The total number of novel coronavirus cases surpassed 321,000 worldwide. While washing our hands and social distancing are important practices to follow, we can’t forget about the surfaces and objects the coronavirus can live on, and how to disinfect these objects. Among these objects are things we wear everyday: clothes and jewelry. VALLEY’s got your back with guidelines and advice from the experts.
How long can the coronavirus survive on clothes?
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, current evidence suggests that the coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials, including clothing.
Should I remove my clothes immediately after returning home?
Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice at New York Medical College and a former CDC chief medical officer, Robert Amler says, “You should change your clothes and wash them any time others have touched them or you have been in large group gatherings.” Consider tossing your clothes into a laundry container or directly into the washer right upon returning home.
How should I wash my clothes?
The CDC recommends washing clothes on the warmest appropriate water setting and drying items completely. Additionally, do not shake dirty laundry, as this will minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus throughout the air. As for detergent:
“I would recommend that you wash clothes in detergents that contain a bleach compound. Viruses do not do well at all in this type of harsh environment,” says Rodney E. Rohde, chair and professor of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program at Texas State University.
How long can the coronavirus survive on jewelry?
According to a recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease (SARS-CoV-2) survives on copper up to four hours and on stainless steel up to two to three days.
Lucy Wilson, a professor in the department of emergency health services at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, says it would be, “reasonable to assume that [novel coronavirus] could be on any type of jewelry.”
Pay special attention to washing your rings and the skin under it, as some studies have shown that skin underneath rings contains more germs than comparable areas of skin on fingers without rings.
How should I wash my jewelry?
Elizabeth Doyle, jewelry historian and co-owner of the New York City antique jewelry boutique Doyle and Doyle, says, “The best, safest way to keep your jewelry clean and looking its best is to wash it using a mild dish soap.”
VALLEY hopes that you, your family and friends are staying safe and healthy!
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