The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols. However, many people worry about catching the illness from contaminated objects like bed sheets. This concern is understandable, especially when someone in the household is unwell and spends significant time in bed. Understanding how the virus interacts with porous materials like bedding clarifies the actual risk and guides effective cleaning practices.
Understanding Transmission via Surfaces
The risk of contracting COVID-19 from a surface like a bed sheet is low compared to close-range exposure to an infected person’s breath. The virus spreads mainly through airborne transmission, where infectious particles are inhaled directly into the respiratory system. Surface transmission, known as fomite transmission, occurs when a person touches a contaminated object and then touches their own face, nose, or mouth.
The actual amount of infectious virus transferred from a soft surface like fabric is significantly reduced. This route is secondary because environmental factors, such as the rapid drying of respiratory droplets on porous materials, quickly inactivate the virus. Scientific consensus indicates that while the virus can be detected on surfaces, the chance of infection from that contact is not the main driver of disease spread.
How Long the Virus Survives on Fabric
The viability of SARS-CoV-2 is heavily influenced by the type of surface it lands on, with fabrics generally being less hospitable than hard, non-porous materials. Studies comparing different surface types show that the virus survives longer on items like plastic or stainless steel than on textiles. This difference is largely due to the physical properties of the materials themselves.
Porous surfaces, such as cotton or polyester, absorb the moisture from respiratory droplets, causing the virus to dry out quickly. This rapid evaporation and wicking action destabilizes the viral structure, leading to inactivation. Research has indicated that while the virus may persist for several days on non-porous surfaces, it becomes non-infectious much sooner on fabrics.
The specific type of fabric also plays a role in survival duration. For example, the virus could survive for up to 24 hours on highly absorbent 100% cotton. Conversely, on less absorbent materials like polyester, the virus may remain detectable for longer periods, sometimes up to three days, though infectiousness decreases rapidly.
Safe Handling and Cleaning of Bedding
Managing bedding from someone who has been ill requires simple steps to minimize transmission risk. Avoid shaking dirty laundry, as this can aerosolize viral particles on the fabric. Instead, place the linens directly into the washing machine or a dedicated, lined laundry basket.
Standard laundry detergent is highly effective at breaking down the virus’s outer envelope, rendering it harmless. For an extra layer of precaution, use the warmest appropriate water setting recommended for the fabric type. Washing with hot water, approximately 140°F (60°C), is a common recommendation for disinfection, though even warm water combined with detergent is sufficient.
Thorough drying is a crucial step because the heat from a dryer is highly effective at inactivating any remaining virus. Ensure that all bedding is completely dry before removing it. After handling soiled laundry, immediately practice diligent hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.