A new study, out last week, has suggested that COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, such as worktops or door handles, for up to three days.
The virus was detected on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours after exposure and on cardboard for up to 24 hours.
This shows just how careful we need to be that we’re keeping our homes extra clean to help prevent the virus spreading. And this is where a bit of steam power can help.
'There’s one thing that unites all living things: they're killed by heat,' explains microbiologist Jason Tetro. 'Heat at temperatures over 77 degrees C (180F) is the best killer of bacteria and viruses, and the temperature of steam is much higher than that.'
What are steam cleaners used for?
Steam cleaners can tackle a wide variety of household surfaces, such as sealed hardwood floors, upholstery and carpets, as well as your kitchen sides, showers.
You don’t need to scrub, as the steam lifts up dirt and grease easily, which is then wiped away immediately. This is extra-handy for saving time during periods in which you’ve had to ramp up cleaning efforts.
Some may be dubious that cleaning with steam only can get the best results – but most models can be used with detergent too, depending on your preference.
The NHS suggests using steam cleaning on curtains, carpets, mattresses and soft furnishings that cannot be disinfected with regular cleaning sprays.
We know that times like this are scary, but we can gain some peace of mind by doing the best we can under the circumstances. After all, if we’re spending more time at home, a deep clean might be just the thing to keep your mind occupied.