23Apr2020
How Long Does COVID-19 Live On Different Surfaces: How To Clean & Disinfect
According to the World of Health Organisation, the COVID-19 outbreak has been creating a pandemic situation all around the world. There are more than 2,483,000 active cases in 210 countries and territories, including Australia. It is important to strictly follow the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19: A Deadly Disease
The virus that causes coronavirus is transmitted through respiratory droplets generated when an infected person sneezes and coughs. These droplets can fall on surfaces and floors and infect the other person who touches the contaminated surface. A healthy person can also get infected if he/she is standing or sitting close to the infected person. He can breathe in those droplets that are released in the air. That is the reason why washing hands for 20 seconds or sanitising hands with an alcohol-based sanitiser and maintaining social distancing have become imperative for every individual. Apart from maintaining personal hygiene, make sure you keep your home clean and disinfected. You can also consider hiring professionals for a thorough end of lease cleaning in Melbourne if you are moving out of your rental premises. The cleaners will come to your place with their Personal Protective Equipment kit and effective cleaning products to give you a safe and secure experience. However, if you are looking for some great DIY house cleaning and disinfecting hacks, then you should know how long COVID-19 does live on different surfaces. Here is the article to help you know about it so that you can take corrective measures to prevent its spread. Let’s Get Started!Contaminated Surfaces
Many renowned health experts revealed that coronavirus could stay active for hours to days on different surfaces. How long it harbours depends on the material the area or surface made from. 1. Plastic Surfaces The microbes of coronavirus can live up to 2 to 3 days on plastic surfaces such as detergent bottles, backpacks, elevator buttons, milk containers, and much more. So make sure you thoroughly clean and disinfect these surfaces or plastic-made items available in your home. You can use a disinfectant spray or wipe that has at least 70 per cent alcohol because it can kill 99 % germs. Fact: A single cough can generate up to 3000 tiny droplets that can contaminate surfaces around them. So, disinfecting these areas thoroughly and frequently is important for the safety of your health. 2. Stainless Steel The virus can stay active for 2 to 3 days on surfaces made from stainless steel. This includes pots and pans, sinks, refrigerators, water bottles, doors, etc. If you want to fight against this deadly disease, then disinfection is the only solution. First, remove dust, dirt, oil splatters, grease and grime from the surface because viruses and germs lurk quickly on contaminated areas. So, clean it using white vinegar and hot water solution. After that, spray a disinfectant solution and wipe off the surface with a disposable cloth. Fact: Keep disinfecting high-touch areas of your house at least twice or thrice a day to keep the virus at bay. 3. Aluminium Surfaces The coronavirus is pretty stable on aluminium surfaces like water bottles, tinfoil and soda cans. It can stay active for 2 to 8 hours and infect healthy persons who come in contact with contaminated surfaces. So, make sure you remove dust before disinfecting such surfaces using an alcohol-based disinfecting solution. 4. Metal Surfaces Did you know COVID-19 can harbour for a few days on metal surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, silverware, and jewellery pieces? These surfaces need regular cleaning with the right product that can remove harmful bacteria and germs effectively. You can hire trained end of lease cleaners in Melbourne if you are at the end of your tenancy and want to pass your inspection. They can bring back the lost shine of your rental property with utmost safety. 5. Cardboard The grocery packets and other shipping boxes delivered to your house can be a major source of COVID-19 disease. The virus can stay on cardboard for 24 hours. This means you should avoid using materials made from cardboard or you must disinfect it before touching it. Once you get packages, open them and throw it away. Don’t forget to wash your hands properly for 20 seconds with soap and avoid touching your face. You can also take help from End of Lease Cleaners in Melbourne to clean such surfaces. They have all the requisite knowledge and tools to disinfect any surface type without damaging its texture and feel. 6. Glass Surfaces According to the reports, the microbes released from respiratory droplets of an infected person can stay active for five days on surfaces like mirrors, drinking glasses, showpiece, windows etc. You should clean and disinfect glass surfaces at least twice a day for better outcomes.Simple & Quick House Cleaning and Sanitisation Hacks
- In order to alleviate the chance of catching COVID-19, make sure you clean and disinfect all surfaces and areas of your home, including high-touch areas including:
- Doorknobs
- Countertops
- Sinks
- Tables
- Remote Controls
- Kitchen Appliances
- Bathroom fixtures
- Phones
- Toilets
- Keyboards and Laptops.
- Cleaning is important before disinfecting the surface. Make sure you remove dust, dirt, stains, grease and grime from the contaminated areas using soap and water before disinfection.
- Mop floors on a daily basis using a chlorine-based disinfecting product to get rid of stains and harmful bacteria.
- Wear mask and gloves whenever you spruce up your house, and dispose them of properly.
- Wash your hands properly in every 20 minutes, even if you are at home.
- Wash clothes in hot water to kill germs and bacteria.
