-by Hima Sailaja T
Have you ever wondered how to disinfect the clothes we wear? Everyone is talking about how to wash hands or how to use masks and gloves correct but what about the clothes that protect our entire body 24×7? For sure, we need to disinfect them too. The good news is, clothes are easier to disinfect and there are various ways in which we can disinfect clothes.
Can cloths spread Corona? Well, we all are aware that Coronavirus is usually transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person sneezing or coughing. Clothes when contaminated, with these droplets, can transfer disease. If someones sneeze or coughs, droplets stay in clothes and when one touches such clothes, and those hands go on the face, spread the disease.
How long the virus will be on clothes? As per public health specialists, everyday clothes we use can hold respiratory droplets. These droplets dry over time and inactivate the virus, but there is no evidence of how quickly viruses on clothes dry out. This depends on the fabric type. The droplet can dry out under some conditions, which is faster with natural fibres than polyester, spandex-like material which may keep germs longer. Breathable cotton-based fabrics dry out faster. Some researchers believe the fibres in porous material catch the virus particles, dry them out and break them apart. Handloom fabrics are perfectly porous, unlike mill made where the fabrics are woven thick and tight by machines. Also, most of the handlooms are of natural fabrics that are breathable and easy to disinfect.
What can we do to avoid spreading viruses through cloths? First and foremost, change cloths as you reach home. Also, get in the habit to keep outside clothes stored in a separate laundry bag, and preferably wash immediately. Must and should wash them any time before others have
touched them. While washing is removing dirt and removing impurities from surfaces with soap and detergent, disinfecting goes a step ahead, killing germs using chemicals.
Disinfectants for clothes are of many kinds. Chlorine is the best disinfectant to use, but it is too strong for coloured and delicate garments. So, use Chlorine only with white garments. Based on fabric type, use Pine Oil disinfectants, Phenolic disinfectants or Quaternary disinfectants.
Here are a few natural ways to make clothes virus free :
- Dry clothes completely, preferably in sun. Especially suites, blazers and delicates line dry in the sun inside out.
- As per the wash label instructions, wash clothes with hot water above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep extra heat and time in the dryer, as the droplets will dry out, which would likely inactivate the virus.
- Specific items, like hand gloves, might also be steamed to remove viruses and bacteria.
Bonus Care Tips :
- It’s just not the clothes but some of the buttons, zippers and other clothing hardware also carry the virus and some viruses can remain active unto 24 hours. As you reach home, immediately disinfect the clothing that has hardware.
- Don’t shake the dirty laundry. This will decrease the dispersing of the virus through the air.
- Clean and Disinfect laundry baskets, if possible use a disposable liner.
- Washer and Dryer can harbour germs and bacteria. Disinfect washer and dryer drums too. With chlorine water, wipe inside and outside the machine.
- Wear rubber gloves when handling soiled laundry or wiping washer and dryer.
- Clean the buckets and cloths washing brushes.
- Use cotton and natural fabric clothes. Handlooms are best as they are porous and easy to disinfect.
Clothes do carry the virus but their care is as simple as drying them completely in the sun though chemical disinfectants are also an option. Last but not least, wear bright clothes as they will enhance your mood and helps to keep in good spirits.
Hima Sailaja T, is the Founder & Creative Head of Weave Nation.
