The novel coronavirus outbreak, which started spreading back in late December, is still making headlines today. Although the lockdown and travel restrictions are gradually lifting, our personal hygiene and cleaning practices should remain as strict as ever. We’re all trying to reduce our risk of infection and keep our surrounding environment germ-free by religiously washing our hands, constantly wiping down surfaces, keeping our hands away from our faces, and maintaining social distance. But what if we told you that there’s a more high-tech approach that can help?
Various smart gadgets and products that are currently available on the market can help stop the spread of germs more effectively. To help you maintain a healthy and safe environment, we have assembled a list of the top 6 devices and products that every germaphobe, concerned parent, and health-conscious individual could use right now.
Smart Lock and Doorknob
Reducing your exposure to germs while performing basic tasks and actions throughout the day -like opening the door, for example, is your best bet for staying healthy during this pandemic. Many different types of bacteria live on doorknobs, and there’s no telling what you can pick up just by opening the door. Fortunately, some innovative manufacturers have developed smart locks and doorknobs that can minimize your exposure to harmful microorganisms.
By utilizing antimicrobial technology, smart door knobs can prevent the growth and reproduction of bacteria, mold, fungi, and mildew. And the best part is they come in a variety of shapes and designs, so you can easily find one that matches your home. That means you don’t have to compromise your aesthetic taste for the sake of safety. The smart locks, on the other hand, allow you to lock and unlock your door using your smartphone, eliminating the need to touch the doorknob altogether.
Air Purifier
With the windows and doors closed, you may feel safe from the bacteria and viruses floating in the air outside, but the truth is, no house is completely airtight. Houses are designed to circulate the air, which means that external pollutants can easily make their way inside your home. That’s where air purifiers come in. An air purifier with a clean filter can effectively remove and trap these particulates, reducing the spread of airborne diseases and leaving the air inside your house refreshingly clean.
Those who suffer from breathing conditions, allergies, lung diseases, or fragile immune systems, can greatly benefit from air purifiers, as they facilitate easier breathing. Unfortunately, though, they only purify the air, not the surfaces, which means that an air purifier alone is not enough to maintain a germ-free environment.
UV-C Sole Cleaner
UV-C light is widely used in industrial, medical, and home applications. By disrupting the DNA of infectious microbes and pathogens, UV-C germicidal light can kill external pollutants and prevent them from reproducing. Now, our shoes are a regularly ignored yet potent transmitter of germs that facilitates the spread of bacteria into our homes and offices. Fortunately, as you can see if you check here, there’s an easy, chemical-free way to sanitize the soles of shoes before going inside. That’s right, we’re talking about UV-C sole cleaners! Recent clinical studies have proven that these devices can effectively kill viruses, bacteria, mold, and spores.
They are also quite easy to use. All you have to do is step up on the metal base, align your feet, wait for a few seconds, and voila! You can now move on with confidence, knowing that you aren’t bringing any germs inside.
Smart Faucet
As the World Health Organization strongly recommends, regularly washing our hands is one of the most important steps we have to take to avoid illness and stop spreading germs and viruses around. But do you ever worry about the fact that after washing your hands with soap and water, you still have to touch a potentially dirty handle to turn off the faucet? Fortunately, thanks to modern technology, we now have a smart solution to this problem.
Although they can’t kill viruses or eliminate germs, smart faucets can be turned on or off with a wave of the hand, thereby reducing contact with possibly contaminated surfaces. This will be especially useful for large households, workspaces, or public restrooms that see a lot of traffic.
Portable, UV-C Sanitizer Wand
What could be better than a device that allows you to disinfect a large area while channeling your inner Harry Potter! With a flick of the wrist, you can eliminate germs on any surface or item in your house, from your countertops and pillows to your laptop and fridge. Sanitizing wants come in different sizes, which means you can use it at home, in the office, or on the go. They are totally safe for electronics and can come in especially handy on vacation if you’re staying in a hotel room or a rental apartment.
UV-C Phone Sanitizer
Did you know that your phone has ten times more germs than a toilet seat! Given the fact that most of us can’t stand to part with our phones for more than an hour, it’s important to make sure they’re clean and germ-free. That is another thing UV-C light can help with. A UV-C phone sanitizer offers you an easy way to disinfect your phone in a matter of seconds, and it will be especially useful if your phone isn’t water-resistant. That way, you don’t have to expose your phone to moisture.
The above products can help protect you against various illnesses by keeping your environment clean and reducing your exposure to germs and viruses, but they’re by no means a miracle solution. Bacteria and viruses tend to linger on surfaces, which is why no device can promise full protection. That said, it pays to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism, and steer clear from any gadget that claims it’s anti-COVID-19, especially if it comes with no caveats.
Generally speaking, though, any device that uses UV-C light should be quite effective when it comes to disinfecting and sanitizing our belongings and the surrounding environment. Moreover, they reduce the need for harmful chemicals, wipes, or sprays. So, keep a UV-C sanitizer at hand or take your pick from the above list depending on your needs for a germ-free and safe environment.
