7 of the best UV cleaning devices to disinfect your home
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Keeping your hands clean with frequent washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself against germs, including the novel coronavirus. For other high-touch objects though, it’s not always so easy.
Cell phones, keys, credit cards, and other small objects are used multiple times throughout the day, meaning they’re susceptible to picking up bacteria that could potentially make you sick. Alcohol and disinfecting wipes are some options that easily clean and disinfect their surfaces, but they can cause problems for technology, especially if you’re not using the correct formulas.
One of the best alternatives that eliminates the issue for screens and sensitive devices is ultraviolet (UV) light, which is becoming more and more popular for keeping objects clean at home.
How does UV light sanitize and disinfect?
Ultraviolet (UV) light, a type of electromagnetic radiation, is a short-frequency wavelength that many of us are familiar with thanks to the vivid colours it produces when held under black light. Not only is it responsible for suntans (and sunburns), it’s been used for over 100 years in hospitals and labs to maintain sterile environments.
UV light can be separated into three categories: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, and while similar, each type produces dramatically different effects. While UV-A rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause premature aging, UV-B rays are responsible for sunburns and are a key factor in potentially causing skin cancer.
Although UV-C rays emitted from the sun don’t actually reach us here on Earth, manufactured UV-C effectively penetrates into the genetic material of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce. This non-chemical approach to disinfection makes it a safe and inexpensive way to remove harmful bacteria from surfaces.
Where can I find UV technology?
Now that the method of cleaning is becoming more popular, there are several brands offering the power of UV disinfection in affordable at-home solutions. Ahead, we’ve gathered five of the best devices that you can use at home.
Monos Clean Pod
A hand-held sanitizer that uses ultraviolet UVC light to kill germs and bacteria, the Clean Pod emits UVC rays which safely kill 99.9% of pathogens as the wand is waved over all kinds of surfaces - from countertops to luggage to technology. Weighing less than one pound, it’s portable, able to fit inside most bags or purses, and is easily recharged via USB.
SHOP IT: Monos, $130
PhoneSoap 3
With a line of disinfecting cases to suit cell phones of all sizes, PhoneSoap created the first cell phone charger to clean and sanitize your phone while it charges. With lightbulbs on both the top and the bottom, PhoneSoap chargers achieve 360-degree disinfection in just ten minutes.
SHOP IT: Phonesoap, $112 ($80 USD)
Casetify UV Sanitizer
Much like the PhoneSoap sanitizing chargers, Casetify’s UV Sanitizer cleans and wirelessly charges cell phones with ease. Going one step further, the brand is donating 100 per cent of the proceeds from the sales of the device to the non-profit organization GlobalGiving and its Coronavirus Relief Fund.
SHOP IT: Casetify, $169 ($120 USD)
Larq Bottle
Bringing UV technology to the commonly used water bottle, Larq purifies drinking water as well as the bottle itself with every disinfecting run. The brand has recognized its cleaning power and even offered up a guide to transform its disinfecting lids into multipurpose sanitizers, giving customers even more reasons to love their Larq.
SHOP IT: Larq, $125
Munchkin UV Portable Mini Sterilizer
For parents looking to keep little ones safe, the Munchkin UV sterilizer is a portable and affordable way to keep germs at bay. With just a 59 second run time, this compact sanitizer is ideal for disinfecting small items like pacifiers, bottle nipples and teethers.
SHOP IT: Bed, Bath & Beyond, $30
HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer Bag
Keep your accessories hygienic and germ-free with this portable bag equipped with 4 UV-C germicidal LED lights. Designed to accommodate phones, remotes, keys, jewelry and make-up brushes, its larger size makes this a top choice for a wide variety of household items.
SHOP IT: Best Buy, $120
GermGuardian 3-in-1 Table Top 11 inch Air Purifier
If you’re looking to clean and purify the air in your home, this table-top device uses UV light to kill airborne bacteria, viruses and mold spores, as well as capture 99% of pollen, dust mites, and pet dander with HEPA filtration. At only 11 inches tall, its compact size is ideal for small spaces.
SHOP IT: Home Depot, $100
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