There are plenty of ways to sanitize different surfaces and common areas in public and at home, but one method is particularly favored by medical professionals - sanitation through UV light germicidal devices. UV light sanitation systems are capable of inactivating harmful pathogens in mere minutes. It is the fastest and most competent method of killing bacteria and viruses without the need for hazardous chemical solutions. The only downside to it is it could be potentially harmful to humans if not used properly.  

Introduction to UV

The FDA said that UV light is divided into three different kinds: UVA, UVB, and of course, UVC. UVA and UVB can both damage your skin. Sunburn is the most common tell-tale of momentary overexposure to UV. Meanwhile, skin cancer, irreparable skin damage, and early signs of aging are the results of prolonged and frequent exposure to UV. UVC is the most powerful form of ultraviolet, albeit it is also known to be the most harmful. Fortunately, the atmosphere filters damaging UV rays so it could not reach the surface of the Earth. Humans found of way of making it work to our advantage, however. Scientists have discovered a way of creating a man-made version of UVC rays. It has been used in a medical setting for decades before companies started exploring the technology further to bring us UV germicidal light sanitation systems.

How does germicidal UV kill viruses?

UVC light is a proven substitute for chemicals in deactivating the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Specifically, UV-C light, which is in the lower wavelengths, causes harm to the nucleic acid of pathogens by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. DNA replication is prevented in chromosomes and cells because bonds formed between two chromosomes anchor the DNA. When an organism tries to reproduce and split, it dies and cannot pass its DNA on to other organisms. Ultraviolet sterilization (UV sterilization), also known as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), works by breaking down certain chemical bonds and scrambling the structure of DNA, RNA, and proteins, causing a microorganism to be unable to multiply. A microorganism is considered dead when it is unable to reproduce within a host. This means that it is no longer infectious.

The best type of UV light sanitizers: A list of the most effective sterilizers that successfully disinfects viruses

If you are keen to take an additional step to ensure that no microorganisms that may be carrying diseases or viruses will remain active on the surface of your belongings, get yourself a UV germicidal sanitation device. These gadgets will come in handy if you are constantly exposed to possible carriers of communicable pathogens - like when you are at work, for example. They are capable of sanitizing any gadgets that you may need to disinfect, regardless of where you are.

PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer & Universal Charger 

This device has high ratings for a good reason. It is capable of charging any device connect to it via USB C or USB A. It's a good device to have both at home and in the office.

HoMedics UV-Clean Phone Sanitizer

The more compact version of HoMedics UV sanitizer can fit your smartphone and other small things in it. It would be a good gadget to have taking into account how often we have our phones in our hands.  

2-in-1 Ultrasonic Ultraviolet UV-C Sterilizer

This device does not just sterilize your gadgets and other personal items like eyeglasses and keys. It also has a wet ultrasonic function to give your valuables, like jewelry, a thorough clean. It's an all-around cleaning and sterilizing machine that is a definite must-have for anyone who likes to make sure their belongings are germ-free and squeaky clean!

 HomeSoap UV Sanitizer

This gadget can fit tablets and other electronics like game controllers and remote controls in it. You can use it to charge your devices while sanitizing them through the built-in USB ports. You can power it on and off anytime you wish with a single press of a button.

UV-C Foldable Sterilizer Wand

This is a highly sought-after sterilizer that you can bring with you on your travels. If you worry about coming into contact with viruses or germs while you are out and about, take this foldable sterilizer wherever you go. It is designed to fit in your luggage without taking up too much space. It is easy to operate; just focus the device on whatever you wish to sterilize. It is powerful enough to kill microorganisms in just 3 minutes!

CrazyCap UV Water Bottle Purifier Cap

Tap water is almost certainly not just coronavirus-free but also free from any viruses or bacterias that may cause adverse illnesses. However, you cannot say the same thing about the water you will encounter outdoors when you go camping or hiking. This device can sanitize any type of water and make it safe for drinking. This portable device is capable of inactivating 99.99 percent of microbes that can be found in water in only a couple of minutes.

UV-C LED Sterilizer Box

This high-quality sterilizing box can be used for nails as well as baby pacifiers, small toys, keys, glasses, mobile devices, hearing aids, and personal items. It is small enough to use in the bathroom, kitchen, or nursery room. These sterilizing boxes are easy to use, work quickly, and shut off automatically. It is backed by a 365-day guarantee to ensure a risk-free purchase, and each well-made UV POD LED sterilizer box is CE, ROHS, and FCC registered.

Portable UV-C Sterilizer Bag

This gadget is portable and suitable for all types of small clothes like underwear, towels, smartphones, toothbrushes, baby clothes/toys, and basically anything that fits inside the bag that you need all-around effective cleaning & sterilizing. It is powered with a broad spectrum coverage and disinfection power. It only takes 3 minutes to completely eliminate germs, bacteria, and unwanted odor from your valuables. Once the process is done, the device will automatically shut off—no long waiting period. You can take this sterilizing bag conveniently anywhere, whether in any part of your home or even in family travels—a great must-have for intelligent disinfection and a perfect choice for healthy living families.

How to use a UV sanitizer?

Generally, a UV light Sterilizer takes anywhere between 2 to 30 minutes to complete a disinfection process. There are a lot of components to be considered - how close is the surface or item you are disinfecting to the ultraviolet light source? How powerful is the UV light disinfecting device that you are using? What kind of material or surface will you be disinfecting? These components are crucial and should be considered. Not all UV light disinfecting devices have the same power output. Not all materials take the same amount of time to be thoroughly disinfected. We recommend checking the pamphlet your UV germicidal equipment came with. If you have accidentally thrown it away or lost it, you can always reach out to the manufacturer to ask for some clarifications and specifications.

What do the experts say about UV sanitizers?

As we wrote in our previous entry, "IS UV LIGHT CAPABLE OF DISINFECTING AND KILLING VIRUSES?" experts do not advise against getting a UV sterilizer. If you want to take extra precautionary measures to make sure that you are safe from any and all types of germs and bacteria, there is no harm in getting a UV germicidal sanitation system for yourself. However, it is advised to read the manufacturer's specifications and instructions carefully before using them to avoid any incidents.