10 Best UV Light Sanitizers That Kill Viruses And Germs – 2024
These lightweight, potent machines bring you the era of quick and touchless sanitization.
Dr. Allen Conrad is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and the Team Chiropractor for the Blackthorn Rugby Team. He is also the owner of the Montgomery County Chiropractic Center located in North Wales, Pennsylvania. Dr. Conrad has experience with car and work-related injuries and sports rehabilitation and has been working with patients with various health insurance plans for over 23 years, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Personal Choice, Aetna, and Independence Administrators PPO health insurance plans.
Read full bio of Dr. Allen Conrad
Experience: 5 yearsSakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her to take up literature and follow that up with creative writing after completing her education.
Read full bio of Sakshi Bahal
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have become too mainstream, and it’s time to upgrade to UV light sanitizer! That’s right, light-based sanitizer! If you want to get your hands on the best UV light sanitizer, stick around, and we’ll tell you how. With technology making rapid progress each waking moment, innovations like UV light sanitizers that seemed dystopian are now becoming a reality. With these light-based sanitizers, you don’t have to feel icky when you touch someone else soap; all you gotta do is go into the light! In this article, we discuss a bit more about how these UV light sanitizers work and which are the best UV light sanitizer models that you can buy!
What Is A UV Light Sanitizer? Why Do You Need A UV Light Sanitizer?
Between soaps, face washes, hand washes, and cleansing gels, there are a million products out there to help you keep your human skin clean and germ-free. But what about the objects around you? Take your phone, for example – you are constantly scrolling through multiple apps all day, and it’s not always after washing your hands. Bottom line: there’s an army of microbes living on your stuff. These devices promise not only real-life results but you will also gain practical insights regarding their usability once you incorporate them into your life.
A UV light sanitizer is like the equivalent of your tech devices and other objects taking a shower every day. You can use one on plastic and glass objects to rid them of germs. A UV light sanitizer, as the name suggests, uses UV light to sanitize products and surfaces, making them free of illness-causing pathogens.
How Do UV Light Sanitizers Work?
A UV light sanitizer makes use of the UV-C light in the ultraviolet light spectrum (the others are UV-A and UV-B). UV-C light is capable of killing germs and has a wide range of effectiveness. UV-C light can interfere with and destroy nucleic acids in bacteria and other microbes. It also kills some amino acids and disrupts proteins in those microbes. For best results, use UV light to sanitize smooth surfaces.
However, UV-C light does have some limitations as it cannot reach crevices and nooks on uneven surfaces. This includes buttons and germs inside food particles. UV radiation sanitizes quickly, but you must keep in mind that the surface can only remain clean for a limited time. Using a light sanitizer doesn’t keep you free from new germs permanently.
Let’s find out more about the best UV light sanitizers that you can get your hands on right now.
Top 10 UV Light Sanitizers Of 2024
In This Article
1. Best Portable:In My Bathroom UVILIZER Tower UV Light Sanitizer
The In My Bathroom UVILIZER Tower UV Light Sanitizer comes with a wireless remote control and a powerful 38W UVC lamp to disinfect surfaces of your home, commercial space, and bathroom. It uses no toxins, chemicals, or any kind of added restock to minimize pollution and is designed to fit in any kind of space, be it your home or office. It is crafted with high-quality material, remains lightweight and portable, and allows for 360° sterilization.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Eco-friendly
- Multi-functional design
- Made for all kinds of spaces
Cons
- None
"This UV sanitizing unit helps me tackle pesky issues of dust mites. It cleans my rooms effectively and leaves a fresh scent behind in every room, knowing it's working against germs and viruses. The best part is that it is completely chemical-free."
2. Best Ozone Sterilization:R-Lomu UV Light Sanitizer
The R-Lomu UV Light Sanitizer uses UVC sterilizer light to destroy up to 99.9% of harmful germs, viruses, airborne bacteria, and mold spores. This light has a 360° degrees wide beam angle and is made of quartz for a better sterilization effect.
This lamp can operate through walls, cabinets, doors and has two operation modes. This UV light sanitizer for eliminating odors can be used safely at your home, laboratories, and offices. The lamp comes with a remote that can be used to set a UV disinfection time. It turns off automatically once the set time is over. However, ensure to stay away from the light while it is working as exposure to UVC light may cause skin and eye burns.
Pros
- Ozone sterilization
- Removes odor
- Safe to use
- Remote control
Cons
- None
"This UV lamp enhances my home's cleanliness. It is easy to use and clean as well. It has a distinct scent that does not trigger my sensitive nose. However, I open the space that I am disinfecting after some time, to let the scent pass."
ProTip3. Best Cordless:Germ Guardian Pluggable Air Purifier & Sanitizer
The Germ Guardian Pluggable Air Purifier & Sanitizer uses UV-C light to kill airborne germs and mold and helps sanitize the air you breathe at home. It also reduces household odors by eliminating bacteria and cooking fumes, as well as controlling any other unwanted smell. Dr. Allen Conrad, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, says, “Cordless makes so much of a difference if you are on the move or if you take it to work. It’s portable and can be used anywhere because it doesn’t need a power cord. Some people keep it on their office desks and bring it back home after work for those who share their desks with other co-workers.”
The small size makes it easy to plug in anywhere, and the 7-inch device easily fits in the kitchen, bathroom, kid’s room, or any spot that you want to purify. The device can last a long time, with only the UV-C light bulb needing replacement once in 10-12 months. Check out the review of this product on YouTube to know why it is one of the best out there.
Pros
- Compact plug-in design
- Small size fits in most spaces
- Replaceable UV-C bulb
- Cordless
- Helps reduce odors
- Removes bad odors
- Travel-friendly
- 1-year warranty
- Affordable
Cons
- Somewhat loud operation.
"This air purifier is best for spaces like closets and mud rooms. It eliminates odor and germs without irritating my senses. It is easy to use and does not get too dusty, even if I don't clean it for days. It has a handy rotating plug which is its best feature! Overall, I like how quietly it works."
StyleCraze Trivia
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 3,197 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
In My Bathroom UVILIZER Tower UV Light Sanitizer Best Portable | R-Lomu UV Light Sanitizer Best Ozone Sterilization | Germ Guardian Pluggable Air Purifier & Sanitizer Best Cordless | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 38 watts | 38 watts | - |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic | - |
| Number of Items | 1 | 1 | - |
| Light Color | Blue | White | - |
| Color | - | / | White |
| Batteries | - | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required | - |
| Weight | - | 1.96 pounds | 0.7 Pounds |
| Dimensions | - | - | 4 x 3 x 7.48 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 97 | 92 | 3,197 |
| Price | $99.95 | $105.99 | $36.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Safety:Tool Klean Room Surface UV Light Sanitizer
The Tool Klean Room Surface UV Light Sanitizer sanitizes your rooms quickly and effectively. It uses a professional-grade 100W bulb without emitting Ozone and guarantees that your room is germ-free in 15 to 30 minutes. This UV Light Sanitizer is easy to set up and simple to use. It uses UV 254 light that kills fungi alongside bacteria and viruses. It secures your room with germ-killing measures and comes with an EPA registration and certification. It also gives you enough re-entry and operation time to set up the lamp and prepare the room for cleaning while you are away.
Pros
- Ozone-free emission
- FCC-certified
- Easy to clean
- Remote timer control
- Safe to operate
Cons
- None
"This UV sanitizer boosts air quality in my home. It also banishes odors and reduces dust mites and mold. It has an included remote that is easy to operate."
Remember5. Best Built-In Handle: Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite 4-in-1 Air Purifier
The Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite 4-in-1 Air Purifier uses a 4-stage purification system to clean the air in your room. It starts with an activated carbon pre-filter, followed by a pure HEPA filter. Stage 3 is the UV-C light that kills airborne pathogens, and the 4th stage is an ionizer.
The device also features a smart air quality monitor that can detect air particles and indicate the air quality using a color-coded lighting system. Blue is for good air quality, yellow is for fair quality, while red indicates poor air quality and is a signal for turning the PureZone on. The fan speed also adjusts automatically according to the size of the room.
Pros
- 4-stage air purification
- ETL safety certified
- Full coverage for the entire room
- Built-in handle
- Quiet operation
- Smart air quality monitor
- 3-speed fan
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Not travel-friendly
"This purifier is great at keeping my home environment feeling clean. It operates quietly and I don't have to sit with it for hours to understand the different operations. It has a compact airflow design that is ideal for my small rooms. I can also change the filters without much hassle."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,412 rave reviews on Amazon.
6. Best Lamp Life:IPS IP SMART UV Light Sanitizer Wand
IPS IP SMART UV Light Sanitizer Wand is powered with advanced ultraviolet sterilization technology that can kill 99.9 % of harmful germs. The device is equipped with a rechargeable cable which requires one hour of charging to work effectively for 5 hours. The wand is quite small in size and is lightweight. The wand uses a wavelength of 260 to 280 NM to destroy germs. This device comes with a shorter sterilization time of 5 to 10 seconds and can be used on surfactants. It is suitable as a home, business, and office equipment. It can also be used during travels. Based on the tester’s experience as seen in online reviews, this product is a smart choice.
Pros
- Good sterilization rate
- Greater lamp life
- Portable
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Not for use on human or animal body
"This UV wand is a convenient tool for those looking to eliminate allergens and odors. I like how portable it is which makes it useful for both home use and travel. The best part is that it is long-lasting and can be used for a long time."
7. Best Lightweight:HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer
The HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer is a hit among germaphobes everywhere! You can use it to sanitize all your objects and gadgets that you use most frequently. The portable size is compatible with using at home or while traveling. It can fit in most purses and is capable of effectively killing bacteria and viruses.
The UV-C light sanitizer works 10 times faster than any conventional sanitizer to keep your belongings pure and germ-free. Just 1 minute inside the sanitizer bag will sanitize and disinfect most items like keys, jewelry, remotes, eyeglasses, and more. The inbuilt safety lock protects against harmful exposure. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of this product.
Pros
- Mercury-free
- Chemical-free
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Rechargeable LEDs
- Cleans in 1 minute
- Advanced safety lock
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for larger items.
8. Best All-In-One:Philips UV Light Sanitizer Box
The Philips UV Light Sanitizer Box helps remove viruses and bacteria from everyday objects. This UV sanitizer for baby products effectively turns the germs inactive. It has an ergonomic design that matches your stylish home decor perfectly. Its UV-C lighting responds to almost all the bacteria and viruses tested to date.
It uses hands-free technology and provides extra protection so that the UV-C lighting does not directly affect your eyes or skin. The machine is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and designed with a highly-reflective interior that catalyzes UV-C lighting technology to disinfect items effectively. Tested by numerous reviewers, this product stands out for its effective results and ease of use.
Pros
- Portable device
- Hands-free
- Extra protection shield
- EPA-certified
- Highly reflective interior
- Reasonably-priced
Cons
- Noisy operation
- Not travel-friendly
- Expensive
"This sterilizing unit is my current go-to for its varied range of modes. I like its disinfecting, drying, and storage options. Its large capacity fits everything from baby bottles to BiPap equipment. It works without leaving any smell or residue. The intuitive light-touch buttons and a countdown display are easy to use as well."
9. Best Auto Shut-Off:59S X5 UV Light Sanitizer Wand
The 59S X5 UV Light Sanitizer Wand automatically shuts off when turned upwards or on its side. This is an inbuilt safety feature to keep your eyes protected against harmful UV exposure. Use it at home and while traveling to keep your surroundings sanitized at all times.
It efficiently kills 99.9% pathogens on any surface it scans. It gives you less worry and more comfort about being in public spaces, especially in the current climate. For maximum ease and convenience, the device can be recharged with a USB charger.
Pros
- Auto shut-off for safety
- Lightweight and compact
- Powered by 20 UVC LEDs
- Disinfects within 1-3 minutes
- USB cable included
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Inconsistent performance
- The battery does not last long.
10. Best Durable:Vanelc UVC Light Sanitizer Wand
The Vanelc UVC Light Sanitizer Wand can be used to clean regular items including mobile phones, keyboards, iPods, remote controls, toothbrushes, and door knobs. Lightweight and extremely handy, this device comes with an auto-timer which efficiently saves power and its child lock feature makes the device safer if you have kids in the house. What’s more? The LED UV Lamp has a lifespan of more than 10,000+ hours and can be used for protection during family vacays, parties, or casual hangouts. Reviewers upon testing have positively highlighted the effectiveness of this UV phone sanitizer.
Pros
- Auto-timer
- Child lock
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable
Cons
- Not suitable for larger items
- Expensive
"This UV light sanitizer wand is a handy tool for me. It sanitizes masks, toys, and everything in my rooms. It is easy to use and small enough for travel as well. I like that it has a safety feature for eye protection."
UV sanitizers existed long before the Pandemic brought them to our attention. These handy tools have now become a household requirement. Fortunately, quite a few well-known brands have launched their UV sanitizers on the market and choosing one amongst the many is not all that easy. Let’s take a look at the important factors to consider while choosing the best UV sanitizer.
What To Consider While Choosing The Best UV Sanitizers
- Capacity
The capacity of your UV sanitizer must depend on the objects you want to sanitize. Choose a versatile model that is able to keep the germs off your keys, mobile phone, wallet, sunglasses, wireless bud and other small items. In case you are planning on sanitizing bigger objects, then you need sanitizer with a larger capacity. You may seek advice from healthcare specialists or medical device experts to align the capacity with your specific requirements.
- Cleaning Cycle Time
The amount of time the UV sanitizer requires to complete the sanitization process is the cycle time. Cycle times vary from just one minute to a few hours even. Some may come with a convenient auto cut-off feature for added safety.
- Wavelength
The wavelength of the ultraviolet light defines what it can do. UV light is divided into three categories based on wavelength value: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. UV-C is the only category of UV wavelengths that consistently work for sterilization. It is best to choose a product that provides the exact wavelength, in nanometers (abbreviated nm), at which the ultraviolet energy is emitted. Sanitizers at or near 265 nanometers are the most ideal for sterilization.
- Type
UV sanitizers come in a variety of forms, like wands, air purifiers, lamps, and sanitizer bags. Make your choice depending on the objects you want to sanitize. If you are looking to sanitize your mobile make sure it is compatible with your model. It is best to look for a sanitizer that can accommodate large devices like tablets and laptops as well. Additional features like charging ports or wireless chargers are a bonus.
- Portability
If you want a UV sanitizer to accompany you wherever you go, choose a portable model like a battery-powered handheld wand. They are easy to use, on-the-go, and can be used to disinfect beds, sofas, tables, bathrooms, mobile phones, linen, towels, and car interiors.
Now that you know about the best UV light sanitizers out there, read on to know all the advantages these devices offer.
Benefits Of Using UV Light Sanitizers
There are a ton of advantages to using a UV sanitizer:
- UV light is non- toxic. Unlike the harsh chemicals found in disinfectants and other cleaning products, UV light is far more environmentally-friendly. The sanitizing effect of UV light is a physical process that does not make use of chemicals. When used with proper precautions, UV light disinfection is a safe and non-toxic way to get rid of certain percent of germs.
- A UV sanitizer is far more effective than some other methods of disinfection. UV light is capable of killing a wide array of microorganisms, and since it is a dry process, it also prevents the growth of mold and fungi that can occur in damp conditions.
- UV light disinfection is a savior in a climate with increasing concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria. With traditional disinfectants and antimicrobial agents, it has been found that certain percent of bacterium can sometimes build immunity to these methods after repeated use. But a UV sanitizer is a physical way to kill bacteria, so pathogens are unable to build a resistance to it.
- Some UV light sanitizers are available in the shape of travel-friendly wands. This means you can carry a UV light sanitizer for travel with you and keep your surroundings clean and hygienic whenever you want. No matter the size of your UV sanitizer, the most significant advantage remains that this device is extremely easy to use.
- UV light sanitizers are also quite affordable. It is feasible for you to maintain hygiene without breaking the bank. Compared to regular restocking for disinfectants, a UV light sanitizer is a one-time investment that lasts a very long time, giving back more than its worth in returns.
Infographic: Safety Tips To Remember While Using UV Light Sanitizers
While UV light sanitizers are extremely effective against germs and other microbes, it is important to know how to use them safely so that they do not harm us. The infographic below lists the most important safety tips that you must follow to minimize the risks that come with using a UV sanitizer. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Sanitizers are a great blessing to remove bacteria, germs, and viruses. And recently, UV light sanitizers have created a great demand. These sanitizers prevent you from spreading germs by touching the surfaces. For instance, the In My Bathroom UVILIZER Tower UV Light Sanitizer is recommended for its powerful 360-degree UV-C light coverage, suitable for larger spaces. For a compact sanitizer, the Germ Guardian Pluggable Air Purifier & Sanitizer not only helps to sanitize the air but also reduces odors, allergens, and airborne particles. For the portable option, the Vanelc UVC Light Sanitizer Wand is a practical choice for quick and targeted sanitization of surfaces and objects. They are ideal to use on sanitizing surfaces as they effectively eliminate germs. The best UV light sanitizers above can help you get rid of disease-causing bacteria from all surfaces, including door handles. Some sanitizers have an auto-timer-off feature, and others provide a remote control feature. In addition, these sanitizers reduce bad smells and cooking fumes. But focus on sanitizers that are non-toxic and safe for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective are UV light sanitizers?
UV light sanitizers claim to kill up to 99% of germs by altering their genetic structure. This includes antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cannot be eliminated using standard disinfectants.
How long does it take for UV light to sterilize?
It depends on the kind of product you are using. Check the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the product, and follow them accurately for best results.
Where can UV light be used?
UV light is best used on smooth, even surfaces. It is ideal for use on objects and surfaces used by multiple people in a day, such as an office. But you can also use it to clean anything in your home that changes hands frequently, such as remote controls, cell phones, and tablets.
Do UV sanitizers work on toothbrushes?
Yes, UV sanitizers work on toothbrushes. They reduce bacterial count and keep your toothbrushes clean.
How often should you clean UV sanitizer?
Clean the UV sanitizer every week to keep it free of germs and harmful bacteria.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Sakshi Bahal, who authored this article, likes to stay updated on health items. She enjoys helping her readers find suitable healthcare products easily. To this end, she went on a journey to look for the best UV light sanitizers for the readers. She tried some herself and read many customer reviews to curate this list. Using UV light, these sanitizers can remove all the harmful pathogens from surfaces. You would not have to worry about touching soaps used by others if you use UV light sanitizers.
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