The virus that causes COVID-19 is primarily known to spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Public concern focused on the possibility of virus transfer from surfaces, a route called fomite transmission. Clothing and other textiles are surfaces people frequently touch and carry into their homes. Understanding the survival rate of the virus on fabric is the first step in assessing the potential for clothing to act as a vector for infection.
How Long the Virus Survives on Fabric
Laboratory studies have investigated how long SARS-CoV-2 can remain detectable and infectious on various types of textiles. The time the virus can survive is highly dependent on the material’s composition. In general, porous materials like cotton and other fabrics cause viral particles to dry out and decay much faster than they do on hard, non-porous surfaces such as plastic or stainless steel.
For example, on 100% cotton fabric, the virus has been shown to remain infectious for up to 24 hours under specific laboratory conditions. Synthetic fabrics tend to retain the virus for longer periods, with infectious particles found on polyester for up to 72 hours. A blend of materials, such as polycotton, showed a shorter survival time, with the virus lasting for around six hours.
While the virus is less stable on textiles than on smooth surfaces, it can still persist for a substantial period. These survival times are measured under controlled laboratory conditions, which often differ significantly from real-world environments. The actual viral load and survival time are likely reduced by variables like temperature, humidity, and airflow outside of a lab setting.
Assessing Transmission Likelihood
The presence of a detectable virus on a surface, even clothing, does not equate to a high probability of infection. Public health officials agree that the primary mode of transmission for COVID-19 is through close-range exposure to respiratory droplets and aerosols. Transmission via contaminated surfaces, or fomites, is considered a secondary and low-risk pathway for the general public.
For a clothing-based transmission event to occur, an individual would need to pick up enough viable virus particles from the fabric onto their hands. They would then need to transfer those particles directly to their mouth, nose, or eyes before the virus is inactivated by environmental factors or hand hygiene. The viral load required to cause an infection is rarely met through this indirect sequence of events.
The porous nature of fabric tends to quickly absorb and disperse the moisture containing the virus, leading to a rapid loss of viral viability. The risk of contracting COVID-19 from clothes worn during a routine public outing, like a trip to the grocery store, is considered low. The risk profile changes only in high-exposure scenarios, such as for healthcare workers or those caring for a sick person who directly contaminates the clothing.
Practical Cleaning and Handling
The standard laundry process is effective at neutralizing any virus particles that may be present on clothing. The combination of water, detergent, and the mechanical agitation of the washing machine works to remove and inactivate the virus. Most household laundry detergents contain surfactants that effectively break down the fatty membrane surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
For routine laundry, a normal wash cycle with your usual detergent is sufficient to maintain hygiene and reduce risk. If you are washing laundry from a person with a confirmed illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using the warmest water setting appropriate for the fabric. It is also recommended to dry items completely, as the heat from a dryer is effective at inactivating any residual virus.
Handling and Disinfection
When handling contaminated items, avoid shaking the laundry, which could disperse viral particles into the air. You may use disposable gloves when moving laundry from an ill person to the washing machine, and always wash your hands immediately after handling soiled clothes. It is safe to wash the clothing of a sick person with the rest of the household’s laundry. There is no need to add extra disinfectants to the wash cycle, as standard detergent provides adequate protection.