How to Finish What Manual Cleaning and Disinfection Start
Manual cleaning and disinfection are the cornerstones of a strong surface hygiene strategy. These remove dust, debris, and organic material, and that work is essential. But microorganisms can remain on surfaces that appear clean, especially in high-touch areas.
That’s where UV-C disinfection fits in, not as a replacement for existing protocols, but as an added layer to reduce residual bioburden left behind after manual cleaning and disinfection processes. Think of it like adding a second coat of paint: the first covers most of the surface, but the second helps ensure no spots are missed. When integrated into routine workflows, UV-C becomes a powerful, low-maintenance addition to support more thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Why Does UV-C Come After Manual Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures?
Manual cleaning and disinfection are always the first and most important steps. They remove visible soil and surface contaminants while significantly reducing the presence of microorganisms. That foundation is critical.
But even thorough cleaning has its limits, and outcomes can vary depending on methods and conditions. A 2012 study found that residual contamination remained for every virus and bacterium tested—including norovirus, influenza A, and Salmonella enterica—even after surfaces were cleaned with water, soap, or chlorine. In other words, cleaning greatly reduces microorganisms, but some may still remain, especially when technique and coverage naturally differ from one setting to another.
That’s where UV-C disinfection comes in. It offers a follow-up step designed to inactivate what manual protocols may have left behind. UV-C is a specific wavelength of light (254 nanometers in most systems) that damages the DNA or RNA of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, preventing them from replicating and therefore spreading.
What Conditions Make UV-C Most Effective?
For UV-C disinfection to work best, the right conditions have to come together. These five factors determine whether microorganisms receive a sufficient dose or slip through the cracks:
- Line of Sight
UV-C light travels in straight lines. If an object blocks the light’s path, like furniture or equipment, the surfaces behind it may receive little or no exposure. - Distance
UV-C intensity drops off quickly with distance. According to the inverse square law, light intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source. This means:
Double the distance → ¼ the intensity
Triple the distance → ¹⁄₉ the intensity
Even small increases in distance can significantly reduce how much germicidal energy reaches a surface, so it’s important to place the UV-C light source as close as possible to target surfaces. - Time
Every microorganism requires a specific dose of UV-C to be inactivated. If the disinfection cycle ends too soon, the total exposure may not be enough. - Intensity
Stronger lamps can deliver higher doses more quickly, but only if line of sight, distance, and time are properly optimized. - Target Organism
Some microbes are more sensitive to UV-C than others. Enveloped viruses (e.g., influenza A, SARS-CoV-2) tend to be inactivated quickly, while non-enveloped viruses (e.g., norovirus) or bacterial spores (e.g., C. diff) may require longer exposure.
How Do I Prepare My Space for UV-C Disinfection?
Optimizing your space for UV-C doesn’t require a room overhaul, just a few simple adjustments.
- Move portable items out of the way
Rolling bins, stools, and carts can block the path of UV-C devices. Relocate them to the edges of the room or designated storage areas. - Reposition large objects that create shadows
If needed, rearrange tables or equipment to minimize blocked sightlines between the UV-C source and nearby surfaces. - Declutter high-use zones
Limit the number of items left on desks, counters, or shared work areas so light can reach as much surface area as possible.
These simple adjustments can improve light access and help ensure that more surfaces receive effective exposure.
How Do I Use UV-C Safely?
UV-C at 254 nanometers is powerful against pathogens but also harmful to human skin and eyes. That’s why disinfection cycles must always run in unoccupied spaces.
Fortunately, modern systems are built with safety in mind. Features like passive infrared motion sensors, safety signage, status lights, and audible alerts help teams operate cycles confidently and safely. Still, a few precautions should always be followed:
- Confirm that no people, pets, or plants are present
- Close all doors and windows (note on glass: 254nm UV-C does not pass through most glass, therefore any glass doors or windows only need to be closed, not covered. However, UV-A and UV-B do pass through glass. If using a broad-spectrum system, your space may require extra safeguards)
- Follow your system’s manufacturer instructions for signage and alerts
With the right safety protocols in place, UV-C becomes not only effective but also dependable and easy to manage.
Should I Use Autonomous or Stationary UV-C for Disinfection?
Stationary UV-C systems require a staff member to roll the device into position, reposition it multiple times, and monitor the cycle closely each time. That hands-on approach, while still effective, can be disruptive in busy spaces.
Autonomous UV-C robots like the A1 are designed to remove that burden while also optimizing how UV-C is delivered. Instead of being moved and restarted for each disinfection point, the A1 navigates rooms independently. It builds a map of the space using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) and continuously adjusts its path using onboard sensors to avoid obstacles and stay on track. As it moves through the room, the A1 stops at designated points to deliver UV-C at close range with a clear line of sight. This allows it to disinfect multiple areas in sequence without manual input, improving both the efficacy and efficiency of each cycle.
For teams looking to automate even further, the A1 can also be scheduled to leave its dock, disinfect assigned rooms at specific times, and return automatically. This feature allows disinfection to take place during low-traffic hours without interrupting daily routines.
Both stationary and autonomous UV-C systems can support strong disinfection practices, but how they integrate into your routine makes all the difference. Autonomous options like the A1 reduce setup time, limit the need for staff supervision, and help standardize how UV-C is delivered. When disinfection is easier to run and better optimized, it becomes simpler to build into daily protocols.
Final Thoughts: Build UV-C Into Your Routine
UV-C disinfection is an extra step, but it doesn’t have to feel like one. With the right tools, timing, and protocols, it becomes a simple, repeatable part of your cleaning strategy.
Manual cleaning starts the job, UV-C helps finish it.
