Amid all the confusion, here’s some solid advice on how to keep your clothes clean and free from contamination.
By now, most of us understand the importance of proper handwashing and regular housecleaning to reduce the possibility of contamination by the coronavirus – but what about laundry?
This article pulls together the best advice that’s currently available, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind. The information is constantly changing because so little is understood about this virus, and nothing is guaranteed. All we can do is our best.
As of right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people can stick more or less to their usual laundry routine: “Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.” But for those people using common laundry facilities or venturing out into the world for essential errands, there are always more questions and concerns.
What is the advantage of Dry cleaning my garments during Covid-19 times?
For those items that are too delicate for a very hot wash, consider Dry Cleaning for a thorough clean. Dry cleaning process allows clothes to be dried at a temperature known to destroy the virus while degreasing and retexturing your garments during the dry cleaning process. Click here for more detailed information from a previous post, about the full process of how Dry Cleaning is preformed also a short video of a Dry Cleaning Cycle.
Using our laundrette facility:
At Cleaned 4 You our washing machines are disinfected after each load. We will wash your clothes at the temperature you request, but please ensure that all garments in the bag are safe to wash at your requested temperature. If no request is made we will wash at the temperate that we deem safe. In any event, the heat of the drying process will kill the virus. (On a separate issue, please ensure that all pockets are empty, as we do not take any responsibility for damage due to items such as pens and sharp objects etc.)
On completion of your laundry we will place you freshly laundered clothes in a single use recyclable plastic.
Washing your clothes at home:
You can continue to use natural detergents, synthetic chemical-laden or otherwise, as they seem to affect the virus. Bleach is effective, however, so use a bit in your loads if it’s safe and if you’re concerned.
You can still hang clothes to dry outdoors, just avoid shaking them out indoors, which could spread the virus. Ensure you clothes are fully dry before re-use. Remember to wash your laundry bags and disinfect the inside of your laundry basket.
Why not use our new Online Collection and Delivery Service:
“With school and business closed, many people are home and trying to limit trips out of the house to reduce exposure. If you are uneasy about leaving your home, our free pickup and delivery service is available where you can book and pay for your order through our online website. You tell us when you would like your laundry/Dry Cleaning collected and delivered and should you have any special requests – then leave the rest to us! (This free collection and delivery service is within 5km of the New Ross area). But if you are outside this area please get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: “Can the virus be transferred from someone else’s clothes to my clothes?”
A: There is little chance of this type of transfer occurring. First the virus only lives for a short period outside the body. Second the cleaning process kills the virus on any garment and all garments.
Q: “Can I get the virus from handling the general public’s garments?”
A: The virus only lives for a short time outside the body, so there is very little chance that your employees will contract the virus from touching people’s garments. Any case, reassure your staff that there are disposable gloves available and allow the time to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer as frequently as they need to..
Q: “Can I wash my families clothes with an infected family member?”
A: Wash items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest water setting and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an unwell person can be washed with other people’s items.
Do not shake dirty laundry, this minimises the possibility of dispersing virus through the air. Clean and disinfect anything used for transporting laundry with your usual products, in line with the cleaning guidance above.