Does UV-C Light Damage Fabric?
Textiles are among the biggest carriers of germs. They can spread germs from bodily fluids, including coughs and sneezes, as well as through touch. For example, if your jacket or bag come into contact with a contaminated surface such as an office chair or a lobby couch, germs can easily spread to it!
Portable UV disinfectants are one of the most effective methods able to reduce the risk of spreading infections through fabric.
UV-C technology is not new. But because UV-C light is best-known for its germicidal properties, the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn the public’s attention to portable UV-C cleaning products. As a result, more people are wondering about the effect of UV-C light on fabrics.
We’ve put together a guide to explain how UV-C light works and everything you need to know about its effect on fabric.
How Does UV-C Light Disinfect Fabric?
UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that’s divided into three different bands: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-C light has the shortest wavelength (between 200 and 280 nm). Therefore, it possesses the highest ability to disinfect. For UV disinfection, only this band has the properties required to kill bacteria, mold, viruses, and fungi effectively.
UV-C light destroys dangerous microorganisms by penetrating and disrupting their DNA and RNA structure. This cripples their ability to make copies of themselves. If pathogens cannot multiply, they cannot spread or survive.
The effectiveness of UV light disinfection depends on three factors:
- The power applied,
- The length of exposure time, and
- The distance from the light source.
- The distance from the light source.
Studies have proved that UV-C light has the suitable properties to destroy 99.99% of pathogens and offers protection anywhere the UV-C light touches. As long as the UV-C light is strong enough and applied at the right distance for the necessary amount of time. If at least one of the factors is not met, proper disinfection will not occur. This can happen, for instance, if UV-C light is not strong enough or the exposure time is too short.
The Effects of UV-C Light On Fabric
Fabrics are an intimate part of our daily lives. They make up items such as clothing, quilts, draperies, linens, upholstery, carpets, and more.
Due to their composition, fabrics are sensitive to environmental factors including light. If UV-C light is strong enough to prevent bacteria production on your fabric, it can also break the fabric bonds.
It is all about the chemical makeup of the fabric’s material. If the fabric isn’t resistant to UV-C radiation, the chain of molecules that form it will begin to break. This leads to both chemical and physical changes.
These changes include cracks, losing strength and flexibility, disintegrating, and fading of the color dye (known as photodegradation).
Natural fabrics such as wool, cotton, and silk are especially sensitive to UV radiation? They also fade faster than synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester.
Should You Consider UV-C Cleansers to Disinfect Fabrics?
Absolutely! The damages stated above occur in fabric from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. Have you noticed the color of your clothes fading when it’s left in the sun for a long duration? Well, the same happens when using UV-C disinfectants on fabric.
However, keep in mind that the UV-C disinfection process takes a few seconds. While some damage will inevitably occur, it won’t destroy the fabric immediately!
Due to that, we recommend using UV-C cleansers on fabrics only for the duration necessary (with proper UV protection for your eyes and skin). It will help to slow deterioration and prevent damage for as long as possible.
In fact, UV-C cleansers are much more convenient, effective, and quicker to disinfect fabric than water and disinfectants such as bleach. If properly used, they can also cause less damage than chemical disinfectants. Moreover, because they don’t use heat rather than chemicals during the cleaning process, no chemical residuals remain on them.
In general, this creates less waste than, for instance, cleaning wipes or empty plastic containers; therefore, it’s a greener alternative, too. So next time you decide to clean your coat, hotel couch, or a baby’s toy with wipes or soap, think again. Can you be certain that the disinfection has been effective and germs are gone? Do you want your baby chewing a toy with chemical residue and possible pathogens on it?
With UV-C Cleansers, Safety Always Comes First
Having said that, users must handle UV disinfection products with care. Since UV-C light can damage the DNA and RNA of bacteria, the consequences the rays can have on our sensitive skin are serious. Exposure to these UV rays without adequate protection can lead to burns, eye damage, and cancer.
Moreover, cheap UV cleansers that use short UV wavelengths can create ozone from the oxygen in the air. It may lead to lung damage. This doesn’t apply to quality UV-C disinfection products, though. They either don’t emit the ozone-creating wavelengths by default (like the uRay) or are being filtered out (like in the case of fluorescent lamps)
Therefore, it is crucial to wear UV protection equipment in both indoor and outdoor environments. This protective gear includes UV protection goggles, gloves, and long-sleeved clothing covering the skin. The aim is to block these harmful rays from penetrating your skin while it is operating to protect you from its dangers.
The aim is to block these harmful rays from penetrating your skin, so that you can salefy enjoy the benefits of UV-C light.
