Despite the fact that ultraviolet (UV) lights are one of the most efficient and easiest methods to disinfect phones, surfaces, and even whole rooms, there are certain dangers associated with using them to disinfect. Your phone is filthy—it contains more germs per square inch than a toilet seat or a kitchen tabletop, for example. It’s true that you can’t truly spray and clean a mobile device, but unlike those other surfaces, can you? You’ll need a UV light sanitizer to get the job done. UV sanitizers destroy germs by exposing them to a particularly destructive band of ultraviolet radiation known as “UV-C.” This band of ultraviolet radiation is highly harmful to viruses and bacteria. Some studies have also suggested that UVC is efficient in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, not all ultraviolet sanitizers are created equal; they differ widely in terms of design, cost, and performance. So let’s take a look at ten of thebest UV-C light sanitizer boxes that are currently available.
What exactly is UV-C?
UV (ultraviolet) light is a form of radiation that is measured in nanometers and may be found in the electromagnetic spectrum (nm). UV is an excellent disinfectant despite being invisible to the naked eye owing to the density of its wavelength. UV light is divided into four categories: UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and Vacuum-UV. UV-A, often known as black light, has the longest wavelength, extending from 315 to 400 nanometers.
UV-B, often known as the middle wavelength, has a wavelength range of 280 nm to 315 nm. UV-C has the shortest wavelength, ranging from 200 to 280 nanometers. UV-C is germicidal, which means it may be used to sterilize surfaces and destroy germs like bacteria and viruses. When bacteria’s DNA absorbs UV radiation, it prevents them from reproducing and duplicating, thereby halting their development.
Related Article: Differences between UVA, UVB, and UVC
What to take into account when choosing the best UV-C light sanitizer box?
While UV lights are known to be excellent at killing germs, there are some hazards associated with their use that you should be aware of. As an example, the Food and Drug Administration advises that direct ultraviolet C exposure to skin and eyes may result in burn-like skin responses and eye injuries—so don’t gaze into or expose yourself to the light! Some UVC sanitizers can contain or create hazardous substances such as ozone and mercury, so if the sanitizer malfunctions, it should be thrown away as soon as it is discovered. Even though ozone is dangerous, it is employed in the sanitation process of certain UV lamps, which is why the operation of these goods should always be done in a separate room when possible.
Putting the warnings aside, the vast majority of UV sanitizers are quite effective in killing bacteria. The vast majority of UV disinfection devices are wands, lamps, or cases, which you either set the item you wish to disinfect in the emitting UV light or place it in a case to absorb the rays. Even though cases keep light inside and away from humans, they cannot be used to disinfect surfaces since they are not designed to do so. Lamps and wands, on the other hand, pose a risk of direct exposure and, in some cases, ozone exposure, but they are capable of disinfecting a wide range of surfaces and materials. The efficiency of all UV sanitizers is dependent on the dosage and duration of the UV radiation supplied to the skin. So, choosing thebest UV-C light sanitizer box is important.
How we made our decision
For this list, we looked through many customer reviews, product specifications, and scientific research to come up with the best UV-C light sanitizer boxes on the market. We did not seek a certain sort of UV sanitizer but rather attempted to deliver a well-balanced combination of cases, wands, and lamps to our customers. Because some of these items are associated with larger health concerns than others, we made it a point to highlight those dangers when they were applicable. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant increase in the demand for disinfectants and sanitizing equipment, resulting in an astounding array of useful features and capabilities for consumers. Some UV sanitizers, for example, come with built-in chargers and timers, while others are capable of cleaning water and other liquids.
Related Article: How to use a UV sterilizer box
When selecting our selections, we attempted to strike a balance between solutions that would meet the widest possible variety of demands. Here are our ten best UV-C light sanitizer boxes:
- HomeSoap UV Sanitizer
Imagine yourself in a circumstance where, after thoroughly disinfecting your phone, you feel compelled to clean other household things, such as your keys, cutlery, credit cards (including baby bottles), television remotes (including remote controls for toys), and tablets. With a total of 360° of UVC light penetration, the HomeSoap UV Sanitizer is capable of handling all of this and much more.
Featuring an interior large enough to disinfect an Apple iPad, the HomeSoap is a highly competent device that will help you keep your house (for the most part) free of germs. Although it is not inexpensive, consumers praise its elegant style as well as its long-lasting functionality. A metallic stench has also been reported by some users while the device is in operation, but it is still one of the most highly appreciated and rated as thebest UV-C light sanitizer boxes on the market.
- VANELC UV Light Sanitizer Wand
The main advantage of UV sanitizing wands is that they are portable; you can just wave the device over a surface or object to sterilize it without touching it. In terms of reviews and popularity, the Vanelc UV Light Sanitizer Wand is one of the top options on the market. It uses ultraviolet C radiation to sterilize bacteria, and the manufacturer says that it can do so in eight seconds and kill 99.99 percent of them.
Related Article: Are UV sanitizers effective? What You Should Know Before Making One
It also comes with a USB-C charger, which is a nice touch. UV sterilizer wands, as you might expect, pose more health risks than cases because the light produced can irritate or injure the eyes or skin of those who are exposed to it. You should keep the wand away from minors and avoid touching your skin or eyes while it is in use. You should also avoid any long-term contact with the substance.
- Tool Klean UVC Tabletop Room Sanitizer
In the case of a UV sanitizer light, you may want to consider it as a solution for disinfecting a whole room. The best UVC emitters, like thebest UV-C light sanitizer boxes, which are similar to cleaning wands, bathe a certain area with ultraviolet C radiation. This implies that no people or pets are permitted to be present when the light is in operation! (The delay timer is beneficial in this regard.)
A more seamless and hands-free experience is made possible by the lamp’s design, which enables you to disinfect whole rooms in as little as 15 minutes. In places like salons, medical offices, and other public places where there are a lot of germs coming and going, this is a wonderful option. One word of caution: according to user evaluations, indoor plants do not fare well when exposed to the Tool Klean’s damaging rays, which is understandable.
- Munchkin Portable UV Sterilizer and Sanitizer Box
Smartphones are not the only common goods that need a thorough cleaning every now and then. When used in conjunction with pacifiers, toys, infant bottle nipples, and other popular baby items, a straight path from germ to mouth is typically established without interference. Using the Munchkin Portable Sterilizer, you can disinfect all of those baby goods in less than a minute, keeping them safe and germ-free.
related article: What Is a Toothbrush Sanitizer?
The small, child-safe design, as well as the lengthy lifetime, have received positive feedback from users. Many others, on the other hand, were eager to express their dissatisfaction with the way the gadget was fueled. While it may be used with a USB cable to connect to a power outlet, it needs AA batteries to be used on the move. For $20, it’s not a terrible deal.
- Black Magic 3D Germicidal UV Sanitizer Light Bulb
Another extremely effective but possibly dangerous alternative, the Germicidal UV Sanitizer Light Bulb, is meant to be plugged into any light socket and used for cleaning vast areas of a building. The UV Sanitizer Light Bulb, as the best UV-C light sanitizer box, like the desktop lamp, produces UVC light and is intended to be used in an environment where there are no people or animals present.
Related Article: 5 surprising ultraviolet uses for the hospitality industry
Because of the lightbulb design, it is far less expensive than tabletop UV lights, but it is also significantly more primitive. Because the bulb does not include a delay timer, it is advisable to use it in a lamp that has a timer or in a light fixture that has an external wall switch. (You could also use a circuit breaker to regulate it from a distance.) In addition, the bulb releases ozone, which is intended to disinfect places where the light is unable to reach. In all honesty, this Black Magic 3D sanitizing lamp should only be used by persons who are well-versed in their craft.
- CrazyCap 2.0 UV Water Purifier
Whenever you’re out in the great outdoors, water is always a potential hazard. To effectively sterilize water gathered from natural sources, you must either boil it, filter it, or sanitize it with purification tablets—sometimes all three—in order to ensure that it is free of contaminants. Another alternative is to use ultraviolet C light to disinfect it. With a UV light on top, the CrazyCap 2.0 is a standard water bottle with a twist.
In less than a minute after being screwed into place and turned on, the light has the ability to eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria that may be hiding in your water. The fact that it’s insulated and free of BPA means that it’s a fresh and healthy container for water while you’re out exploring. Having said that, since it is a battery-powered gadget, you shouldn’t depend on it as your only means of cleaning water when out in the wilderness.
- Proaller UV Germicidal Lamp
Even while UV sanitizer lamps may provide the whole-room disinfection solution you’re searching for, you may not want to spend hundreds of dollars on the privilege. With an ozone generator, this UVC light with a 36-watt bulb costs about $40 and can disinfect an entire 360-degree region. You can operate the light securely and discreetly from a distance using a timed switch and remote control.
Related Article: Does your child drink water from a private well?
Although the ozone smell may be bothersome, the lamp is meant to function in conjunction with the ozone to disinfect sections of a room that are not touched by UV light. Again, this implies that you should avoid entering the room for at least one hour after sanitation. Some users have expressed concern about the lamp’s limited lifetime, but that is a risk that comes with purchasing things at this price point in general.
- HoMedics UV Clean Sanitizer Bag
With the HoMedics UV Clean Sanitizer Bag, you can take your best UV-C light sanitizer box with you everywhere you go. With this zippered bag that is fastened with a clasp, you can disinfect all types of portable and pocket goods with the effectiveness of a desktop UV light. It disinfects by using ultraviolet C radiation to kill 99.9% of bacteria in under a minute and can complete a disinfecting cycle in under a minute.
related article: How UV-C LED Light Can Help your Rental Customers
The HoMedics bag is an excellent choice for travelers or anybody who needs a portable sanitation solution for on-the-go needs. It’s tiny enough to fit in a backpack or purse, yet it’s big enough to hold cellphones, keys, wallets, eyeglasses, baby bottles, and other everyday necessities. There are several customer reviews that express dissatisfaction with the efficiency of the HoMedics bag; thus, you should take those allegations into consideration.
- PhoneSoap 3 UV Cell Phone Sanitizer and Universal Cell Phone Charger
The PhoneSoap 3 is a new small and portable solution for cellphones that includes charging features in addition to the usual UV sanitation bundle. However, while the case is meant to accommodate most smartphones, anything smaller may be put inside and sterilized, including keys, credit cards, and watches, as well as headphones. The USB and USB-C connections give additional convenience by allowing for universal charging, and the device is available in six distinct color options. Although the PhoneSoap 3 is very convenient, several users have expressed dissatisfaction with its lifespan in online evaluations. Because hand sanitizers are not exactly inexpensive, those evaluations may be worth considering.
- Samsung Electronics Samsung Qi Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer
If you’re in the market for a phone sanitizer but don’t want to spend as much money as you would on the PhoneSoap 3, have a look at this less expensive phone sanitizer. It also features complete UVC disinfection, but at a cost that is around half that of the competition. The magnetic cover helps to keep your belongings safe while they are being stored inside, and the whole process normally takes no more than 10 minutes. That’s a little longer than some of the competition, but it’s not going to make or break your day. The sanitizer also has USB and Qi wireless charging capabilities, making it a potential global phone charger as well as a sanitizing tool in one package. Once again, the long-term dependability of this hand sanitizer is in doubt, particularly considering that it is not an official Samsung product. In reality, it is just a Samsung brand license, and several customer evaluations support this point of view as thebest UV-C light sanitizer box.
Related Article: Guide to Understanding UV Light & How It’s Redefining Clean