How Long Does the Coronavirus Last on Surfaces?
Research around the novel Coronavirus is still ongoing to learn more about the virus. The transmission of the virus has been the biggest concern among the population. While the primary method of spreading the virus is through close contact with infected persons, you can also contract the virus by touching contaminated surfaces.
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This has raised the question of how long the virus lasts on various surfaces and the possible measures that you can take to keep yourself safe from contracting the virus from contaminated surfaces.
How long does coronavirus live on different types of surfaces
How long coronavirus lives depends on the surface, it is on.
- Metal: On metal surfaces like doorknobs, silverware, and jewellery, the virus has been known to last for up to 5 days.
- Plastic: The virus can last between 2-3 days on plastic surfaces like detergent bottles, subway and bus seats, backpacks, elevator buttons, and milk containers.
- Stainless steel: The lifespan of the virus on stainless steel is the same as that of plastic (2-3 days). These surfaces include pots, pans, sinks, refrigerators, and stainless steel water bottles.
- Cardboard: On Cardboards like shipping boxes, the virus can only survive for 24 hours.
- Copper: On copper surfaces like pennies, cookware, and teakettles, the virus will survive for 4 hours.
- Aluminium: On soda cans, tinfoil, and aluminium water bottles, the virus survives for 2-8 hours.
- Glass: Coronavirus has a lifespan of up to 5 days on drinking glasses, measuring cups, windows, and mirrors.
- Ceramics: 5 days on dishes, pottery, mugs, and other ceramic surfaces.
- Paper: Some strains of the coronavirus will only live for a few minutes on paper while others live up to 5 days.
- Food: Coronavirus doesn’t seem to spread through food.
- Water: Coronavirus is yet to be found in water. In case it gets into the water source, the water treatment plant’s filters and treatments kill the germs while disinfecting the water.
- Fabrics: The life period on fabrics is not yet determined. However, the virus wouldn’t last as long on a piece of fabric as it does on a hard surface.
How to Stay Safe
It’s possible to pick up the virus and transfer it to other surfaces, or worse yet, contract it by touching contaminated surfaces.
To reduce the chances of catching or spreading coronavirus, it’s essential to observe a strict hygiene routine around your home and office. This includes cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces and objects, which include:
- Tables
- Phones
- Countertops
- Bathroom fixtures
- Remote controls
- Toilets
- Keyboards
It’s also important to disinfect the floor and the walls. For effective results, you can start by using soap and water for appropriate surfaces then disinfect them using a household cleaning spray or wipe.
A bleach solution is one of the most effective disinfectants you can make in your home. It remains effective for up to 24 hours. To make the solution, mix four tablespoons to one litre of water. Leave the bleach solutions on the surface you’re cleaning for at least one minute before wiping them off.
Ensure you keep all the surfaces in your home clean even if everyone in your home is healthy. Don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
