How long can coronavirus live on clothes?
In the face of the global coronavirus pandemic, it is important to understand what surfaces the virus can survive on and for how long. To answer the question, “How long can coronavirus live on clothes?” we need to understand what kind of surface clothes are.
Clothing is absorbent and is usually composed of either cotton, polyester, wool or synthetic materials. This means that the coronavirus can remain viable on the fibres of clothing for longer periods than on other non-porous surfaces. It is not easy to estimate how long the virus can survive on clothes given the variability in surfaces and environments.
Coronavirus survivability on clothing
Studies conducted on the novel coronavirus have indicated that the virus survives on clothing fabrics for up to two days. This is similar to how long the virus can survive on other absorbent surfaces such as paper, cardboard and wood.
The time the coronavirus can survive is affected by the environment. Studies done on the virus’ survivability on clothing indicated that the survival time was shorter in cold, humid environments. However, the virus can survive longer on dry, warm surfaces like clothing.
Preventing coronavirus transmission on clothes
To prevent the transmission of the virus on clothes, there are several simple steps you can take:
- Wash your clothes often:After wearing clothes outside, it’s important to wash them with hot water after each wear. This will help reduce the spread of the virus.
- Avoid sharing clothes: Sharing clothes can increase your risk of contracting the virus. To reduce your risk, try not to share clothing items with other people.
- Store your clothes safely: When storing your clothes, it’s important to keep them away from surfaces that could be contaminated. This will ensure that your clothes stay as clean and safe as possible.
Conclusion
Clothes can be a surface where the coronavirus can survive, but following the proper precautions can help reduce the risk of transmission. Washing your clothes often, avoiding sharing clothes and storing them safely are all important steps to take to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.