Steam cleaner kills virus on contact
April 1st 2006

The Norwalk virus and related viruses hitting UK schools in recent months have proven difficult to kill because traditional cleaning methods are practically useless, according to Denis Rawlins.

The virus survives freezing and heating to 60° for 30 minutes, therefore surviving a normal cleaning process involving chemicals and water.

The solution, says Denis Rawlins, is to use a high temperature cleaner that kills the virus on contact.

The company says that steam cleaners operating at above 140°C will kill germs and bacteria, including the Norwalk virus, without the need for any chemicals.

Machines are available with or without suction.

Suction models such as the DR75C (pictured) will also remove any vomit.

After use, they can be sterilised with bleach to ensure there are no germs present on the tools or body of the machine.