Maya Ellison
The COVID-19 virus can remain on plastic for up to three days, according to a study by the New England Journal of Medicine. This means that disinfecting plastic surfaces is crucial to preventing the spread of the virus. There are a variety of ways to disinfect plastic, including using disinfectant wipes or sprays, alcohol solutions, or a diluted bleach solution. It is important to follow the instructions on product labels and to be cautious when handling cleaning agents to avoid misuse or danger.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long coronavirus lasts on plastic | Up to 3 days |
| Solutions to disinfect plastic | 62-71% ethanol alcohol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, Lysol, bleach, soap and water |
| Precautions | Do not mix bleach with any chemical other than water |
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What You'll Learn
Use disinfectant wipes or sprays with at least 70% alcohol
The coronavirus can remain on plastic for up to three days. To disinfect plastic surfaces, one effective method is to use disinfectant wipes or sprays with at least 70% alcohol. This can be done by preparing your own disinfectant wipes. Purchase store-bought wet wipes and pour in 10-15 ml of isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, depending on the number of wipes. Ensure that the alcohol content is at least 70% by mixing it with water in a 70:30 ratio. Once the wipes are prepared, they can be used to disinfect plastic surfaces by wiping them down.
Another option is to make a disinfectant spray. Mix 70% alcohol with 30% water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto plastic surfaces and let it sit for at least 30 seconds before wiping it off. This method is suitable for most surfaces and objects, including electronics like cell phones and keyboards.
It is important to note that while alcohol-based disinfectants are effective, they should not be the only line of defence against the coronavirus. Hand washing, social distancing, and wearing face masks in public are also crucial. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that disinfectant products like Lysol or bleach are designed for use on surfaces and should not be used on the body or food items.
To further protect yourself, it is recommended to clean high-touch surfaces regularly, especially if they are frequently dirty. These surfaces include doorknobs, countertops, light switches, handrails, elevator buttons, car doors, keys, faucet handles, and more. By combining the use of disinfectant wipes or sprays with at least 70% alcohol and focusing on frequently touched areas, you can effectively disinfect plastic surfaces and reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.
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Bleach diluted with cold water is also effective
When using bleach, it is important to take safety precautions. Wear gloves and avoid mixing bleach with ammonia, as this combination is toxic. Bleach solutions should be used within 24 hours, as they lose effectiveness over time. Bleach must not be mixed with any chemical other than water, as it can create dangerous and potentially deadly gases. Bleach solutions should be kept out of sunlight, as they can quickly lose effectiveness when exposed to the sun.
To make a bleach solution, carefully add two tablespoons of bleach to cold water and stir gently to mix. According to the WHO, any bleach cleaner needs to have at least 0.05% available chlorine to work as a disinfectant. Many products will include the amount of chlorine on the label.
Always clean surfaces before disinfecting. The WHO reports that organic materials such as food, bodily fluids, and dirt can quickly deactivate bleach and render it ineffective as a disinfectant. Wipe down hard surfaces first and rinse off organic material on fabrics or other items.
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Hydrogen peroxide can be used but may discolour fabrics
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective disinfectant for plastic surfaces. It is also gentle on fabrics, safe for most clothes, and works as a natural cleaner. However, it may discolour fabrics, so it is important to exercise caution when using it on coloured fabrics.
Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used to disinfect surfaces and fabrics. It is a powerful stain remover, effective at tackling tough stains, and can also be used to brighten whites. It is a mild antiseptic that can be added to the wash cycle to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and odour-causing microorganisms.
When using hydrogen peroxide on fabrics, it is important to follow the recommended safety guidelines and perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area before full treatment. This is because hydrogen peroxide can potentially discolour fabrics, especially if they are not colourfast.
To use hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant for plastic surfaces, it is recommended to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturers. It can be used to wipe down surfaces and objects, ensuring that they are free from viral particles, including the coronavirus, which can survive on plastic for up to three days.
While hydrogen peroxide is generally safe and effective, it should not be the only disinfectant in your arsenal. It is always good to have a variety of disinfectants and cleaning agents to suit different surfaces and purposes. For example, hand sanitiser is great for lowering the amount of infection on your hands, while surface disinfectants like Lysol and bleach are more suitable for surfaces.
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Wash plastic items with soap and water
To disinfect plastic items from coronavirus, one simple method is to wash them with soap and water. This is a good way to clean plastic items that can get wet, such as plastic containers for perishables like meat, milk, and bread. It is also useful for cleaning plastic items that have been delivered to your home, such as grocery items.
To wash plastic items with soap and water, first ensure you are wearing gloves if you have them. Then, wet the item with warm water and apply soap. You can use detergent or standard hand soap. Scrub the item thoroughly, ensuring you cover every part of the surface. Rinse the item with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Washing plastic items with soap and water is a simple and effective way to remove viral particles. However, it is important to remember that coronavirus can live on plastic for up to three days, and it is always possible that you have missed a spot when washing. Therefore, it is a good idea to follow up washing with another disinfection method, such as using disinfectant wipes or sprays.
You can make your own disinfectant wipes by pouring 10-15ml of isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol onto store-bought wet wipes. Ensure the alcohol is at least 70% strength, and do not use these wipes on your skin. You can also make a disinfectant spray by mixing alcohol with water at a ratio of 70:30. Bleach diluted with cold water (one-quarter cup of bleach per 4 litres of water) is another option, as is hydrogen peroxide diluted in water.
Remember to always follow safety guidelines when using cleaning products. For example, never mix cleaning products, as this can be dangerous. Wash your hands before and after handling plastic items, and avoid touching your face.
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Clean high-touch surfaces daily, e.g. phones, keyboards, handles
Coronavirus can survive on plastic for up to three days, so it is important to disinfect high-touch surfaces made of this material, such as phones, keyboards, and handles, on a daily basis.
To disinfect your phone, first, turn it off and unplug any cables or accessories. Remove any phone case or cover and set it aside to be disinfected separately. Use a soft wipe containing 70% alcohol to clean the phone, being sure to get into small areas such as around the camera lens. Do not use chlorine bleach or spray as this may damage your phone, and avoid excess moisture to prevent damaging the interior micro-electronics. You can use the same method to disinfect your phone accessories, such as earbuds and chargers.
For keyboards, you can use natural essential oil wipes, such as Herban Essentials wipes, to clean the keys and surfaces. Alternatively, you can use a diluted solution of Clorox or chlorine bleach. Be sure to clean any surrounding high-touch surfaces, such as the steering wheel or door handles, at the same time.
To disinfect handles, it is recommended to use alcohol as this is the most effective way to tackle germs. You can use a soft wipe containing 70% alcohol or a disinfectant wipe, such as Lysol, to clean door handles, pull handles, and knobs.
In general, solutions containing 62% to 71% ethanol alcohol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite have been found to efficiently inactivate the coronavirus on surfaces within one minute.
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Frequently asked questions
The coronavirus can survive on plastic for up to three days.
Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol are effective on hard surfaces with a contact time of at least 30 seconds. 3% Hydrogen peroxide is also effective against coronaviruses and can be sprayed and left to dry without needing to be wiped off. Bleach diluted with cold water (one-quarter cup of bleach per 4 litres of cold water) can also be used.
It is important to follow the instructions on the product label for best results. One key insight is to allow the disinfectant to sit on surfaces for the recommended amount of time before wiping or rinsing, as this ensures maximum effectiveness.
Frequently touched surfaces such as handrails, elevator buttons, door handles, car doors, keys, cabinet handles, faucet handles, electronics, countertops, grooming accessories, kitchen utensils, tables, and light switches should be disinfected.
