The COVID-19 virus has presented the world with an unprecedented challenge. While scientists grapple for an urgent solution in the form of a vaccine, we are left with few measures to battle the virus. Among these, the foremost include wearing a mask, sanitising, disinfecting and maintaining hygiene at all times in all places.
Though these measures have been highly recommended by the government, the question arises- Can a simple disinfectant actually kill the COVID-19 virus? The answer lies in a basic scientific explanation.
The COVID-19 virus is an enveloped virus which has a protective lipid coating. Such a fatty wrapping is often only a flimsy protective shell which makes the virus vulnerable and easy to kill.
Alcohol-based cleaning products easily disintegrate this protective shell around the virus, ultimately killing it.
Disinfectants commonly used in the healthcare and food sector attack the lipid structures, thus destroying the virus’s ability to infect. To give proof to these claims, many studies have been conducted over the past few months. A study by the Journal of Water and Health (a subsidiary of WHO) shows how different types of disinfectants are critical in destroying the virus. Another study conducted by Boeing also shows how disinfectants can kill the COVID-19 virus not just in domestic or work settings but also in an aircraft.
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency released a list of disinfectantsthat can prove to be effective against COVID-19. This was released under a new program that removes the lengthy review process for disinfectants, thus helping the public to engage in immediate action against the virus. This list contains dozens of products ranging from ready-to-use concentrates and floor disinfectants to wipes and other cleaners. Each of them is effective against at least one or more viruses of the non-enveloped variety, which are harder to kill than the enveloped ones (such as COVID-19).
In order to check if the disinfectant that you have bought is effective against COVID-19, check the EPA Reg. No. on the product label. Search EPA’s database for the first two sets of numbers mentioned and you will know if the product can kill COVID-19.
Another way to assure if the disinfectant kills COVID-19 is to look for products that contain ethanol, hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium.
A great example is the Diversey Oxivir Five Concentrate Liquid Hospital Grade
One-Step Cleaner Disinfectant- tested and approved by the EPA for use against the COVID-19 virus. It uses Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide technology and disinfects in half the time i.e. 5 minutes.
How does COVID-19 spread?
According to the recent literature on the coronavirus, scientists have made certain pronunciations regarding the spread of COVID-19. The foremost study in the arena was conducted by WHO on the modes of transmission of the virus.
The virus can be spread if a healthy person comes in contact with someone who has COVID-19, or with surfaces or objects that the infected person has touched. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets are released in the air. These droplets don’t travel far (not more than 6 feet) but can linger in the air for minutes to hours. On surfaces, the virus can stay for much longer – from a few hours to even a few days.
Use of Disinfectants
To prevent the virus from spreading through surfaces, all points should be frequently cleaned and disinfected using disinfectants. These disinfectants are designed to kill viruses and bacteria.
High contact touch-points that need special attention include doorknobs, tables, chairs, handles, light switches, counters, TV remotes, toilets, faucets and sinks.
First, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned using detergent and water. This removes dirt, rubbish, debris and other organic matter but does not kill the virus. After cleaning, applying the disinfectant on the surface for the duration as mentioned by the manufacturer can effectively kill COVID-19 and other bacteria. If the duration is not mentioned, then the ideal time to leave the disinfectant is 10 minutes. Wiping it off early might limit its potential to kill the virus. An important step to keep in mind is to wear rubber gloves during the cleaning process, especially in workplaces since the cleaner can also be shedding the virus.
Electronic devices can aid the spread of the virus, especially mobile phones. Smartphones can pick up germs from contaminated hands and then transmit them to a new location. Thus, cleaning electronic devices can be tricky. Apple recommends cleaning keyboards and other displays using disinfectant wipes, containing 70% alcohol. Another option is to spray an EPA-approved disinfectant on any disposable wipe or cloth and then use it to clean the display. A word of caution- Do not use bleach on electronics under any circumstances.
Keeping in mind health concerns, overall convenience and the great prices offered on a range of cleaning products, many facilities nowadays prefer to buy their disinfectants and other cleaning supplies online from One Stop Cleaning Supplies. Benefit from our friendly and professional advice, fast shipping across Australia, and widest range of products. Call us on 1300 131 700, email us on sales@onestopcleaningsupplies.com, or explore our website at www.onestopwholesaler.com for the latest updates!