UV light shouldn't be your only defense against COVID-19 and other contagions. It is also worth at least just reinforcing the fact that no UV light device should be a substitute for hand washing, mask-wearingand distancing.". UV light will sanitize your phone too. Though scientists are working on ways to make these powerful disinfecting products safe for people to use, current devices are not safe to use on your body. The unit is equipped with UVC lights. So you can use the case 24,000 times before the bulbs burn out. We welcome your feedback. The effectiveness of an UV sanitizer also depends on the dose and duration of the device. While I dont have the scientific equipment necessary to determine if it has successfully killed these germs, studies have shown that UV light is effective at killing coronaviruses similar to COVID-19. It uses four UV-C bulbs and is the only consumer sanitizer with a vacuum-plated aluminum inner shell for additional reflectivity to aid in the disinfection process. In sum: Don't use any UV light devices directly on your skin. Simply put your phone in the Cleanstation, wash your hands thoroughly, and your phone will be waiting for you when youre done. When shopping for the best UV sanitizer to use for Covid, youll want to carefully read over the manufacturers claims and offerings before deciding on the best UV sanitizing device for you. Luckily, there's a solution and no, it doesn't involve dousing your phone in hand sanitizer. The WHO echoes this, reporting on its coronavirus myth-busters webpage that people should not use UV lamps to disinfect their hands or other areas of skin, as UV radiation "can cause skin irritation and damage your eyes.". When you close the lid of your unit, the UV lights will turn on for pre-programmed amount of time and automatically shut off when done. If you were thinking that the PhoneSoap might be a little impractical in that you cant carry it around with you all day to sanitize your phone on-the-go, the company does make a portable, battery-powered option. Self-cleaning water bottles that use UV-C rays to kill germs likeLarqshould also be safe when used properly, because they typically only work when the cap is screwed on tight, so no UV-C light can leak out. Its big enough to hold a 12.9-inch iPad Pro and can easily fit smaller items such as remotes, game controllers, baby bottles, and pacifiers. The wall plug had the opposite problem, being unusually long at three inches, which prevented me from plugging it into an outlet without first pulling any furniture in front of it farther away from the wall. We operate independently from our advertising team. In fact, CNN Underscored deemed PhoneSoap the phone sanitizer you didnt know you needed. Business Insider called it a clever device, while Engadget deemed it the most intense of phone sanitizing devices. The best UV sanitizers work by using direct rays of UV light to kill germs and bacteria. Consumer devices aren't the only place to find UV light sanitization. While the best UV sanitizers may not be able to guarantee the elimination of the coronavirus, these popular UV devices are still a good idea to keep around for your coronavirus prevention kit at home, at the office or in your car. Both a wipe and UV light will work well.. This top-rated sanitizing wand is from Bonafide Masks, a company that has pivoted to providing N95 masks, face shields, and other PPE during the current pandemic. The coronavirus itself, per an analysis by the Journal of Hospital Infection, can persist on inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to nine days, meaning your smartphone could be at risk. This set includes a pair of safety glasses and a storage pouch. The idea has resonated well with smartphone owners who are scrambling to keep themselves safe from the pandemic. Do phone sanitizers and phone cleaners really work - Reviewed It can cause burns and is a known carcinogen (as is all UV light), Dr. Hollmig says. While UV phone sanitizers can destroy most germs, you should only pick one that can back up its claims. I have the PhoneSoap Go, which can be charged ahead of time and taken on the go to clean your phone at anytime, anywhere. And, unless you're planning on washing your hands and face before and after each time you pick up your device, all that bacteria is sticking with you too. According to Otterbox, PhoneSoap3 UV sanitizer kills 99.99 percent of germs such as E. Coli, Salmonella, Staph, MRSA, the flu and common cold within 10 minutes. UV phone sanitizers work, but you don't need one for covid - The Maybe you take a cloth to your phone now and then to wipe away the smudges and call it a day, but if you think that actually cleans it, you're in for a rude awakening. Inside the aforementioned sanitation devices, youll find a set of bulbs that, together with a reflective coating, are positioned such that they cover your phone entirely. All rights reserved. ", Dr. Tyler Hollmig, director of dermatological surgery at University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin. We want to hear it. The Best UV Sanitizers 2021: Top Phone Sanitizers - The Hollywood Reporter Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? As mentioned earlier, a good UV sanitizer will only work through direct exposure. Theres no question that enough UV-C absorption will kill coronaviruses, said Dr. John Taylor, deputy head (academic) and senior lecturer in Virology School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. Mia Lieberman, a clinical veterinarian at Harvard Medical School, found the PhoneSoap to be effective against bacteria, she noted that eliminating COVID-19 would likely require a much larger. Plus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sayUV light "germicidal effectiveness and use is influenced by organic matter; wavelength; type of suspension; temperature; type of microorganism; and UV intensity." You can order the device in either White or Black to complement your aesthetic. Plus, sanitizing with UV-C light isn't new hospitals and laboratories have been using UV light to keep facilities sterile since the mid-20th century. Castile soap A container or bowl Iron (optional) Directions: Rinse the face mask (s) under hot, running water. But make sure to read the directions carefully, as many of these products aren't friendly to tech devices. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Editors picks PhoneSoap has also been tested to kill strong bacteria such as Staph aureus. UV sanitizers use ultraviolet light to sanitize your phone and offer a second layer of protection against viruses and other harmful microbes. Apple, in a support page, advises against the use of cleaning products and an iPhone owner was reportedly told by a service rep to avoid UV cleaning because it can cause the screen to deteriorate, device overheating, etc.. Noone is claiming PhoneSoap products can destroy the Coronavirus. If these cringe-worthy facts just made you never want to touch your phone again, I get it. Belkin is a respected name in tech accessories. Household UV sterilizer Market 2023: Future Growth and - MarketWatch PhoneSoap has been tested and clinically proven to kill 99.99% of Influenza type A, an enveloped virus similar to the coronavirus. Weve reached out to Apple for clarification and well update the story once we hear back. Traffic to. HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. The efficacy of a good face mask has been well-proven to help prevent the spread of the Covid, but as cases continue to persist across the country (not to mention RSV and flu-like symptoms), people are looking for other methods to help contain the virus. These devices "tend to come in many different shapes, sizes and strengths, and thus their antimicrobial ability may be variable," says Dr. Tyler Hollmig, director of dermatological surgery at University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin. PhoneSoap Pro review: What I like Disinfect your phone: Does PhoneSoap Go work? What's the best way to clean your phone of coronavirus? Andrea Armani(Opens in a new window), a professor of engineering at the Armani Lab at the University of Southern California, worked with a team of researchers and published"Build-at-home UV-C disinfection for healthcare settings(Opens in a new window)"early in 2020. Can a UV-based phone sanitizer kill the coronavirus? Weve rounded up some of the best UV sanitizing devices below. On its side is a place to plug it into the wall adapter, as well as two USB ports (a standard USB and a USB-C) to connect your phone charger. AirTag vs. Tile: Which Bluetooth Tracker Should You Choose? Ali noted that PhoneSoap and other similar UV light sanitizers are "absolutely" useful for disinfecting phones and other similar sized or smaller items that are frequently touched and could harbor germs. An alcohol wipe is the best way to sanitize your phone, Gerba said. To effectively kill viruses, UV-C light must be emitted in a range of 200 to 280 nanometers, which has potential for harm. In an interview with the CBC, he said, We think the amount of UV you need is about 20,000 joules per meter squared and you probably arent going to get that in your hand-held device.". And since it uses a USB-C cable and a power adapter instead of a hardwired plug, you can easily use a portable charger or power bank to operate the Deep Purple on the go. Disinfection by way of UV light is nothing new: The International Ultraviolet Association says it's been a useful technology for over 40 years, contributing to clean water and clean air. PhoneSoap's products, which kill germs on phones by bathing them in UV light, haven't been tested against COVID-19. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. At first, I was a bit unsure that I would even remember to put my phone in the PhoneSoap regularly for at least 10 minutes. For instance, it fit an iPhone 11 with a standard case, but a bulky wallet case filled with credit cards was too thick and prevented the lid from closing. But the ease of the PhoneSoap by my nightstand reminds me to clean my phone every day and does the dirty work for me. The PhoneSoap will also work with small wallets and key fobs, but fitting your phone, wallet, and keys inside at the same time is out of the question. Unfortunately, just when Motorola made an eye-catching, tantalizing smartphone, it's one that the company probably wont let you get your hands on. UV light will sanitize your phone too. Before that, youll need a primer on how UV light sanitation works. The EPA keeps a list ofCOVID-19-approved disinfectants(Opens in a new window) that can be used on various surfaces. UVC lamps are often called germicidal lamps thanks to their ability to kill germs. That's a lot of stuff to consider, and something that manufacturers who are trying to quickly create UV lights may inadvertently (or purposely) ignore. Otterbox added PhoneSoap 3 fits all cell phones and most cell phone cases, so it's practical, to boot. While pricey, the Simplehuman Cleanstation tops our list of UV phone sanitizers thanks to its slim form factor and ease of use. Keith Richards Surprises Fans at Willie Nelson's 90th Birthday Concert, Sings 'Live Forever' With Willie. If you're willing to spend a little more, consider PhoneSoap Pro, which the company said has twice as many UV-light bulbs as the PhoneSoap 3. Professor Armani also recommends looking at prices, since high-powered UV-C LEDs are expensive, and youll need several for adequate sanitation. Why Trust Us? As the name indicates, the PhoneSoap is primarily marketed for use with smartphones, but you can certainly use it to sanitize other objectsso long as they fit inside. Control the UV light lamp using the included remote, which lets you set the lamp on a timer too. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. As previously mentioned, PhoneSoap 3 is popular with our readers, and for good reason: You can sanitize and charge your mobile device at the same time while using this helpful gadget. PhoneSoap Phone Sanitizer Review - Does It Actually Work? .css-v1xtj3{display:block;font-family:FreightSansW01,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:100;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-v1xtj3:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-v1xtj3{font-size:1.1387rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-v1xtj3{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-v1xtj3{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-top:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-v1xtj3{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}Can GPT-4 Deliver on the Promise of Smart Glasses? Now, the FDA says certain forms of UV light could be effective against the coronavirus and RSV. It doesnt help that my phone spends a lot of time in warm, dark places like pockets and purses ideal conditions for many germs. Perhaps, once at the end of a day should suffice. How to Sanitize Your Smartphone - Consumer Reports It has great specs and a sweet-looking, highly nostalgic design that taps into the classic IBM ThinkPad craze of the 1990s. It's worth noting that PhoneSoap has not been tested against COVID-19 yet, so there's no evidence to show that it kills the virus itself. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. In fact, we've found few consumer products in this category that we can recommend at this time. I usually keep my PhoneSoap device on my nightstand. In an interview withDiscover(Opens in a new window), Professor Armani discussed her concerns about UV sanitation wands in particular. Shubham Agarwal is a freelance technology journalist from Ahmedabad, India. It boosts our immunity, right? But between the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, bathroom breaks that are better with Instagram, and all the questionable surfaces we leave our phones on, theres really no way to avoid germs. Don't just take our word for it NBC News Shopping readers have also regularly purchased PhoneSoap devices to help keep their phones clean, even in a pre-corona world. The unit is equipped with UVC lights. Amest Adalja, MD(Opens in a new window), a senior scholar and assistant professor at the John Hopkins University Center for Health Security, is skeptical about the efficacy of consumer UV sanitizers. Updated on 4/12/21 by Lisa Eadicicco: This story was originally published on 3/12/20 and has been updated to include more details on the differences between PhoneSoap models. Before ordering the first UV light sanitizer you see, read up on the current evidence about UV light disinfectants and the potential risks of using them on yourself. PhoneSoap 3 was built to accommodate all smartphones, including larger models like the iPhone 8+ and the Galaxy S10+. If you live with anyone who may have a compromised immune system young children, elderly or ill individuals PhoneSoap could be a particularly valuable investment. Do UV Light Phone Sanitizers Really Work? | PCMag My family has had a communal PhoneSoap for a few years now, and it has been a great investment in our health. As someone who can trace every cheek pimple back to a handheld phone call, I was intrigued by the idea of portable product that might disinfect a phone that goes with me everywhere from the bathroom to the bedroom. It's happened before: In the past, the Federal Trade Commission called out manufacturers for making false claims about what their light-based products could do. If you'd like to charge your phone simultaneously, you have the option to plug in your USB or USB-C cord. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Paige Szmodis is an editor for Runners World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics, who researches and writes home, tech, and outdoor product reviews and news. A PhoneSoap spokesperson claimed the sanitizing chambers reflective coating allows the UV-C light to reach all parts of the phone, so you dont have to worry about taking your case off to get inside all the crevices of your phone for cleaning.. There are three types of UV radiationUV-A, UV-B, and UV-Cnone of which can be observed with the naked eye. Its open design means it has a 360-degree range; there are no dead zones here. UV-light technology for disinfection isnt newthe medical industry has been using it for decades. But do they work? PhoneSoap has been in the UV sanitizer business for years and is one of the only companies to offer extensive lab-testing results. Since wireless charging is built in, this is a good accessory for a nightstand. However, theres still the iPhone SE, now in its third iteration, that still serves a purpose for a specific niche of iPhone user. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com. It does this completely using UVC light, with no heat or liquids that could damage your items. PhoneSoap has been in the UV sanitizer business for years and is one of the only companies to offerextensive lab-testing(Opens in a new window) results.