Your subscription has been confirmed. The EPA keeps a list ofCOVID-19-approved disinfectants(Opens in a new window) that can be used on various surfaces. The answer is probably close to never, but it shouldn't be. 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. Everyone from hospital workers to office janitors have been using UV light for years to help sterilize objects and surfaces. Part of HuffPost Wellness. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. Other PhoneSoap products include the the PhoneSoap 3, which sanitizes and also charges in 10 minutes ($80); the PhoneSoap Pro, which sanitizes in 5 minutes ($120); the HomeSoap, which is big enough for larger devices like tablets, remotes and small laptops ($200); and the AirSoap, an air purifier that kills and captures even the smallest viruses HEPA filters cant ($400). Keith Richards Surprises Fans at Willie Nelson's 90th Birthday Concert, Sings 'Live Forever' With Willie. UV sanitizers use ultraviolet light to sanitize your phone and offer a second layer of protection against viruses and other harmful microbes. Can a UV-based phone sanitizer kill the coronavirus? PhoneSoap is a small chamber that uses a UV-C light to safely sanitize your phone and other small personal items (i.e. More than you could ever imagine, in fact. With man-made hand sanitizer in short supply, many people are turning to what's been called "nature's hand sanitizer," or ultraviolet light. The unit harnesses the germ-killing power of two large, UV-C lights, while a reflective inner surface allows the light to surround whatever items are inside the box. 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. Simply put your phone in the Cleanstation, wash your hands thoroughly, and your phone will be waiting for you when youre done. While pricey, the Simplehuman Cleanstation tops our list of UV phone sanitizers thanks to its slim form factor and ease of use. According to the FDA, UVA or UVB rays (the kind of ultraviolet rays you get from the sun, for example), arent as effective as UVC rays. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. PhoneSoap that offers UV-based phone sanitation devices in a range of sizes and varieties told Digital Trends its revenue was 20 times higher last month than the same period in 2019. Beautiful design PhoneSoap HomeSoap: What I like PhoneSoap HomeSoap (Image credit: Bryan M. Wolfe/iMore) Unfortunately, just when Motorola made an eye-catching, tantalizing smartphone, it's one that the company probably wont let you get your hands on. That means you'll want to take your phone or any other device out of its case and make sure all the ports are open for the best results. It has two large UV-C lights and a reflective inner surface to aid in the disinfection process, which takes 10 minutes. Think of it like a pint-sized tanning bed for your phone. According to the National Academy of Sciences, it's probable that this is true, because UV light has been used to disinfect surfaces and water for a long time, and it's generally successful. You've probably heard that bacteria is good for you. Email us at reviews@insider.com. My main concern when testing PhoneSoap for myself was that your phone doesnt actually come out looking any different after its spent 10 minutes in the UV chamber. Can I get the Coronavirus from my phone? | iMore AirTag vs. Tile: Which Bluetooth Tracker Should You Choose? The second and third-generation iPhone SE reused the older iPhone 8 body, which had a slightly larger 4.7-inch screen, and are still the only iPhones left using Touch ID. In sum: Don't use any UV light devices directly on your skin. The Best UV Sanitizers 2021: Top Phone Sanitizers - The Hollywood Reporter 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. PhoneSoap says the UVC sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs in about ten minutes or less. 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. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. It can cause burns and is a known carcinogen (as is all UV light), Dr. Hollmig says. If youre looking for an easy way to keep your home germ-free, weve rounded up some top-rated UV sanitizers available online. Before that, youll need a primer on how UV light sanitation works. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Keep an eye on your inbox! While UV phone sanitizers can destroy most germs, you should only pick one that can back up its claims. 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. Consumers snap up PhoneSoap as coronavirus outbreak spreads | CNN Business Otterbox added PhoneSoap 3. Head to the companys website to find out more about the products or to purchase. The Mate 50 Pro is one of its highest-profile new devices to launch without Leicas involvement in the camera, so its fitting to put it up against the iPhone 14 Pro to see whether Huaweis cameras still stack up against the best Apple has in 2022. In fact, they seemed just as loud as if the phone werent inside the box. It does so by crippling the DNA structures of microorganisms so that they cant reproduce and are practically dead. For those concerned about coronavirus, the CDC recommends using a mixture that is 60%-70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol by volume, which would translate into . The bulbs on the top and bottom of the device, paired with the reflective interior inside the entire gadget, help achieve 360-degree disinfection so even the tiny, hard-to-reach crevices of your phone are clean. Laboratory tests have shown that PhoneSoap kills 99.9% of common household germs, including bacteria that leads to E.Coli, Salmonella, Staph, Flu, and the common cold. PhoneSoap that offers UV-based phone sanitation devices in a range of sizes and varieties told Digital Trends its revenue was 20 times higher last month than the same period in 2019. However, theres still the iPhone SE, now in its third iteration, that still serves a purpose for a specific niche of iPhone user. 2023 SELECT | All rights reserved. My family has had a communal PhoneSoap for a few years now, and it has been a great investment in our health. Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. Google Pixel 6: Which Android Flagship Should You Buy. PhoneSoap Pro Best For Speedy Sanitizing It costs 50% more than the base model, but it's a nice upgrade for people with bulky phone cases and anyone who's always on a time crunch. But as we discovered with UV wands, this approach doesnt yield results unless the object is directly in the light of sight. 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. Or if you want a larger UV-light sanitizer that can hold more objects, the HomeSoap might be right for you. The effectiveness of UVA vs. UVB vs. UVC rays will vary when it comes to fighting the coronavirus. After ten minutes, the light will turn off, and your phone is ready to go. When you have the charger plugged into your phone and the PhoneSoaps lid closed, theres a small port for the cord to pass through. PhoneSoap Phone Sanitizer Review - Does It Actually Work? The pressing question at hand, however, is whether these accessories can kill the coronavirus. Its also safe enough to use on grooming and skincare items, like a comb or makeup brushes. Meet PhoneSoap, the little gadget that safely sanitizes your phone, leaving your device free of bacteria and you with some peace of mind. So how do you know if it really works? 175 reviewers gave the HomeSoap, which is available in Black or White, a 4.9-star average rating: It's large enough to fit a Nintendo Switch, Apple iPad Pro and other tablets, or even a baby bottle and books (or a Kindle). 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. Home accessories brand, BRIGHTINWD, says this lamp is effective at getting rid of everything from bacteria and mold. Our tip: set the lamp to turn on while youre out of the room). These include face masks, keys, glasses, makeup brushes and even your retainer or Invisalign. This is partly because many (if not most) of these products are not FDA-approved or approved by any governing health agency, for that matter. How to sanitize your phone and other tech, according to doctors - NBC News This would be a major limitation for those of us who use cases that protect the screen, Dr. Simon Swift, an associate professor for Molecular Medicine and Pathology at the University of Auckland told Digital Trends. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. One of the most commonly-touched surfaces is our cell phone, and studies have shown that some phone screens and cases can carry more bacteria than a toilet seat (yes, really).