What solution do you use for sanitising? I have two small children and worry about chemicals
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We are in Chiajna, a house, two children (1 and 4), 9,000 BTU Daikin in their room. I want it sanitised, but the idea of a 'disinfectant' sprayed into a unit the children breathe through all night scares me. What exactly do you use and how much stays in the unit?
What is really happening
The EPA principle is clear: mould and biofilm must be physically removed, and biocides are not recommended as routine practice; sprayed into air systems without cleaning, their effectiveness is undemonstrated and their effects uncertain. That is why, for us, sanitising is the second and shortest stage: 90% of the result comes from the pressure wash, which carries the biofilm into the bucket. The sanitising solution's role is to delay recolonisation of the clean surface. What we categorically avoid: chlorine (linked to respiratory symptoms in domestic use) and perfumed 'antibacterial sprays'.
- Inspection: assessing condition and symptoms.
- Service check: checks and measurements appropriate to the unit.
- Cleaning: removing deposits.
- Sanitising: suitable treatment of cleaned surfaces.
The actual scope is confirmed before the visit.
- EPA principle: mould must be physically removed, not merely 'killed'; biocides are not recommended as routine practice. [US EPA, 2024]
- EPA warns that the effectiveness of biocides sprayed into air systems has not been demonstrated and their health effects are uncertain. [US EPA, 2024]
- Domestic use of chlorine bleach is associated with more respiratory symptoms, so pouring bleach into an air conditioner is contraindicated. [Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunolo, 2009]
- In children, home dampness and mould are associated with more respiratory infections and symptoms, according to recent meta-analyses. [Paediatric Respiratory Reviews, 2023]
What we do on site
- Children in another room while we work (1.5 hours) – not because of the solution, but for the water and the washer noise.
- Sealed double cover, hose to the bucket, foil on the cot and carpet.
- Alkaline detergent on the evaporator, roller and pan; contact time; adjustable pressure wash until the rinse water runs clear – i.e. no detergent and no biofilm left.
- Chlorine-free, fragrance-free sanitising solution on the clean surfaces; we show you the label.
- Filters washed; outdoor unit washed in place.
- Drying on 'Fan' for 20–30 minutes with the window open; the room is ready by evening. See current rates on the Prices page.
What you can do yourself
- Ask any company for the product label and whether it is rinsed – if 'it isn't rinsed, it stays', walk away.
- Filters every two weeks; 'Fan' 20 minutes in the morning.
What NOT to do
- Do not accept chlorine or strongly scented products in a children's room.
- Do not accept 'sanitising' without washing – it is biocide on biofilm.
Prevention
Small children's room used at night: twice a year (spring + autumn), filters every two weeks.
When to call us
0764 012 943, WhatsApp, Monday–Saturday 08:00–20:00; Chiajna is in our area.
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Sources (11)
- www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide-chapter-3
- www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
- www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned
- www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(09)00874-4/fulltext
- www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526054223000398
- www.osti.gov/biblio/1004161
- academic.oup.com/aje/article/194/12/3492/8249775
- onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/8984619
- www.manualslib.com/manual/3613226/Mitsubishi-Electric-Msz-Ln18vg2w.html?page=7
- www.manualslib.com/manual/1236787/Panasonic-Cs-Vu12skq.html?page=13
- www.daikin-ce.com/content/dam/document-library/operation-manuals/ac/split/ftxf-d/FTXF-D_Op
The information on this page is educational and based on cited sources; it does not replace medical advice. We do not do repairs, installation or refrigerant circuit work.