The world is in a pandemic situation and in the grasp of a deadly virus called coronavirus. From what is known about this virus so far, it is safe to say that it spread through touch and respiratory activities including breathing, sneezing, and coughing. Coronavirus can transfer from the human body to a range of surfaces, including clothes, phones, desks, and others, and can survive and contaminate these surfaces.
COVID or Coronavirus disease is a contagious disease caused by a coronavirus.
There is no sufficient data to know exactly how long the COVID virus can stay or survive on a particular surface, however, studies suggest that the virus’s survival period on different surfaces can range from 2 hours to up to 9 days.
COVID cleaning and disinfection, as suggested by health authorities globally, are the best ways to remove coronavirus from surfaces and limit the spread of infections caused by the virus.
How Long Does the Covid Virus Last on Different Surfaces?
The survival time of coronavirus on different surfaces depends on a number of factors, including the surface type, humidity, temperature, and virus type.
When an infected person sneezes or coughs, the virus moves from their body to a surface, where it can survive for hours to days. Now, when a person touches the contaminated surface, the virus can move along and enter their body through the eyes, nose, or mouth and end up infecting the person.
So, it’s evident that coronavirus can spread through surfaces, especially the ones where the virus can last for days. Studies suggest that the virus can survive longest on surfaces and in areas with low relative humidity and lower than room temperature. On the other hand, direct exposure to UV light in sunlight can quickly kill the virus.
Coronavirus Survival Time on Glass, Plastic and Stainless Steel
On many common surfaces, including plastic, glass, and stainless steel, the virus is said to have a rather long survival period of several days, especially at room temperature or lower. In ideal conditions of temperature and humidity, the virus can even last and remain infective for weeks on some of these surfaces.
This applies to all kinds of plastic, stainless steel, and glass materials, including but not limited to, plastic food packaging, credit cards, ATM buttons, light switches, water bottles, milk containers, remote controls, toys, video game controllers, computer keyboards & mouse, door handles, refrigerators, keys, pots, cutlery, metal handrails, industrial equipment, glass windows, mirrors, drinkware, smartphones, and computer/tv screens.
Coronavirus Survival Time on Paper
On paper notes and other paper items, coronavirus can survive from a few hours to up to 4 days. While the virus would last not more than 3 hours on printing paper and tissue paper, it can survive for up to 4 days on paper money.
Coronavirus Survival Period on Skin
Same as glass and plastic, the coronavirus can survive on human skin for a few days or more, as found in some studies. It is also possible for the virus to move from one person to another through touch (handshake, hug, high-five, etc.).
How Long Does Coronavirus Last on Clothes & Fabric
According to studies, the virus can survive longer on non-porous surfaces compared to porous surfaces such as cotton and fabric. On clothes, the virus will usually die within a few hours. However, the virus is tested to have a relatively high survival time on N95 respirator masks and surgical masks, even though both are considered porous surfaces. This is why it’s recommended to dispose of masks immediately after use.
Coronavirus Survival Time on Copper Surfaces/objects
The virus of COVID can last only a few hours on copper surfaces and will automatically die after that. This is applicable to all copper items, including coins, jewellery, cookware, and electrical wires.
According to the various research studies on the subject, the SARS-COV-2 survival period on different surfaces is as follows:
- Plastic – 3 to 7 days
- Stainless Steel – 3 to 7 days
- Skin – 3 to 7 days
- Copper – Up to 4 hours
- Paper – Up to 4 days
- Glass – Up to 4 days
- Cardboard – 24 hours
- Wood – Up to 2 days
- Cotton fabric – A few hours
Coronavirus can also be found and survive on a range of other surfaces and objects, including floors, shoes, and food packaging.
Can Coronavirus Be Found in Food and Water?
There is another general concern among people that the food purchased from supermarkets and tap water may contain the virus. Well, according to studies by leading organisations all over the world, there is little data to show that the COVID infection can spread through food and/or water.
That means the probability of the virus being found in either is very low. However, that is not a reason to let one’s guard down. Properly washing all the food items, especially raw fruits and vegetables, with clean water before using them is strongly recommended.
How to Clean Surfaces for Covid Virus
Since the COVID virus can survive on common surfaces for up to several days, it is very important to keep the surfaces and objects around properly clean and germ-free. While general cleaning with soap and water can help reduce the probability of infection, routine disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and objects is the best way to achieve 100% protection from the coronavirus.
COVID cleaning should be done in two parts:
- Cleaning
- Disinfection
Cleaning refers to general cleaning, which includes cleaning, dusting, wiping or washing a surface/object to remove dust and dirt from it.
Remember, disinfection is not an effective method for general cleaning, as it will not remove dirt and dust, which is why cleaning before disinfection is recommended.
For general cleaning, one can use water or a damp cloth to wipe down all target surfaces and areas. Focus on high-touch surfaces and objects that may have come into contact with the virus. These include doorknobs & handles, handrails, lift buttons, doors, windows, handles on appliances, keyboards & computer mouse, light switches, water faucets, toilets, sinks, countertops, tables and desks, electronics such as phones and tablets, remote controls, etc.
Once all the objects and surfaces have been cleaned properly and dirt removed from them, the next step is disinfection using a TGA-approved disinfectant.
Disinfection is the process of removing certain pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, from a surface using specific chemical products called disinfectants. Disinfection is recommended for surfaces and objects that may have come in contact with the virus. These include all high-touch surfaces and areas mentioned above.
For disinfection of surfaces to remove the coronavirus, it is recommended to use a TGA-approved disinfectant that has been approved to be effective against SARS-CoV-2. Clean Group cleaners use TGA-approved chemicals along with our state-of-the-art Electrostatic Disinfection Spray technique that can remove up to 99.99% of germs from even the farthest corners in a place.
To disinfect the surfaces in question, one can use a normal sprayer. Make sure to carefully read the instructions for use of a particular disinfectant. Some disinfectants need to be wiped after applying, while others will evaporate automatically.
Gently apply the chemical on the surface and let it sit for a few minutes. If needed, wipe down the chemical using a microfiber cloth or wipe. Let the chemical dry completely before using the object again.
Besides the above-mentioned things and surfaces, all other objects that may have been contaminated must also be cleaned and disinfected properly before use.
According to health authorities, it is not necessary to wash the clothes every time one comes back from a short trip out. However, if a person may have come in contact with an infected person or surface or haven’t been able to maintain social distance when visiting a crowded place, washing the clothes they were wearing at the time would be the wise thing to do.
Since the coronavirus can spread through touch, it’s very important to wash hands using soap and water or a sanitiser solution at frequent intervals and especially in the following situations:
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- Before and after eating
After using the washroom
- After cleaning
- After returning from the outside
- After handling groceries brought from the market
- Before and after cooking food
- After shaking hands and coming in close contact with another person
When cleaning for coronavirus, make sure to use a mask and gloves and discard them immediately after use.
Professional Covid Cleaning & Disinfection by Clean Group
If one is not sure about how to clean for COVID or what things should be cleaned, contact Clean Group to seek professional help from COVID cleaning experts. The company offers comprehensive & guaranteed COVID cleaning and disinfection services to commercial premises all over Sydney.
Clean Group experts use TGA-approved disinfectant chemicals along with the most effective Electrostatic Disinfection method. It involves the use of an electronic sprayer machine to send charged sanitiser particles on the surface to quickly grab and kill germs. The said method is found to be even more effective than the fogging technique to remove viruses from hidden and unreachable areas like corners, behind furniture, and the back of the chair.
Contact Clean Group today to get FREE Virus Disinfection & Protection Cleaning on all new cleaning service bookings.
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