The COVID-19 coronavirus can survive for a period of time on clothing and bedding including sheets, mattresses, pillows and other surfaces. Therefore, we need to sanitize our pillows after covid to protect us and our family members from being infected. And now please follow our steps to effectively sanitize your pillows.
How to sanitize pillows after COVID?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not specifically recommend sanitizing pillows for the purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, can help reduce the risk of transmission.
To sanitize your pillows after possible exposure to COVID-19, you can follow the steps below:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the pillows.
- Remove any pillowcases or covers and wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is usually done in hot water (at least 140°F) with a detergent. According to research, high temperatures above 140°F can effectively eliminate the coronavirus.
- If the pillows are machine-washable, wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions. If they are not machine-washable, you can try spot-cleaning them with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Be sure to rinse the pillows thoroughly with clean water and allow them to air-dry completely.
- After cleaning the pillow, dry the pillow and pillowcase in the sun if allowed, using ultraviolet light to kill viruses. Or you can use an iron and dryer to dry your pillows and pillowcases. In a high temperature environment, the COVID-19 coronavirus can be effectively killed in about 10 to 30 minutes.
- If you are concerned about the possibility of contamination with COVID-19, you may want to consider replacing the pillows with new ones. This is especially important if the pillows are heavily soiled or if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
You should be noted that some pillows, such as those filled with memory foam, should not be placed in the dryer as the heat can damage the filling, and some pillows may not respond well to prolonged exposure to the sun's heat and UV rays. It's best to check the care instructions for your specific pillow before drying and sanitizing it.
Recommended reading: How to Clean a Memory Foam Pillow?
Can you use disinfectant on pillows?
It should be noted that do not add disinfectant during washing for disinfection and sterilization, because the disinfectant will cause irreversible damage to the pillow. Three steps of washing, drying and ironing are enough to kill a lot of bacteria and viruses.
To sanitize the pillows, you can use a disinfectant spray or wipe that is approved for use on fabric surfaces. Follow the instructions on the product label for the appropriate contact time (the length of time the surface should remain visibly wet) and ventilate the area well while using the disinfectant.
How long does COVID-19 last on pillows?
The length of time that COVID-19 can survive on a surface, including a pillow, can vary based on a number of factors, including the type of surface, the temperature and humidity of the environment, and the amount of virus present.
According to the CDC, the COVID-19 virus can survive for a short period of time on some surfaces, such as plastic and stainless steel, up to several days. On softer surfaces, such as fabric, the virus may survive for a shorter period of time.
Generally, if it is in a high temperature environment, the new coronavirus can survive on pillows and clothes for about 10-30 minutes. A high temperature environment above 56°C can effectively kill the new coronavirus. If it is in a low temperature environment, the new coronavirus can survive on pillows or other fabrics for about three to seven days, and some new coronavirus variants can survive longer on pillows or other fabrics.
Should I sanitize my pillows and other beddings after COVID-19?
As we mentioned above, the CDC does not specifically recommend sanitizing pillows for the purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, it is wise to keep your living and sleeping areas clean. This can help to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and protect ourselves and other family members.
Besides, the risk of transmission through surfaces, including pillows, is thought to be low compared to transmission through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Therefore, it is important to focus on practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, to reduce the risk of transmission.
How do you sanitize a pillow without washing it?
If you are unable to wash your pillows and want to sanitize them, there are a few methods you can take.
1. Use ultraviolet light, point the ultraviolet light at the pillow for a period of time, it can effectively kill the germs and COVID-19 virus.
2. Put the pillow under the sun to sanitize, and kill the virus on the surface of pillow through the ultraviolet rays in the sun.
3. Use a disinfectant spray or wipe that is approved for use on fabric surfaces, and then put your pillow in a well-ventilated place and allow pillow to air dry.
Summary
This article tells you a lot of useful methods to sanitize your pillows after COVID-19. During the epidemic, we must pay attention to hygiene, wash and sanitize daily necessities such as bedding and pillows more often, and keep them clean, to effectively block the spread of the virus and ensure your own health.
