If you have been following us, you know that DetailXPerts is a leading detailing company that takes care of the exterior and interior of vehicles of all types and sizes. Our clients and fans know that we use a unique system that combines steam power and superior eco-friendly disinfectants to sanitize and clean the interior of a car, truck, motorcycle, bus, van, RV, and what not. Thus, we create a hygienic, healthy environment in a safe, eco-friendly way. Now, we are proud and happy to announce that we are taking our sanitization services beyond vehicles. By killing viruses with steam not only in vehicles, but in buildings as well, we strive to contribute to the minimization of the COVID-19 spread. But how does that work exactly? Let us explore together.

What Is a Virus and How Does It Spread?

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that replicates inside living cells of organisms. These organisms can be all types of life forms – humans, animals, plants, and even bacteria. The infected cell is forced to replicate the virus, rapidly producing thousands of identical copies.

The virus itself, when not multiplying in a host organism, consists of:

• The genetic material – the molecules that carry the DNA or RNA of the virus that encode the structure of the proteins by which the virus acts;
• A protein coat that surrounds and protects the genetic material;
• (in some cases) An outside envelope of lipids that add further protection to the genetic code and helps the virus survive and spread

Viruses spread in many different ways. For one, by disease-bearing organisms as mosquitoes. Another way is by coughing and sneezing. A third way is by consuming infected food or water. Some viruses survive on surfaces long enough to be able to “get onto” someone simply by touching them!

SARS-CoV-2

The abbreviation stands for “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2” and refers to the virus that caused the global pandemic in 2020. Its provisional name is 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Although it is just one representative of the Coronaviridae family, today everyone refers to it simply as the “coronavirus”.

As the other representatives of the coronavirus family, this one also has all three structural components, including the outer fat layer. It spreads via both coughing and sneezing as well as via contaminated surfaces. Additionally, it can survive in different environments and temperatures for different periods of time. For example, it may remain active for 7 days on stainless steel, plastic, and surgical masks!

The Good News – Killing Viruses with Steam Is Possible!

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the lives of billions of people around the world, it is only natural that the topic of how to kill viruses and germs becomes very popular. Moreover, people constantly ask how we can stop it from spreading more. Governments issue measures and recommendations ranging from regularly washing hands with soap, through wearing personal protective equipment like masks and gloves, to keeping distance from others. All of these are sensible and timely. However, we have one more solution to share – sanitize with steam!

Steam is one of the best ways of killing viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Stanford AIM Lab has highlighted that heat and specifically steam can irreversibly harm the new coronavirus. Additionally, the UK government recommends killing viruses with steam. According to them, steam is efficient at eliminating COVID-19, especially when the surface cannot be cleaned with the usual detergents and disinfectants.

How Does Killing Viruses with Steam Work?

Viruses are susceptible not only to disinfectants, but to high temperatures as well. Several studies prove that coronaviruses are no exception to this. One of them showed that the virus can survive 2 weeks in a test tube at 39 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature raised to 99 degrees, it was dead in just 1 day.

What happens if we raise the temperature even more? For sure, this kills the viruses faster. One study showed that temperatures below 160 degrees Fahrenheit can inactivate the coronavirus in 5 minutes. Another concluded that temperatures below 200 can effectively kill it for less than 15 minutes.

Still, how does it work? It is quite simple, actually. Experts explain that the cause is in the drying out of the fat layer, which kills the virus. As research continues to bring in new information, one thing is for sure – heat kills viruses. The hotter, the more efficient.

In Comes Steam Sterilization

Depending on the technology, water can heat up or turn into steam at different temperatures. It all comes down to what is being sanitized and under what conditions. For example, restaurants use dishwashers, which heat water to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the World Health Organization, this is enough to kill most bacteria and viruses. Meanwhile, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that healthcare facilities use steam at 250 or 270 degrees to disinfect and sanitize medical equipment. And, as we already discussed, anything above 200 has the power to quickly eliminate COVID-19.

So, we can safely conclude that killing viruses with steam is not only achievable, but also recommended as an effective way to clean and sterilize surfaces in order to minimize the spread of pathogens.

DetailXPerts’ Technology Can Help You in Killing Viruses with Steam

We have been using effective steam cleaning methods to detail and sanitize vehicles for years. Our clients, both businesses and regular customers, witness to the fact that their cars and trucks look and feel like new, both inside and out. And it is all due to the power of steam and its combination with eco-friendly products that do not harm the environment.

Now we are refining our processes to enable us to offer our steam sanitation services to businesses, organizations, institutions, and other entities hat need a fast, efficient, and safe way to protect their people from illnesses and to ensure their health and well-being. Thus, we strive to contribute to the minimization of the COVID-19 spread, which is of utmost importance at this moment.

The Heat

To start with, our patent-pending technology uses steam that can reach more than 300 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s more than what the CDC says is necessary for sterilization of medical equipment! Needless to say, it is more than enough to completely eradicate 99.99% of harmful microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.

The Products

Killing viruses with steam alone is achievable and sufficient. However, we take sanitation to another level with our products. DetailXPerts incorporates hospital-grade, high-power disinfectants with a super concentrated formula for maximum efficiency. Their premium ingredients remove dirt, grease, and other soils, leaving beautifully sparkling and clean surfaces. Moreover, they are EPA-registered for use against emerging pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.

On the other hand, these products have a pH-neutral formula that’s gentle and protective of delicate surfaces. They contain no harsh abrasives, phosphates, or alkaline ingredients. To top it off, they are bio-degradable and safe for nature.

The Process

Our proprietary three-step process ensures total cleanliness, disinfection, and a long-lasting freshness and hygiene. It is flexible and adaptable to suit the needs of a variety of commercial and public sites such as, but not limited to, medical facilities, banks, cinemas, theaters, museums, restaurants and diners, sport and spa places, offices, schools, universities, etc. We are killing viruses with steam, powerful detergents, and a methodology that is proven to bring consistent results.

If you like the above article you can learn more about DetailXPerts’ commercial cleaning services and get in touch with us for more information and a quote.

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