Can COVID-19 Survive on Clothes?
The recent pandemic has been dominating conversations around the world and this has led to a lot of questions about the virus and how it might be spreading. This article looks at the issue of whether or not the virus can survive on clothes.
How Long Can COVID-19 Survive on Clothing?
Recent studies have suggested that the virus can survive on certain materials such as plastic, stainless steel and some non-porous surfaces for up to three days. However, it is also thought that the virus can survive on clothing for days or even weeks. This is particularly the case with clothing made from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon.
What Factors Can Affect How Long the Virus Can Survive on Clothes?
There are a few factors which can affect how long the virus can survive on your clothing. These include;
- The type of material – the virus has been found to survive longer on synthetic materials than on cotton.
- Humidity – the virus is more likely to survive in humid conditions.
- Temperature – the virus is less likely to survive in hot temperatures.
How Can You Minimize Risk of Exposure on Clothing?
There are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of exposure on clothing. These include;
- Wash your clothes after you return from an area with high risk of exposure.
- Dry your clothes on high heat.
- Wash your hands after touching your clothes.
Conclusion
It is possible for the virus to survive on clothing for a long period of time and, therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to minimize risk of exposure on clothing. By washing your clothes after returning from high risk areas, drying them on high heat and washing your hands after touching your clothes you can reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.