Carpets and rugs against the coronavirus

RESULTS OF CORONAVIRUS RESEARCH RELATED TO CARPETS AND RUGS

All research maintains that, in order for the virus to maintain its virulence, it must maintain its natural structure, and this it does only if it is in a liquid medium such as the water droplets in which it is found when it is expelled from the organism through sneezing or coughing. The virus is highly sensitive to dehydration, heat and sunlight and there is no evidence of infection through the skin.

CORONAVIRUS ON NON POROUS MATERIALS (plastics, metals, marble...)

• The droplets remain stable and the viruses that remain inside remain active for a longer period of time.
• Non-porous materials represent the greatest risk and should be cleaned frequently.

CORONAVIRUS ON POROUS MATERIALS (carpets and rugs)

• These materials absorb water from the droplets, the virus is exposed to the environment without being "protected" and deteriorates much earlier.
• Viruses on carpets and rugs would survive half as long as on stainless steel or hard plastic surfaces.

HOW TO CLEAN CARPETS AND RUGS

Steam cleaning is appropriate because the temperature required to remove a virus out of the body is approximately 60°C. During steam cleaning,temperatures are at least 66°C and sometimes well above boiling point.

Another method, such as dry cleaning, will help eliminate pathogens and bacteria and their food source in the form of dirt, however, it is the high temperatures that take care of bacteria and viruses (and dust mites and fleas...).

CONCLUSION

Of all the objects, surfaces and materials in homes, offices and public spaces that people touch, the chance of becoming infected through carpeting is much lower than in other types of floor coverings. The survival time of the virus in carpet or rugs is negligible.