that the person who is using the fogger and anyone near the area are safe and holds no dangers and risks for them.
9. How do fog disinfectants work?
The working mechanism of the fogging disinfectant is straightforward. The user does not require to wipe the surfaces before and after the application of the fogger. After the fogger has been sprayed, the disinfectant requires the proper dwell tie to work against viruses, bacteria and mould. If you just leave the solution to dry, fogging provides a simple and easy, yet very effective disinfection protocol.
10. How does fogging work?
Foggers expel the disinfectant in tiny particles that are evenly distributed over a large area. Fogging allows spaces to be disinfected effectively because not only do surfaces get disinfected but also any airborne particles are disinfected as well.
The fine disinfectant mist from the fogger also easily gets into small nooks that traditional forms of disinfecting would not be able to reach.
11. Who should use fogging?
Fogging is not bound to a particular group of people or sector. Today, with the spread of COVID-19, everyone should be fogging their spaces due to the effectiveness and long term cost savings of both time and money.
It is also very effective in open areas such as schools, daycares, and clinics where airborne particles may be present and would otherwise not be able to be disinfected.
12. What is the process?
The process of fogging is easy. First prepare the space that is going to be disinfected. If there are any clumps or dirt on surfaces that would restrict the disinfectant from reaching the surface, they should be wiped for most effective practices. If a thermal fogger is not being used, any moister-sensitive equipment should be covered or removed.
Then, just turn the fogging machine on and spray all over the area that requires disinfecting.
After the application, there is no need to wipe the surfaces. The disinfectant will dissipate on its own.
13. Where can I use it?
Anywhere! There is no restriction on where to use the fogging machine. Anywhere, any surface, any corner can be fogged to be disinfected and sanitized.
14. Is fogging an adequate replacement for regular cleaning routines?
Fogging removes and kills germs and viruses, and it is not effective in cleaning dust and dirt. The process of fogging does not mean that it can clean the surfaces but is an excellent idea to be used with your regular cleaning routines.
15. How long does disinfectant remain effective on surfaces?
The disinfectant is a solution to kill any pathogens present in the air and on surfaces in order to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Once the disinfectant is dry, it will not stop new pathogens from staying on a surface, that is why disinfecting should be performed often.
16. Is it effective against COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a virus that can remain on surfaces easily and with the proper disinfectant being used in the fogger, it is effective against COVID 19. Disinfect & Fog offers a disinfectant that is approved by Health Canada to kill COVID-19.
17. How long does it last? When will I need to treat it again?
It depends on where you are disinfecting. Some spaces need to be disinfected multiple times a day, some every day, and some once a week or so. If we're talking about your house with no one from outside your household entering, then you can disinfect once a week and whenever you bring things in from outside (ex. groceries). If you are a business owner, then the business should be disinfected either multiple times a day or at least once a day.
18. Where can I use an electrostatic sprayer for disinfecting?
The electrostatic sprayer can be used anywhere for disinfecting, be it your house, car, public transport, airports, gyms, shops, malls, educations institutes, and so on.
19. How much does it cost?
Each fogger has a different cost for the device itself, but it is definitely worth the investment in the long run. The only cost after purchasing the device is the ongoing cost of disinfectant, which also varies depending on the solution.
The great perk to using a disinfectant fogger is that it uses much less disinfectant than traditional spraying and wiping, so 1 gallon of disinfectant for a fogger will last much longer than 1 gallon of disinfectant for spraying and wiping. You will also save significant time and manpower by using a fogger.
20. Does the residue from an electrostatic sprayer damage leather furniture or any material products?
It can depend on the disinfectant being used, but should not leave a residue after drying. If you are worried, we would recommend using a thermal fogger on any fabrics.
21. How do I disinfect sensitive surfaces such as fabrics or electronics?
Disinfecting sensitive surfaces such as fabrics or electronics like laptops and gadgets is possible with the use of a thermal fogger since it emits a dry fog. Make sure you hold the device about 2.5 feet distance away from any device to ensure no damage.
22. Why work with Disinfect & Fog?
Disinfect & Fog cares about quality. Quality products and quality customer service are just two highlights that we care most about and that has gained much trust and loyalty since the start. We want to make the process of introducing a new disinfecting method easy, and that is why we also offer personalized training and ongoing support.
The main objective of Disinfect & Fog is to assist our clients to understand the best solution for their environment and provide the right protection for their families, staff and clients. This personal approach has made Disinfect & Fog a leader in the fogging industry.
Source: https://www.disinfectandfog.com/blog/20-faqs-about-disinfectants-and-foggers