Can Viruses Live on Clothes?
Are you concerned about viruses living on your clothing? It is understandable to be, especially in these times as the novel Covid-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm. The good news is that the research so far suggests that it is unlikely that viruses can survive on clothing.
Types of Viruses
Not all viruses are the same. Different surfaces are better or worse for harboring the virus, depending on the type of virus. Some viruses, like the common cold, spread easily and live longer on surfaces than others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it appears that the Coronavirus can last only a few hours on fabrics.
Factors Influencing Viral Survival On Clothes
Although it is unlikely for viruses to live on clothes, there are certain factors that can influence how long a virus can survive on clothing. For example, the material of the clothing can affect the likelihood of a virus living on it. Heavy, thick cloths with a tight weave will prevent viruses from sticking around as opposed to thin, light fabrics with a loose weave.
In addition, the environment of where the clothes is stored matters. For example, UV light, temperature, and humidity all influence the persistence of viruses. Studies have found that extreme temperatures and high humidity may allow the virus to survive on fabrics for as long as 24 hours, but this is still very unlikely.
Final Verdict
The consensus among researchers is that it is very unlikely for viruses to live on clothing. It is more likely that the Coronavirus could be spread by contact surfaces like door handles, not clothing. As always, it is still important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands and clothes regularly and not touching your face.
To summarize:
- Different types of viruses have different lifespans on surfaces.
- Factors such as material, environment, and temperature can affect the survival of viruses on clothing.
- It is unlikely that a virus would survive on clothing.
- Good hygiene should still be practiced.