How Long Does COVID-19 Live on Surfaces?

April 8, 2020 – Spring cleaning takes on a whole new meaning when you’re dealing with coronavirus (COVID-19). While medical experts continue to learn about COVID-19, your hometown health providers want to keep you safe. Steven F. Mosher, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in infectious disease and member of the Southeast Georgia Health System medical staff, shares the latest prevention and cleaning guidelines.

The Lifespan of Coronavirus

“The World Health Organization (WHO) is not entirely certain how long COVID-19 survives on surfaces. Like other viruses, we think it may live for a few hours up to several days,” says Mosher. To protect yourself, he recommends:

1. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom or being out in public.
2. Disinfecting surfaces that you come in regular contact with daily or when anyone enters your home or workplace.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

How to Clean Effectively

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most EPA-registered household disinfectants help kill germs. You can make your own cleaning solution with five tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water or four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. If a surface is dirty, clean it with soap and water before disinfecting. Read the label first, to determine if bleach is safe for the surface you’re cleaning.

When using bleach, Mosher cautions, “Check the bleach expiration date. Wear gloves and keep the room well ventilated. Never mix bleach with other cleaning products. Finally, store all cleaning products away from children.”

You can also wipe down surfaces with a solution containing 70 percent alcohol. Whichever disinfectant you use, let it sit for three minutes before wiping.

Start with surfaces you touch most often: doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones, keyboards, tables, sinks, toilets, faucets, TV remotes and gaming controls.

While cleaning, don’t overlook your vehicle and mailbox. Speaking of mail, how can you prevent coronavirus from entering your home through packages and letters? “Since coronavirus is spread by respiratory droplets when someone sneezes or coughs, it’s unlikely you would get it from mail. To be safe, do wash your hands after handling mail. If you’re at high risk, open mail and packages outside and discard outer packaging before entering the house,” says Mosher. According to the CDC, there is no evidence suggesting COVID-19 is spread from imported merchandise.

Cleaning is a chore under the best circumstances. During an outbreak, it’s more taxing, but the effort you make today may keep you safe tomorrow.