You might be hearing the term “dwell time” lately, and with good reason. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, many people cleaned their homes and businesses without giving much thought to this important concept. And, it may not have mattered as much as it does now. Let’s talk about dwell time and how it applies to disinfecting against the virus that causes Covid-19.
What Is Dwell Time?
Dwell time refers to the amount of time a disinfectant needs to remain wet before a surface can be considered disinfected. Some people also call it “contact time.” Each disinfectant has a different dwell/contact time, ranging from 30 seconds to 10 minutes or longer. Viruses and bacteria react differently to disinfectant, so while some may be killed quickly, others take longer. The dwell time is the total time it takes to kill 100% of the targeted microorganisms. If you have invested in a disinfecting service specifically to address Covid-19 concerns, it’s imperative that they follow all guidelines listed on the bottle. You need to know how long it takes your chosen disinfectant to work and allow it to do its job. The EPA publishes and updates weekly a list of approved disinfectants as well as the contact time and other pertinent information.
Avoid Dwell Time Mistakes
Traditional disinfecting methods involve spraying a disinfectant on the surface or on a rag and then wiping. This method leaves a lot of room for errors. You can easily miss spots when wiping, but more importantly you may not even be allowing the disinfectant enough time to work! How many times do you spray and wipe immediately? If that’s the case, you’re wasting your time! Plus, your surfaces have not been disinfected appropriately. If you’re making this mistake at home, check the labels on your bottles and cross check them with the list on the EPA’s website.
Be careful with things like disinfectant wipes or disinfecting spray from a can marketed as convenient choices. These still require a certain amount of wet time to work effectively. That may mean you need to apply more product to the surface than you think. Always refer to the bottle labels and recommendations from the EPA and CDC.
Electrostatic Disinfecting And Dwell Time
One of the major benefits of electrostatic disinfection is that the quick application and dry time is specifically designed with the dwell time of the disinfectant in mind. The fine mist disperses and disinfects fast, which means you’re not left with wet surfaces for long periods of time. If you’re curious about electrostatic disinfecting and how it can help increase the safety of your home or business, give us a call. We are happy to explain the process, our disinfectant, and answer any questions you might have. Our service is affordable and efficient – much faster than traditional wiping methods with less margin for error. Visit our website for more information, and to get a free estimate.