COVID-19: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME
At Meurice, we’re mothers, fathers, caregivers, sons, daughters, friends, neighbors. Since early March, a topic of conversation that we always come back to is how it’s so hard to be there for one another during this time. We can’t visit or help unless it’s verbally through a screen or 6 feet away to ensure our loved ones’ wellness. There’s so much out of our control.
Instead, let’s focus on what we can control. Below, we debunk some of the rumors around coronavirus, like whether your washer/dryer is enough and how long it stays on clothing and packages. Our team also put together a list of tips that comply with the CDC and the Dry Cleaning and Laundry Institute’s (DLI) practices. Keeping these things in mind, you’ll be able to safeguard your home and your loved ones’ homes. Make sure to send it to them!
Before we get into it, we’re opening up our phone lines as a COVID-19 hotline. Call at any time of the day with questions about cleaning your closet or homes - no question is too big or small!
Meurice COVID Hotline
Stains Doctor
If you haven’t read up on the CDC-recommended preparations for your home, review them here. The CDC also has useful procedures for preparing your family, especially if you’re pregnant or have pets.
Going Outside
If you’re going outside or going on a run, make sure to walk to the left or right of someone in front of you. Watch this video from ANSYS on how bacteria moves in the air when you’re on the move. If you are stepping outside (even if it’s a brief walk or quick grocery store run) or if you’re in contact with someone you didn’t quarantine with, you should immediately change and clean your clothing when you return. There actually isn’t sufficient research on how long coronavirus stays on clothing, so take precautions.
Tip: Run/walk to the left or right side of someone if you are behind them and cannot stand 6 feet apart next to them. This will take you outside of the coronavirus particle diameter.
by ANSYS
With everything getting delivered, it’s only natural to be wary of what comes into your home. For those Amazon packages that are cardboard boxes, the virus can survive up to 24 hours. For plastic-wrapped packages, the virus can survive anywhere between 48 to 72 hours.
Tip: If you can’t wait for your packages to sit out, wear gloves and sanitize with a Clorox wipe the package and all mail outside or in the garage when you receive it. Take the item out, and leave the box in your recycling can.
hot baths?
Should we be trying to take extra caution to kill the virus with temperature methods? No. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned against using extreme heat or cold prevent infection. Taking a hot bath, using hair blow dryers, or UV lamps has absolutely no effect on this new Coronavirus strain. Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at AtlantiCare reports "It's not realistic or necessary." "The most effective intervention to prevent the spread of germs is proper hand-washing."
That being said, high temperatures in washing machines and dryers are encouraged to kill bacteria. Read more below.
Cleaning Frequency
Routine cleaning is necessary to eliminate the virus. If you are stepping outside (even if it’s a brief walk or quick grocery store run) or if you’re in contact with someone you didn’t quarantine with, you should immediately change and clean your clothing when you return. There actually isn’t sufficient research on how long coronavirus stays on clothing, so take precautions. If you aren’t able to do laundry, place your clothing in a sealed bag (i.e. garbage bag) or hamper for a day or so. Don’t forget to sanitize the hampers. As you’re doing the laundry, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands after you do the laundry, especially when handling an infected person’s clothing. Remember, don’t shake the clothing!
Tip: If you leave the house, change when you come back inside. Up your laundry frequency if you’re going outside on a daily basis.
IS YOUR HOME WASHER/DRYER CUTTING IT?
High temperatures work wonders to eliminate flu viruses. If you have been infected or have come in contact with the virus, your clothing is high-risk to your home. This is when you should strongly consider sending in your clothing to Meurice for a proper cleaning. Normal washers and dryers do not reach the temperature necessary to do so. Your washing machine’s “HOT” setting reaches about 130 degrees but always finishes with a cold rinse; dryers reach a maximum of 135 degrees.
FOR INFECTED CLOTHING
If you have high-risk clothing, it must be washed at a temperature of 135-150 degrees to kill coronavirus. The most important part of the laundry cycle is the drying process. The dryer heat will kill bacteria while the washer creates a damp, enclosed space for bacteria to spread. Check your washer and dryer specifications to see if it reaches the proper temperature. If it doesn’t, send in your clothing. If you’re unable to send in your garments and linens to us, we recommend using the highest temperature on your machines for a hot water wash. When pressing or steaming clothing, use a hot steam press.
If you haven’t been in contact with anyone, your normal washer and dryer will be sufficient. Remember - even if you’re going to the grocery store, you may have been in contact without knowing or showing symptoms.
Tip: When doing the wash, use the “HOT” temperature setting. When drying, use the hottest temperature setting possible. When in doubt, send in clothing for a proper cleaning to be safe.
Clean the Machines
To avoid contaminating your garments with the machine itself, clean the drum on a biweekly to avoid any build up of bacteria or mold. Typically, you can do this by pouring in a cup of vinegar.
Disinfect High-Contact Areas
Since we’re all home now, cleaning your high-contact surfaces (like kids’ rooms and kitchen tables) routinely will help prevent sickness from surfacing. When cleaning, wear disposable gloves. Use disinfectant solutions with bleach or at least 70% alcohol. Don’t forget about doorknobs and light switches. With soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs, drapes, you mostly likely will be unable to clean it effectively at home with household cleaners without ruining the textile. Please consult our Interior team at Meurice: marleen@meurice.nyc or (347) 366-9603.
takeaway
If you’re safely quarantining and haven’t been outside, your household cleaners and washers/dryers will be sufficient for safeguarding your home. If you’ve been infected and are worried that your household cleaners and washing machines aren’t enough to eliminate the virus, see below for our services. As we continue to monitor the virus, we will share practices that will help you protect your home. We are in this together, New York