While the coronavirus pandemic has made us professional hand-washing masters, a lot of families are wondering how else they can ensure things around the home remain completely virus free. COVID-19 On Clothes
Sure door handles and benchtops are easy with disinfectant wipes, but what about our clothes? Is a simple washing cycle enough?
COVID-19 on clothes?
The jury is still out about if Covid-19 can survive on clothing, and if so, for how long, but it wouldn’t hurt to ensure you’re doing everything you can with your dirty laundry to ensure the virus doesn’t linger in your home.
Here are a few tips to tick off along the way…
COVID-19 on clothes: Wash your clothes properly to ensure no nasties hang about. | Image: iStock
Wash on a high-temperature setting
It is recommended that clothing and household linen by washed on a temperature setting of 60 degrees Celsius to prevent the spread of nasties or with a bleach-based product at 40 degrees.
If you’re a fan of hand-washing delicates, get into the habit of popping those in the washing machine with a delicates bag. And don’t be tempted to hit the ‘quick wash’ button. Now is the time to rely on the long washes each time for maximum chance of killing germs.
Wash your accessories
Coats, cardigans and shoes – all the things you normally wash occasionally – should now be getting a regular run in the laundry. Just like your hands, these items are at the front line when you venture out to the supermarket for those essential items.
Check the labels before you take to these items with any detergents that might not be compatible with the fabric. You want your clothes clean, but you don’t want to ruin them in the process, either. Especially that suede or leather jacket you will definitely need in those cooler winter months.
Shoes are best to soak for a few days in detergent – or even bleach if they’re white.
Now is the time to wash everything that heads outside with you. | Image: iStock
Wash towels and sheets separately
To prevent contamination, it’s best to keep your household linen separate to your clothing and delicates. Towels especially retain more moisture, which encourages germs to hang around a little longer.
Wash on a high setting (60 degrees) and if your bath towels and sheets are white, now is definitely the time to add a bleach-based product.
Some practical tips:
- Clean out the washing machine after each use on a quick cycle to remove any trace of germs lingering
- Wear gloves while handling dirty laundry
- Don’t let your laundry basket fill up – wash in small piles regularly to prevent germs hanging around
- Wash your hands after doing your laundry for a minimum of 20 seconds as recommended by WHO.
his post was first published on Kidspot and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.
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