A Guide to Electrostatic Disinfection Services

Electrostatic disinfection services can be a useful part of an organization’s deep cleaning or enhanced cleaning program, especially for larger facilities, high-traffic buildings, and spaces with many shared surfaces.

While electrostatic disinfection isn’t a replacement for routine janitorial cleaning, it can be a helpful addition that applies disinfectant efficiently and provides more even coverage across treated surfaces than other methods.

For facility managers, the key is understanding when electrostatic disinfection makes sense, how the process works, and what to expect before, during, and after service.

What Is Electrostatic Cleaning?

Electrostatic cleaning, more accurately described as electrostatic disinfection, is the process of applying disinfectant with a specialized sprayer that gives liquid droplets an electrical charge. That charge helps the disinfectant attach more evenly to surfaces and reach areas that may be difficult to cover with a traditional spray bottle. 

This approach is commonly used in offices, schools, gyms, healthcare facilities, manufacturing facilities, and other high-traffic commercial or public buildings that have many high-touch surfaces to disinfect.

While the term “electrostatic cleaning” is commonly used, the process itself is focused on disinfectant application. Surfaces may still need to be cleaned first, especially if there is visible dirt, dust, or buildup.

How Electrostatic Disinfection Fits Into Deep Cleaning

Electrostatic disinfection works best when it’s part of a broader cleaning process. Before disinfectant is applied, the area should be properly cleaned and prepared so the disinfectant can reach the surface being treated, unhindered by dust or debris.

US&S can provide electrostatic disinfection as part of a deep clean or enhanced cleaning program, cleaning that goes beyond the scope of routine janitorial services. The paring makes a strong combination because surfaces are thoroughly and extensively cleaned before disinfectant is applied.

Electrostatic disinfection may also be provided as a one-time service after a contagious illness, before or after a large event, or when a facility needs additional disinfection support.

What Is the Electrostatic Disinfection Process?

The electrostatic disinfection process starts with preparation. US&S performs a walkthrough before service to identify areas that need to be protected, avoided, or addressed manually.

Electronics, computers, and other moisture-sensitive equipment may need to be covered or disinfected by hand instead of spray. This helps protect the sensitive equipment while still allowing the team to address the facility’s disinfection needs.

When needed, surfaces are cleaned before disinfection. Applying disinfectant over dirt, dust, or buildup can interfere with the process, so preparation is an important step.

Once the area is ready, the disinfectant is applied with an electrostatic sprayer. The sprayer changes the disinfectant as it is sprayed, helping it attach to surfaces and provide more even coverage.

After application, the disinfectant must sit for the required dwell time. After the disinfectant has had time to work and the space has dried and been ventilated as required, the area is reopened. 

What Safety Protocols Are Followed During Electrostatic Disinfection?

Safety is an important part of the electrostatic disinfection process. For their protection, people are kept out of the immediate area while the service is being performed.

US&S team members use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the product being applied; the team also follows the manufacturer’s label and safety data sheet (SDS) requirements, including instructions for application, dwell time, drying, and ventilation.

These steps help protect both the cleaning team and the building’s occupants and guests.

Electrostatic Disinfection vs. Manual Disinfection

The biggest differences between electrostatic disinfection and traditional manual disinfection are efficiency and coverage.

Electrostatic spraying allows teams to cover larger areas faster and reach more surfaces than they could by manually spraying each surface individually. It can also help reduce unnecessary overspray, saving on the amount of chemicals used.

However, electrostatic disinfection doesn’t completely replace traditional cleaning. High-touch areas and visibly dirty surfaces still need to be cleaned and wiped manually.

For many facilities, the best approach is not choosing one method over the other. Instead, electrostatic disinfection can be integrated into a larger cleaning program that includes routine janitorial cleaning, manual high-touchpoint disinfection, and periodic deep cleaning.

When Is Electrostatic Disinfection a Good Fit?

Electrostatic disinfection can be especially helpful for larger and high-traffic facilities with many shared surfaces or areas that would take significantly longer to disinfect manually.

Facilities that may benefit from regular electrostatic disinfection include:

• Schools
• Daycares
• Offices
• Gyms
• Healthcare facilities
• Manufacturing facilities
• Other commercial buildings with high traffic or shared surfaces

Facilities may also want to consider electrostatic disinfection in relation to illness or event triggers. It can be used to combat the internal transmission of contagious diseases after a verified illness in the facility or during peak disease windows, such as flu season or coronavirus spikes. Similarly, it can make good preparation for a large event, providing a more sterile environment for visitors, or serve as part of the cleanup since the event has brought abnormal traffic to the facility.

When May Electrostatic Disinfection Not Be Necessary?

Electrostatic disinfection isn’t always the best fit for every facility or situation. For example, a smaller office with only a few high-touch areas may be better served with regular cleaning and manual disinfection. Spraying may also not be the best option for facilities or spaces with a large amount of sensitive equipment or materials.

Concerning disinfection, US&S evaluates the actual facility, its surfaces, and its service needs before recommending an approach. Our goal is to provide the service that makes the most sense for the space.

How Long Does Electrostatic Cleaning Last?

Electrostatic disinfection treats surfaces at the time of service. It does not create a permanent protective barrier. Once people return to the space and begin touching surfaces again, those surfaces can become contaminated. This is one reason electrostatic disinfection should be viewed as an additional service, not a replacement for routine cleaning.

Regular janitorial service, high-touchpoint cleaning, and ongoing maintenance remain important after electrostatic disinfection is completed.

How Much Do Electrostatic Disinfection Services Cost?

The cost of electrostatic disinfection services depends on the facility and scope of work.

Pricing may be affected by:

• Square footage
• Facility layout
• Furniture and equipment present
• Amount of preparation required
• Type of surfaces being treated
• Whether the service is standalone or part of a deep clean
• Labor required to complete the work

Two facilities with the same square footage may require different amounts of time and labor based on these other factors. For example, an open warehouse and an office building with many rooms, furniture, and equipment may have very different service needs.Because every facility is different, US&S reviews the space and scope before providing pricing.

What Should Facility Managers Know Before Requesting Electrostatic Disinfection?

The most important thing to understand is that electrostatic disinfection does not replace regular cleaning. It’s an additional tool that helps apply disinfectant efficiently and support better coverage. Surfaces still need to be cleaned when they are visibly dirty, high-touch areas still need routine attention, and treated surfaces can become contaminated again once people return to the space.

Facility managers should also consider the type of building, traffic level, shared surfaces, sensitive equipment, and timing of the service. A provider can help determine whether electrostatic disinfection should be used as a one-time service or regularly integrated into a broader deep cleaning or enhanced cleaning program.

Do You Need Enhanced Cleaning or Electrostatic Disinfection?

US&S can provide electrostatic disinfection as part of a broader deep or enhanced cleaning program or as a one-time service when additional disinfection support is needed.

Whether your facility needs additional disinfection due to illness, for sponsored events, or as part of a larger cleaning program, US&S can help evaluate the space and recommend the right approach.

Contact US&S to discuss your facility, service needs, and disinfection options.

Frequently Asked Questions