The efficiency of Hygio cabinets is based on a combination of two distinct disinfection technologies: ozone and UV-C light. Both methods are highly efficient and completely chemical-free. Hygienization is therefore a safe and environmental-friendly way to disinfect textiles, items and electronics. The disinfection technology used in Hygio cabinets represents a masterpiece of Finnish expertise, as evidenced by the Key Flag Symbol granted to us.

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Ozone

An ozone molecule (O3) consists of three oxygen atoms. It can be produced by UV light or electric discharge. The disinfecting effect of ozone is based on its very strong oxidizing ability. Ozone strives to get rid of its excessive oxygen atom. During the process, impurities are oxidized as well. Owing to this property, ozone efficiently disinfects microbes and neutralizes odors. Ozone is a light blue gas that smells like air after a thunderstorm.

The Hygio cabinet produces ozone from the air inside the cabinet using electric discharges. The air is passed between two electrodes and subjected to electric discharges. When an electric charge is discharged through oxygen-containing gas, electrons collide with oxygen molecules, breaking the molecule down. The released oxygen ion attaches to an oxygen molecule, thereby forming an ozone molecule.

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Efficient Disinfection Method

Gaseous ozone penetrates porous materials. Because of this, ozone treatment is an excellent method for disinfection and refreshment of various textiles. However, the method cannot remove visible dirt. Ozone cannot penetrate through evident dirt stains. Therefore, visible dirt must be removed from items before the Hygio treatment. Naturally, dirty goods can be freshened as well, but the result will not be similar to disinfection.

Ozone molecules are very volatile and easily decompose back to oxygen. Because of this, they cannot be stored, but must be produced directly on-site. In Hygio cabinets, the ozone-to-oxygen re-conversion inside the cabinet is accelerated at the end of a program, so there is no need for discharging ozone to ventilation ducts or elsewhere in the environment and no waiting times are required. By the end of a program, ozone has been re-converted to oxygen and the treated goods are ready for use right away. The treated goods mildly smell of ozone. This is normal and harmless.

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UVC Light

Ultraviolet or UV radiation is electromagnetic radiation, which can be produced artificially by various methods, such as fluorescent or halogen lights or ultraviolet lamps. UV-C radiation is generated at the wavelength 100 to 280 nanometers. The shorter the wavelength, the more powerful the radiation. Due to the short wavelength, UV radiation is invisible to the human eye, but tests have shown that it is in dark violet colour. The radiation mainly is used for the disinfection of air, water and hard surfaces. The radiation does not pass through soft or porous materials and unlike ozone, it does not penetrate deep into materials. For this reason, UV-C disinfection is not the best option for the disinfection of textiles. Also, even the slighted layer of dirt or shielding prevents UVC radiation from reaching the object to be disinfected. Surfaces are therefore disinfected with large quantities of radiation.

In Hygio cabinets, ultraviolet radiation is generated by means of fine-tuned led lights. UV-C light affects by incinerating microbes. This is extremely efficient, because UV-C light breaks down the DNA of bacteria, preventing thereby bacterial growth. The radiation in Hygio cabinets is generated safely in an enclosed space and is recommended for disinfection of electronics. UV-C disinfection is a chemical-free disinfection method. UV-C disinfection technology is used in the Hygio Medi UV-C cabinet.

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