Methods and systems for disinfecting a surface, can include a light source, and a transparent window located above the light source. The light source can be integrated into an object, and an outer surface of the object can be located above the transparent window. Light from the light source can irradiate the outer surface through the transparent window and from within the object to disinfect the outer surface of the object. The light can comprise violet and ultraviolet (UV) light. A photocatalytic layer comprising a photocatalytic material may also be located above the transparent window and below the outer surface.