Ozone machine for disinfection? Discover why more and more homes and businesses are opting for this technology. In a world where hygiene and safety have become priorities, advanced disinfection solutions are gaining ground.
Ozone machine cleaning has become an effective, sustainable, and powerful tool for eliminating viruses, bacteria, fungi, and unpleasant odors in all types of spaces, ensuring a deep clean without leaving chemical residues or damaging surfaces.
But do you really know how it works? What are its real benefits and what precautions should you take ? As an ozone cleaning company in Mallorca, we have extensive experience with both its operation and its potential contraindications.
What is an ozone machine used for?
An ozone disinfection machine is a device designed to eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors from the air or surfaces by generating ozone (O₃), a gas with powerful oxidizing properties. Thanks to its effectiveness, it is increasingly used in a wider range of applications.
Domestic use
At home, ozone generators are used to purify the air and disinfect rooms, fabrics, or small objects. They are especially useful in kitchens, bathrooms, and poorly ventilated rooms, as they help neutralize lingering odors such as tobacco, dampness, or pet smells.
They can also be used to eliminate microorganisms on mattresses, sofas, or curtains, without the need for chemicals. This is an ideal option for those seeking a healthier, pathogen-free home environment, especially in homes with children, the elderly, or people with respiratory allergies.
Professional use
In professional settings, ozone machines are used to disinfect offices, retail spaces, gyms, hotels, and restaurants. Ozone cleaning allows for germ-free spaces without disrupting daily operations, as it acts quickly and leaves no residue. Its use has become especially popular since the pandemic, as part of enhanced hygiene protocols.
On the other hand, some businesses are using ozone as a hygiene marketing tool, assuring their customers of a safe and disinfected environment. This is especially relevant in businesses where customer trust and health are key, such as beauty salons, academies, sports centers, or coworking spaces.
Applications in clinics
Medical and dental clinics, as well as physiotherapy centers, are some of the places where ozone has proven highly effective. Its use ensures thorough disinfection of the air and surfaces, eliminating resistant bacteria and reducing the risk of cross-contamination between patients.
Furthermore, ozone can reach hard-to-access areas, enhancing its usefulness in healthcare settings. The fact that it leaves no chemical residue makes it a safe solution for use between patients, without damaging medical equipment or delicate materials.
Vehicle cleaning
Ozone cleaning has also become a prominent technique in the automotive sector. Workshops, dealerships, and rental companies use ozone machines to eliminate bad odors, viruses, and bacteria from vehicle interiors, especially in areas such as the air conditioning system, upholstery, and headliners.
It is a highly valued solution for disinfecting taxis, ride-hailing vehicles, buses, and shared vehicles, where interior hygiene is essential. In addition to its disinfecting power, ozone leaves a lasting feeling of freshness, improving the end-user experience.
How does ozone cleaning work?
It is based on a very powerful chemical reaction that allows spaces to be disinfected quickly, without the need for conventional chemical products.
Ozone generation
Ozone generators produce this gas from ambient oxygen through a process known as corona discharge or, in some cases, ultraviolet radiation. This process breaks down oxygen molecules (O₂), releasing individual atoms that quickly combine to form ozone (O₃). The result is an unstable gas with extremely high oxidizing power.
The ozone produced is released into the environment or channeled to specific areas where disinfection is desired. Once its action is complete, the ozone tends to decompose back into oxygen (O₂) without leaving any residue, making it an environmentally friendly and safe solution when used correctly.
Disinfectant action
The power of ozone lies in its ability to oxidize the cell membrane of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This oxidation process destroys their cellular or viral structure, preventing them from reproducing or surviving. Furthermore, it is very effective at eliminating organic compounds responsible for unpleasant odors, such as those from tobacco, dampness, and biological waste.
Thanks to its powerful action, ozone works on surfaces, in the air, and on soft tissues. Therefore, it is ideal for disinfecting enclosed spaces, vehicles, or medical facilities, as it reaches every corner that other cleaning methods cannot.
Time and conditions necessary for its effectiveness
For ozone cleaning to be truly effective, it is essential to control the exposure time, the gas concentration, and the type of space being treated. In small spaces, a 15- to 30-minute session may be sufficient, while in large spaces or those with a high biological load, longer or repeated treatments may be required.
It is important to note that no people, animals, or plants should be present in the room during the application , as high concentrations of ozone can be irritating or toxic. After treatment, it is recommended to ventilate the space well for at least 30 minutes before reoccupying it.
Benefits of using ozone for disinfection
Using an ozone machine for disinfection offers numerous advantages over traditional methods. This has led to its increasing popularity in homes and businesses due to its ability to act quickly, thoroughly, and without harming the environment.
Elimination of viruses, bacteria and odors
One of the main benefits of ozone is its ability to destroy viruses, bacteria, fungi, and spores almost instantly. Unlike other products, it doesn’t just “mask” pathogens, but oxidizes and completely eliminates them. This makes it a very useful tool during periods of increased risk of infection, such as flu season or public health emergencies.
In addition to its disinfecting action, ozone eliminates persistent odors of organic origin, such as tobacco, dampness, pets, or food residue. By not using perfumes or aerosols, it neutralizes odors instead of masking them, leaving a fresh and contaminant-free environment.
Disinfection without residual chemicals
Another major advantage of ozone is that it leaves no chemical residue on surfaces or in the air. This is especially important in spaces where there are children, allergy sufferers, patients, or food. After its action, ozone reverts back to oxygen, guaranteeing clean disinfection without toxic residues or the need for rinsing.
This makes it an excellent alternative to harsh disinfectants such as bleach, ammonia, or other compounds that, although effective, can cause irritation, allergies, or damage to some materials.
Savings and sustainability in cleaning processes
Incorporating an ozone disinfection machine into daily maintenance allows you to reduce the use of traditional cleaning products, resulting in cost savings in the medium term. Although the initial investment may be higher than other methods, the cost per use is very low, as it only requires oxygen from the air and minimal electricity consumption.
Additionally, it’s an environmentally friendly system , as it doesn’t generate plastic packaging or polluting waste. Many businesses and households are adopting this method not only for its effectiveness but also as part of their sustainability policies and environmental commitment.
Contraindications and precautions
Although ozone cleaning is highly effective and safe when applied correctly, it is essential to be aware of its potential risks.
Side effects of ozone cleaning
Prolonged, direct exposure to ozone in enclosed spaces can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, headaches, dizziness, or chest tightness. These effects are intensified in people with asthma, allergies, or lung problems, so it is essential not to remain indoors while the machine is operating.
Likewise, in very high concentrations or with improper use, ozone can affect certain sensitive materials such as soft plastics, rubbers or delicate textiles, especially if they are frequently exposed.
Recommendations for safe use
To safely disinfect using an ozone machine, it’s important to leave the room during treatment and ventilate it thoroughly before re-entering. The waiting time after application varies depending on the machine’s power and the size of the area, but it typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes.
In professional environments or when working with high concentrations, it is ideal to have qualified personnel or use a professional cleaning service company, which can guarantee a safe and effective application according to current standards.
Nord Baleares, ozone cleaning company for Mallorca
We specialize in professional ozone cleaning throughout the island of Mallorca. We have extensive experience applying this technology in hotels, gyms, clinics, offices, schools, shops, and residential communities, tailoring each service to the specific needs of each client and space.
Our staff is trained to apply this type of disinfectant treatment safely and effectively, adhering to all health protocols. Contact Nord Baleares, and we’ll advise you, without obligation, on the most suitable treatment for your space.
