Going out was never this scary as it is today. In the wake of coronavirus, everything has changed. From the way, we greet each other to going out and enjoying ourselves with friends and loved ones. Whenever we go out today, there is one thing that perturbs us, ‘hope we don’t contract the virus.’
When we go out, we become exposed to the virus. Our clothes are no exception. According to researches, if anyone touches a contaminated surface, the one may be at risk of getting the virus. Once any surface gets into contact with the Sars-Cov-2 virus, it remains on it for a certain period.
Today we will provide you a detailed account on how long does the coronavirus live on clothes. We will also find out how long does COVID-19 last on surfaces other than fabrics.
How long does the Coronavirus live in clothes?
There are no exact calculations as to how long does the virus stays on clothes, but according to a few studies, the virus remains active for around 24 to 48 hours. According to research published by the England Journal of Medicine, the virus remains active on flat and moist surfaces. It gives us a fair idea that fabrics may not be flat surfaces, but they can be moist.
Moreover, another study has concluded that the virus could remain for two days on clothes in room temperature. Not only this, but it also found out, if the potentially infected clothes are exposed to the heat cycles, the virus will become inactive within five minutes.
How to clean the virus from your clothes?
An Infectious Diseases Expert, John Sensakovic, M.D., at JF hospital offers valuable advice to remain safe during this pandemic: wash your infected garment pieces on heated cycles.
Tips to launder infected clothes
Before you do anything, put clothes in a disposable bag. Then fill the machine with hot water. However, do check the washing instruction given on the washing machine. The warmth must not exceed the limit mentioned in the garment.
Put detergent and bleach and let your infected clothes wash in it. Once the washing cycle is completed, you must dry your clothes thoroughly in the dryer rather than air-drying it.
Moreover, if you plan to wash the clothes of an infected person, then you will have to take extra precautions. Follow the same process mentioned above, but keep the clothes of an infected person separate. Also, make sure, once you have washed the clothes, cleanse the washing machine tub with bleach, and don’t forget to disinfect the knobs as well.
Similarly, if you don’t own a washing machine and do the laundry at Laundromat, then always take precautionary measures such as social distancing, wearing your facemask, using gloves and sanitizer, etc.
COVID-19 on other surfaces.
Other than fabrics, COVID-19 can stay on many other services, and if you touch those places by chance, you can risk contracting the virus. This is why it is vital to take precautions because precaution is better than cure. As far as COVID-19 is concerned, unfortunately, there is no cure for it as of yet and the vaccines are still in the distribution phase.
How long does COVID-19 last on surfaces? Well, it depends. According to research, it was found that COVID-19 remains active on the copper surface for no more than four hours. Similarly, on cardboards, it lasts for a day. Other materials such as steel and plastic can be home to Sars-Cov-2 bacteria for more than two days.
Final thoughts
Before we conclude this article, let us inform you, by giving you the factual information, we don’t mean to panic you. We want you to be safe. All you can do is take the precautionary measures seriously and apply them in your regular life. Although it is not easy to do all this, health is our greatest wealth, and we can’t afford to ignore it, especially in these circumstances.
Can Coronavirus live on Surface – FAQs
| Surfaces | Number of day covid 19 lasts |
| Copper | 4 hours |
| Metal | Five days |
| Stainless steel | 2-3 days |
| Aluminum | 2-8 hours |
| Glass | 5 days |
| Wood | 4 days |
| Ceramics | 5 days |
| Plastics | 2-3 days |
| Cardboard | 1 day |
| paper | 5 days |
