Clean and sterilize your most-used devices with this multi-purpose device.
These days you can never be too careful when it comes to cleaning your belongings. Even though it’s been 12-months since the first recorded case of COVID-19 was detected in humans, we are still very much in the heart of the pandemic. Wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing is apart of the world we live in and as much as we might all be tired of it, we must persevere in order to continue protecting our loved ones. Approximately a month ago, A study released in the Virology Journal found that the virus can remain on surfaces like mobile phone screens up to 22 days. Even though there are multiple ways to clean your phone, one of the most effective methods is to use a sanitizer that employs UV-C light, which is also known as ‘germicidal UV’ light. Prior to 2020, there weren’t that many personal UV-C sterilizers available. Fortunately, necessity is the mother of invention and many product manufacturers have released their own versions of this handy device for public use. One such company is FIORA. Their version of UV-C Sanitizer is also a wireless charging station for your phone.
DETAILS
The Ultraviolet C Sterilizer and Wireless Charging Station is designed to provide UVC-LED disinfection in 5 or 10 minute increments. The unit has a built-in wireless charger on the lid that provides up to 15W of fast charging for compatible devices. With the sterilizer, devices will experience 360-degree disinfection. Some items that could be cleaned include electronics, beauty care products, and masks. The sterilizer will kill 99.8% of E.coli and other harmful bacterias. The lid attaches to the body of the sterilizer using magnets and there are LED indicators for sterilizing and wireless charging.
Dimensions | 220 x 120 x 44 mm |
Fast Wireless Charging | 15W/10W/7.5W/5W – compatible with iPhones, Samsung, LG, Nexus, and all Qi-enabled devices |
253.7nm UV-C Sterilizer | Eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, mold, and fungus |
Input | DC12V/1.5A, 9V/1.67A, 5V/2A |
UVC-LED Light | 4 pieces |
Charging Distance | < 10mm |
Power Conversion | < 80% |
In the Box | Ultraviolet C Sterilizer & Wireless Charging Station QC 3.0 Wall Adapter USB-C Cable |
Weight | 360g |
Color Options | Black, Green, Blue, Pink |
UV Sterilizer Output | 3W (max) |
USER EXPERIENCE
The box for the device identifies the product well with an image on the front that demonstrates the operation of the device and some main features of the unit. The back of the box also provides details and a diagram that points out what the different parts of the sterilizer are. Inside the box, you will find the device safely enclosed in a plastic mold. It comes with a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, a wall adapter, and a user manual. To get started, you simply plug the cable into the back of the device and then the wall adapter in to a power outlet. The front has a button on it that is highlighted by a blue LED that changes to purple when the sterilizer is activated. There are two additional LEDs on either side of the button that are red until the wireless charger is being used. Then they change to green.
When you are ready to clean your phone (or other smaller belongings), you simply lift the lid and place it into the container. The lid magnetizes to the body to create a secure closure for the unit. Then, you press the button until you hear it beep (buzz) and the light change to purple. The LED will also ‘breath’ to indicate that it’s working. There are two cycles – a 5- minute and a 10-minute cycle. When you press the button the first time, it will sanitize for 5 minutes. If you press it a second time, it will engage the 10 minute option. You can stop the cleaning cycle any time by pressing the button until the LED ring turns blue. You don’t have to do anything to start the charging process with the wireless charger except place your device on top of the unit.
The first thing I did was test out the sanitizer. I want to note here that I do not have any means to certify that the results of the test show the removal of any bacteria or other particles. One of our writers here at MacSources has completed studies of the effects of UV-C light on a variety of surfaces using a different brand of sanitizer and we can say that the process is effective in clearing the surfaces of non-porous objects – like smartphones. That said, I don’t have the same testing materials at my disposal for this specific device. I can say that it functioned as described by the user manual. The first time I pressed the button to start the sanitizer the device beeped, but the LED indicator did not change to purple. So, it didn’t clean the phone the first time. After that, I knew to look for the color change on the LED.
One thing I thought was strange was that the lid could be completely removed from the unit. Most sanitizers I’ve seen have a hinge. I also thought it was odd that the light didn’t immediately shut off when the lid was removed. It does automatically turn off, but after 3 seconds once the lid is removed. Exposure to UV-C light is harmful to humans and that is why I was surprised that the light didn’t immediately go out.
I did also test the wireless charging aspect of the device. To activate this function, you simply place your phone (or other wireless charging compatible device) on the top of the lid. Within a few seconds, the charging begins. When I placed my iPhone 12 Pro on the top it immediately started charging. I started with only 43% battery life and after 38 minutes, my phone had gained 27% battery. This was a charging rate of 0.71% per minute. That is quite a bit faster than other integrated wireless chargers I’ve used on other sanitizers.
CONCLUSION
You can’t be too careful these days. The FIORA Ultraviolet C Sterilizer and Wireless Charging Station seems like a decent option for cleaning your belongings after standard use. It’s built well and functions as described. The device is priced around $70 USD (at the time of writing this review).