Bleach, soap, or alcohol? How to disinfect surfaces vs. COVID-19, according to experts

As much as we do our best to stay at home to curb the spread of the coronavirus, getting supplies from the outside is unavoidable.

Unfortunately, it is still possible to contract the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the things that enter our houses.

COVID-19, a disease that has infected at least 8,212 people in the country, can be transferred through direct contact with infected people or through indirect contact with surfaces or objects used by the infected person.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, SARS-CoV-2, the virus strain that causes COVID-19, can last 24 hours on cardboard, two days on stainless steel and three days on polypropylene, a type of hard plastic.

To help keep everyone safe, experts share how to properly disinfect the surfaces we come in contact with.

What to use

To disinfect surfaces, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDFP) shared that users must clean them using soap and water all while using disposable gloves.

If soap is not available, CDCP advised citizens to use diluted household bleach solutions as long it's appropriate for the surface.

"Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted," it shared.

On the other hand, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the National Institute of Product Evaluation Technology said simple cleaners such as kitchen detergents may be effective against the virus.

Some scientists, however, warn citizens from using bleach to disinfect surfaces.

Lisa Casanova, an environmental health scientist at Georgia State University told National Geographic, "With bleach, if you put it on a surface with a lot of dirt, that [dirt] will eat up the bleach."

She advised citizens to use milder soaps like dish soaps to sanitize a surface indoors and outdoors instead.

Disinfecting soft surfaces

For soft surfaces such as carpeted floors, rugs or curtains, CDFP said it's best to use soap and water or cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.

Use the warmest appropriate water setting for the item and dry them completely.

Disinfecting electronic surfaces

It is advised for people to put a wipeable cover on their electronics such as phones, tablets, keyboards, remote controls and touch screens.

To clean the gadgets, CDFP advised to follow the manufacturer's instructions for disinfecting. If there's no guidance available, simply use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol.

Dry the surface completely afterward.

Disinfecting laundry

For clothing, towels, linens and other items, CDCP said that users should launder items according to the manufacturer's instructions while using the warmest appropriate water setting.

The organization clarified that dirty laundry from a sick person can actually be washed along with other people's clothes. However, always wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a sick person.

After cleaning and disinfecting clothes hampers, remove gloves and wash hands right away.

CDCP also advised the public to practice routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, light switches, countertops, phones, toilets and sinks.

—JCB, GMA News