In a matter of just a few days, the United States of America has become the country with the most number of COVID-19 cases, with over 330,000 affected by the Coronavirus. The U.S. has surpassed the countries with the most number of cases, including Italy, China, and Iran. As Coronavirus is spreading like wildfire among people, health authorities are encouraging social distancing and staying home, with most businesses shutting down to avoid spreading the virus. As the days go by, scientists are learning more about the virus, like how it is transmitted from person to person and how it affects the body. We now know that Coronavirus is passed from human to human through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Frequent hand washing is the primary advice of health experts, as our hands can spread viruses and contaminate ourselves when we touch our face. But a question comes to mind: Does Coronavirus survive on clothes and other surfaces? Are we at risk when we touch a contaminated surface or object?
Does Coronavirus Survive on Clothes? How to Practice COVID-19 Safety
Health reports that as per research published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that the virus may survive on copper surfaces for four hours, cardboard for 24 hours, and plastic and stainless steel materials for up to two to three days. The question now stands: Does coronavirus survive on clothes? While there is no scientific research that has studied the actual Coronavirus on cloth or clothing materials, health experts are recommending to discard to the laundry any clothing that has been used outdoors upon returning home. The Huffington Post spoke with public health specialist Carol Winner, who said that the droplets from a person coughing or sneezing can land on clothing and if this person is contaminated, the virus may live on the piece of clothing for some time before it dries out. Especially if you are a frontliner who attends to patients who are infected with COVID-19, it is best to practice extreme caution when dealing with scrubs and other clothing items used while inside the hospital or while caring for the sick. However, if you’re not around anyone who has COVID-19 and are just isolating at home, it would be safe to do laundry as you regularly would. If you’re looking to switch detergents anytime soon, consider these highly rated picks for your clothes.
COVID-19 Safety: Detergents to Keep Clothes Clean
1. Arm & Hammer Plus Oxiclean 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Paks, 58 Count
Level up your laundry with Arm & Hammer, which fuses with the cleaning powers of OxiClean to deliver a new kind of laundry freshness and cleanliness. These laundry Power Paks feature three chambers that quickly dissolve to provide deep cleaning and stain-fighting powers. It’s designed with baking soda and OxiClean stain fighters to brighten, whiten, and freshen up your laundry laundry and ensure a clean wash every time. Compatible with HE washing machines. Consumers rated this product 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These smell great without being overpowering, work great and are good value, load for load. I’ve used them in a front loader and they dissolve fully.” Ed Raton
2. Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent, Odor Release, 150 Fl Oz
For clothes that need a tougher clean, go for Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent, which effectively fights odors and provides up to 30 days of freshness thanks to its Odor-Elimination technology and Dirt Lift action. It is compatible with all washing machines, including HE. This great value product provides detergent for up to 100 loads. Customers rated Purex 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Gets our clothes clean, rinses well and machine friendly. Have used this brand for years happily. Worth every penny.” Kimberly
3. Gain Ultra Flings Liquid Laundry Detergent Pacs, Original Scent
Designed for large loads, these Gain Ultra Flings provide better cleaning and freshness power than alternative liquid detergents. It has twice the OXI Boost and Febrese and 3 times the scent power versus the original Gain Flings. It cleans in cold water too. This formula is free of phosphates and is made with 100% renewable wind power electricity. Customers have rated these Gain Ultra Flings with OXI Boost and Febreze 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I really love how convenient the pods are since you don’t need to measure–it leads to the perfect amount of solution so there isn’t too much or too little. Overall, it is more cost effective since I usually over-do it with liquid. The scent is really good and it cleans well. I just drop the pod in, let it fill with water so it dissolves a bit, then put the laundry in and run it as normal. Works great.” Carfo
4. Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, Original, 96 Loads
For those who only trust the most recognizable brand in laundry detergent, grab this Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, which has 40% more stain & odor removal power per drop versus its previous formula. This 150 fl oz bottle is good for as much as 96 loads. This Tide product is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I have 5 growing boys and I find that Tide is really the best detergent. I have used many brands on the market but nothing comes to Tide when it comes to cleaning really soiled clothes that only boys can consistently make happen. We like the scent as well. It’s not perfumy but just smell clean. Thank you, Tide!” Raizy R.
5. Persil ProClean Stain Fighter Liquid Laundry Detergent, 100 Fl Oz, 50 Loads
Providing a deep clean and boosted stain removal, Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent features a power-boosted formula that fights even the toughest stains. It’s specifically designed to perform optimally in all types of washing machines, including HE. This 100 oz bottle is good for up to 50 loads. This Persil product is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Best smelling detergent! Leaves my clothes smelling fresh and clean! I wear scrubs and need to feel that they are clean and smell good because I work closely with patients. It also has not faded the fabrics of any of my clothes. Also clothes hang dry well with this alone and no fabric softener.” Alyshia
COVID-19 Safety: Highly Rated Plant-based Laundry Detergent Alternatives
1. Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent Geranium, 64 oz (Pack of 2)
Those who are looking for a safer, more gentler way to clean clothes can look no further than Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent in Geranium scent. This 64 oz bottle provides detergent for up to 64 loads. It features a concentrated formula made of plant-derived sources, dirt and stain-fighting enzymes, and essential oils for a unique, all-natural scent and garden-fresh fragrance. This product is biodegradable and HE compatible. Effectively removes dirt and grim thanks to its Anionic Surfactants from natural sources. Customers rated this product 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I really like this scent better than the purple lavender bottle. I use a lot less detergent with Meyers and my clothes are nice and clean. I do not have sensitive skin issues with this detergent. Glad I made the switch. Smells nice and lasts long.” CJM
2. Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent, co-Friendly, Non-Toxic, Plant-Based, Citrus Essence
Unlike other commercial detergents, BioKleen Natural Laundry Detergent cleans tough stains and gets rid of odors without leaving residue or a harsh scent on clothes. It is made of plant-based surfactants with extracts of citrus and grapefruit seed for a unique clean that smells great. This formula does not contain phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, petroleum solvents, alcohol, butyl, glycol ether, and artificial colors and fragrance. It is also free of metasilicates, borax, or caustics and is safe for the environment. Good for 128 loads. Customers rated this product 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “We bought this for my daughter’s very sensitive skin and it hasn’t disappointed. The bottle lasts for several months even with doing around 6 loads per week.” Amazon Customer
3. Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, Ultra Concentrated EasyDose, Free & Clear, 2-Pack
Conquering up to 66 loads per bottle, the Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent in Free & Clear is an ultra-concentrated formula that uses Easy Dose Auto Dosing Technology that measures just the right amount every time so nothing ever goes to waste. All you need to do is flip the bottle, squeeze, and the perfect amount comes out every time. Its advanced-enzyme formula is tough on dirt and stains and never on humans and the environment so you know it’s safe to use around kids and pets. This product does not contain fragrances, dyes, and artificial brighteners. Customers have rated this Seventh Generation product 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “My go to laundry detergent for the last year. You only need a small squirt which is controlled by the spout. Lasts a long time and is great for sensitive skin. No chemicals like other detergents so keep clothes looking newer longer.” JP
4. Method Concentrated Laundry Detergent, Beach Sage, 53.5 Ounce, 66 Loads (4 Count)
Method offers no-fuss cleaning with its naturally derived, concentrated laundry soap with a plant-based, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic formula that effectively fights stains and dirt, keeping colors bright and white clothes bright. Customers have rated this Method product 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “It has taken me years to find the perfect combination of scent, quality, and price for the amount of product. This keeps our laundry clean and smelling fresh and doesn’t include fabric softener. Great for sensitive skin!” Amazon Customer
5. Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent, Fragrance Free, 60 Loads
Keep baby’s clothes clean and safe to use with Babyganics Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent, which formula is made without sulfates and with plant and enzyme based cleaning power. Its plant-derived ingredients have stain fighting power to ensure clean clothes. Its non-allergenic formula is dermatologist tested and is cruelty-free, never tested on animals. This laundry detergent is HE compatible and is triple concentrated. Customers rated this Babyganics product 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I love this product. A little goes a long way since it’s concentrated, and my baby’s skin issues cleared up shortly after switching from the popular baby detergent to this product.” N. Malcolm-Manyara
For more products to make your home more healthier, make sure to check out our stories on COVID-19 safety in the links from our archive below. Don’t miss out!
Coronavirus Safety: How to Celebrate Easter Under Quarantine
Essential Foods to Store in Your Freezer During the Coronavirus Quarantine
COVID-19: How Coronavirus Affects the Body and How You Can Protect Yourself from the Virus
Best Health Boosters For The Immune System, According to Those Who Use Them
How to Avoid Getting the Coronavirus
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