3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires: Giveaway & Review: LW9 Mini UV-C Sanitizer Wand [CLOSED]

In a household like ours with two busy parents, three young children, and four cats, we would be kidding ourselves if we claimed that our house is germ-free. This past year, we've tried all different ways to conserve and to use cleaners that are free from harsh chemicals. Ours is an extremely tech-friendly household, so it makes sense that something like this UV-C Mini Sanitizer Wand made by Germ Guardian might be our solution. After all, it does not require use of paper towels or cleaning products.

What we thought about our Germ Guardian Mini Sanitizer Wand:

1) This mini wand is a convenient size and weight. It is about the size of a small folding umbrella and weighs about the same as one. It comes with a velvet drawstring carrying pouch, so it is very easy to throw in your tote bag when you're on the go or your suitcase when you're traveling. How great would it be to whip this wand out to sanitize a shopping cart before you put your child in it?

2) This item should definitely be kept out of the reach of children. Although only prolonged exposure may cause side effects, it does have a warning right on the unit to not shine the UV light directly on your eyes or your skin.

3) To turn the unit on, you must hold the power button down for a few seconds until it starts to blink. You must let it blink 3 times and then push the power button again. The instruction booklet actually leaves out the last step, so we were a little puzzled about how to power up the wand. Luckily, the instructions on the Mini Wand product page did have the correct instructions.

4) The UV-C technology is said to kill up to 99% of viruses and bacteria on surfaces when held about 1 to 2 inches over the surface for 20 seconds. Unfortunately, this is not something you can see, so you just need to trust in the technology. I am inclined to do so because UV-C sanitizers are widely used in hospitals.

5) In addition to using the wand in our bathroom, kitchen, on our telephones, computer keyboards, and our children's toys, the UV-C light can also be used on pillows and other linens and upholstery to fight dust mites, mold, and even some odors. This is great for hotel rooms and such, but I think with my allergies, I would need to use this wand on surfaces in conjunction with an air cleaning system that would take care of the airborne allergens in my home.

6) This portable unit requires 4-AA batteries, which is much better than requiring multiple more costly C or D batteries. Still, perhaps someday Germ Guardian will produce a unit with a convenient charger.

To learn more about the LW9 Mini UV-C Sanitizer Wand or to shop for Germ Guardian products for the home, visit GermGuardian.com . You can also stay up-to-date with the latest technology by following Germ Guardian on Twitter.

Thank you to Germ Guardian for sending us a Mini Sanitizer Wand on which to base this review and for providing another wand for a contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a Germ Guardian LWP Mini UV-C Sanitizer Wand (ARV $80).

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:
Browse the selection of healthy home technological products offered by Germ Guardian. Then leave a comment telling me what other item you would find helpful to have in your home. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND GermGuardian.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 2 extra entries, share the link to this contest post on Facebook. Then leave TWO separate comments with the link to your Facebook profile.

6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9) Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)

Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!