Stop and prevent the spread of germs

No. Unlike conventional antimicrobials, XMicrobe does not off-gas, leach, diffuse, migrate, volatilize, or otherwise leave the surface to which it has been applied. Its safety and efficacy profile is unmatched by other products.

The active ingredient forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer that chemically bonds to the treated surface — think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism contacts the surface, the quaternary amine punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the dead cell, the antimicrobial doesn't lose strength.

Our antimicrobial is an organosilane. Silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents that can be coupled to other molecules and used to permanently bond them to a target surface — the glue that holds the spike to the surface.

The sword part of the molecule is a quaternary amine. Unlike traditional quats, ours includes the silane portion, giving long-term protection across a very broad spectrum of microorganisms including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by poisoning the organism, acting and dissipating quickly. Ours provides an effective initial kill and then long-term control of growth: the surface itself is modified to remain antimicrobially active until the treatment is abraded off.

Trained and certified technicians match application techniques to the project's scope of work. Depending on the surface they choose hand-wiping, coarse spray/fogging, or an electrostatic application process. Hand wiping suits small jobs or delicate surfaces. Coarse spraying and fogging suits very irregular surfaces where deep penetration is needed — carpet is a good example. Large areas generally call for the electrostatic process, which imparts a charge for uniform, thorough coverage.

Newer solution-dyed carpets work excellently. There have been some instances of slight color fade with certain acid dyes, so all carpets and upholstery should be tested for dye fastness prior to treatment.

Yes. Moisture in or on the treated material passes through the treatment. After curing, the treatment is somewhat hydrophobic, but it should not be considered a replacement for commercial water repellents.

No. It does not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces or into the environment. Its chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that lasts for the life of the treated surface. Normal cleaning should not remove the treatment, although it can be abraded away by a gritty compound.

Since the cured antimicrobial is involatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for the life of the treated surface. That depends on a number of factors, not least surface preparation: treating a dirty or unstable surface means effectiveness drops when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed. Abrasive or caustic cleaners (pH 12.0) will also shorten effective life. Our applicators have seen effectiveness for a minimum of one year with normal housekeeping.

Because of its unique chemistry, XMicrobe provides long-term protection against re-growth and future contamination on treated surfaces. Porous surfaces contaminated below the surface will occasionally experience some growth that breaks through — grout, for instance, if the space behind the wall is wet.

Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned, and any residue from cleaning agents rinsed off. The final rinse should come off without signs of dirt or foaming. We use an EPA registered cationic disinfectant and cleaner on surfaces prior to electrostatic application, to improve attraction of the antimicrobial molecule to the substrate.

Microbes can be extremely hazardous. Severe contamination with hazardous organisms may require cleaning protocols similar to those for asbestos removal. For normal contamination, solid surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned before treatment, and soft surfaces such as carpets and upholstery well vacuumed or professionally cleaned. Insulation can be cleaned and treated if only superficial growth is present; insulation with heavy growth or damp insulation should be removed and replaced.

Yes. Not only does Fresh Start clean and disinfect kitchens, it removes cooking odors — including odors left behind by former owners or tenants.