The average cough or sneeze can send roughly 100,000 germs into the air, at speeds of up to 100 miles/hour. These germs can carry viruses that can trigger a common cold. And unless you clean the contaminated surfaces, the germs can linger for a very long time. (1)
Germs are everywhere. Typical reservoirs for germs are wet and dry surfaces, devices with built-up dust and dirt, fabric, furniture, and more. For the most part, germs are harmless. But, some germs can cause diseases. These are called pathogens. (2)
How long a pathogen survives on a surface greatly varies based on the material of the surface and the type of pathogen. This is how long can germs live on different surfaces.
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The lifespan of common pathogens
Some of the most common pathogens are norovirus, salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, staphylococcus aureus (Staph), and Campylobacter. These foodborne germs can have different lifespans. The norovirus can live on surfaces for up to 4 weeks. (3)
While salmonella can live on dry surfaces for not more than 4 hours before it is not infectious. But, the average survival rate can vary depending on the species and level of contamination. According to research, highly contaminated surfaces can increase the salmonella lifespan. That’s why Salmonella enteritidis can survive for 4 days. (5) (6)
How long do germs live on fabric?
Various microbes can survive on clothing for some time. Towels and clothes can spread germs and can do that in different ways. For example, when more than one person uses the bedding or towels, they can spread germs. Handling dirty laundry can also spread more germs.
If you handle contaminated food and brush your hands against your pants, skirt, or shirt, germs can stick to the fabric. Salmonella, for example, can survive for about 1-4 hours on fabrics. Viruses, like the norovirus, can survive on fabrics and soft surfaces for not more than 12 days. (7)
Based on research, all staphylococci can survive for at least one day on all fabrics. Staphylococcal viability is the longest on polyester, from 1 to 56 days. (8)
How long do germs live on plastic?
Plastic is one of the most used, affordable, and versatile materials on the market. But, if you don’t clean it from time to time, plastic too can harbor germs and bacteria. According to the Journal of Infectious Diseases, both influenza A and B viruses can survive for 24 to 48 hours on nonporous, hard surfaces. (9)
That includes plastic and stainless steel. All staphylococci can live on plastic for at least 1 day. On polyethylene plastic, Staphylococcal viability ranges from 22 to 90 days. Remote controls, for example, are often manufactured of ABS plastic. And these devices are considered some of the dirtiest objects in your house.
How long do germs live on furniture?
Furniture with upholstery and leather has a high chance of collecting germs in the cracks, creases, and seams. Flu viruses can survive on some surfaces for around 24 hours. Norovirus, for instance, can linger for a couple of days to weeks. But, their lifespan can vary based on how dirty the surface is and the type of germ or bacteria that sticks to it. (10)
This could be avoided by using natural materials like wood. Despite its organic nature and porosity, some studies show that untreated wood materials have antimicrobial compounds. These properties can make it a good option against different pathogens. (11)
To top it all off, the most typical microbes, including COVID-19, survive least on porous materials. Compared to solid smooth materials. Besides, cleaning the wood is as simple as any other material. You just wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth, apply a cleaning solution, and dry it. With regular dusting, you can keep the germs at bay.
How to avoid getting sick from germs on surfaces?
Your health should be a top priority. There are a couple of steps you can take on a regular basis. They can help you avoid getting sick from germs.
- Wash your hands often with alcohol-based sanitizer or water and soap. You can catch a cold by coming in contact with secretions (nasal fluid) from someone infected. You can get it from touching contaminated surfaces. Such as phones, keyboards, cutlery, plates, cups, door handles, and worktops.
- Avoid close contact with a person with an infectious disease. Most viruses from the respiratory tract, such as corona or rhinovirus, can survive on surfaces for a couple of days. Keep a distance from the infected individual to avoid contracting the disease. (12)
- Don’t touch the mouth, nose, or eyes. If your hands are dirty, avoid touching your face. It is easy to contaminate the hands with germs. And we can infect ourselves by touching our faces with those germs.
- Disinfect the surfaces often. Use disinfecting products appropriate for use on the surfaces you have. Use an all-purpose cleaner to disinfect and clean the floor.
Further tips - HOCl Fogging
There is no doubt that the methods described above are effective. However, we can hear your voice saying, "I don't have time for that!". So here is our advice to you.
There is a chlorine-based disinfectant called HOCl which can control germs at extremely low concentrations that are safe for the human body. By fogging this disinfectant with a specially designed fogger, the HOCl ingredients can be delivered by dry mist to surfaces throughout the space without any labor. Since removing bothersome odors is almost same with controlling germs, this system can also serve to improve daily cleanliness.
Reference: HOCL (HYPOCHLOROUS ACID WATER): ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
There are several types of specialized foggers available, but the stationary type is the most reasonable to operate. All you have to do is set it and forget it, and before you know it, you will have a clean and hygienic space.
Reference: 4 BENEFITS OF HOCL FOGGING (HYPOCHLOROUS ACID)
How to disinfect a washer?
The washing machine cleans clothes. But it doesn’t mean it can sanitize them. That’s because not all clothes can handle the hot washing cycle. So, if germs come in contact with the washing machine, they can spread to other fabrics. This can lead to skin irritation, allergies, and rashes.
Plus, the buildup of fabric softener and residual detergent can cause odor. By sanitizing and cleaning the washing machine, you can kill and remove germs. You can get rid of odors and residue. And keep the machine in excellent shape.
Here is how: (13)
- Empty the washer.
- Set it to the hottest setting.
- Pour 1 cup of chlorine bleach into the drum.
- Set the washing machine to a full cycle.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the interior with some water and bleach.
- Set the washing machine to a spin/rinse cycle
- Wipe the exterior with a mild cleanser and water.
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References
1. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2018.0779
2. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-how-far-and-how-fast-a-sneeze-carries-contagious-germs
3. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/projectfirstline/healthcare/germs-environment.html
4. https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/healthcare-associated-infection/advisory-committee/step/education-training/norovirus-pamphlet-general-printing.pdf
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-salmonella-contagious
6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168160502005408
7. https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/in-the-home/how-long-do-germs-live-on-clothes.html
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC86187/
9. https://academic.oup.com/jid/article-abstract/146/1/47/992812?login=false
10. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ss/slideshow-clean-after-illness
11. https://www.mdpi.com/2673-947X/1/1/2/htm
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1564025/
13. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-disinfect-a-washer-2147320
