How Long can Coronavirus Live on Clothes?
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused widespread panic around the world as the number of confirmed cases continues to climb. One of the most pressing questions has been how long the virus can survive on clothes and other surfaces, such as door knobs, tables, and phones.
The good news is that the virus does not seem to thrive on clothes for long. Several studies have found that the virus, which is made up of fatty molecules, is prone to breaking down quickly when exposed to air.
How Long Does the Coronavirus Survive?
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that coronavirus can survive on hard surfaces, such as stainless steel, for between one and five days. On clothes, the virus may survive for only a few hours, since breathable fabrics like cotton can allow the virus to evaporate quickly.
It is worth noting, however, that the virus can survive longer in certain environments. Temperature, humidity, and other factors all play a role in how long the virus can live on a surface. In general, lower temperatures and higher levels of humidity can both extend the virus’ lifespan.
What Can You Do to Reduce the Risk of the Coronavirus?
Here are a few tips for reducing the risk of becoming infected with coronavirus:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Touching these areas of your body can contaminate them with the virus.
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Do not share objects. Avoid touching or sharing items such as phones, tablets, and other objects with others.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes to regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Wash your clothes regularly. Wash clothes and linens with hot water and detergent, and then dry them thoroughly.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help to reduce the risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus.