With the world struggling to cope up with Covid-19, cleanliness and hygiene have become our top priority. Cleanliness has a huge hand in keeping germs at bay amid The Coronavirus outbreak. We all know about washing hands, social distancing, keeping our faces covered, but what about our clothes? After all, they are what typically keeps many of your body parts away from everything else.
When it comes to how long the virus can survive on various surfaces, research has indicated that the virus can remain in the air for up to three hours, on copper for up to four hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on plastic and stainless steel for up to two to three days. As regards fabric, the jury is still out.
We can, however, infer from the survival of the virus on cardboard, that the virus might react the same way when it comes to fabric (Since both are made up of fibres). The virus needs some moisture to survive. Without it, the virus can quickly dry up and no longer be viable. So, should you assume that the virus can survive on your clothes for up to 24 hours? Maybe. Perhaps.
Here are some expert tips for handling laundry during these times:
- Wash as soon as possible: If you have been outside, for essentials or for groceries, wash your clothes as soon as you return home.: Though the jury is still out on how long the virus can survive. Laundry detergent should be able to disrupt the virus’s structure.
- Don’t Shake Your Laundry: Since the virus also spreads through air, it wouldn’t be a good idea to shake your garments before putting them in the washer. Shaking your clothes can potentially spray the virus into the air and risk spread.
- Don’t use extra soap: Although it may seem like more foam = more cleaning, it may turn out counterproductive. Continue using the proper amount of detergents for a regular load of laundry. Excess detergents might lead to residue on clothes and can lead to skin irritation.
- Don’t overload the washing machine: Overloading the washing machine will not leave enough space for the clothes to spin freely inside the washing machine and cleaning will not be effective.
- Make sure clothes are fully dry: The virus needs some moisture to survive. Without it, the virus can quickly dry up and no longer be viable. Dr. Todd Ellerin, an infectious disease expert told “the drying part is important as well. It’s very likely that even the drying process is going to damage the virus or or kill the virus,”
Other Tips and Takeaways
It is highly unlikely that the virus will survive after you wash and dry them. Detergents are known to disrupt the virus structure and the high heat + moisture removal in the dryers is an additional way of destroying the virus
In conclusion, it is better to be as safe as possible in these times. If you have been outside for a long duration or if you think that you may have come into contact with the virus, it is a good idea to take appropriate precautions.
Tired of Household Chores?
The Laundry Basket
We understand how tedious it has gotten, doing all household chores all by yourself! Wouldn’t it be great if you could outsource one? Your Laundry? You can always rely on The Laundry Basket. We wash all your garments separately in a separate machine. Even if it is just a pair of clothes, it will be washed in a separate machine for your hygiene needs. With our disinfectant detergents and strict hygiene policy, you can be assured that your laundry is in safe hands. We also offer home-pick up and contact-less delivery at your doorstep. Just download our App or schedule using our website.
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