Does Steam Cleaning Carpets Work As A Coronavirus Protection?

What is coronavirus? Coronavirus disease – also known as COVID-19 – is an infectious and deadly disease spread through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The majority of infected people will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness including a fever and a new persistent dry cough. Another common symptom is tiredness, with other symptoms including aches and pains, a sore throat, shortness of breath, and nausea.
People with underlying medical conditions and those over 60 have a higher risk of developing a severe disease which could be fatal.
Precautions
Coronavirus precautions should be strictly followed to help stem the flow of infection. These include:
Washing your hands frequently – use an alcohol-based wash or soap and water and wash thoroughly for 20 seconds to kill any viruses that may be on your hands
Maintaining social distancing – put at least two metres between yourself and another person – too close and you’ll inhale any droplets from coughing or sneezing, including the COVID-19 virus
Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth – once contaminated hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth through which the virus can enter your body
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze – disposing of any tissues immediately afterwards and following good respiratory hygiene will protect people around you from the virus
Prevention
Coronavirus prevention will only happen if all the above precautions are taken and you stay at home as much as possible. The Government guidelines are clear and there are only limited exceptions to this latest instruction.
There are measures that you can take within the home environment to lessen the risk of passing any infection onto other people and these comprise of:
- Keeping rooms closed for 72 hours before cleaning as the number of viruses on surfaces will have significantly reduced
- Wearing disposable gloves, masks, and aprons for cleaning and securely double-bagging rubbish afterwards
- Using disposable cloths to initially clean hard surfaces with warm soapy water before disinfecting – paying particular attention to door handles and other frequently touched areas
- Washing laundry using the hottest wash possible for the garments, and avoid shaking dirty laundry as this can disperse germs through the air
- Using a handheld steam cleaner for upholstered furniture and mattresses as heat treatment works effectively when the temperature is set at 70 degrees Celsius and steaming carried out for five minutes
Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Does steam cleaning work as coronavirus protection?
It’s a form of cleaning recommended by the NHS for curtains, mattresses, and soft furnishings that can’t be disinfected with regular cleaning sprays. Steam cleaners can also tackle hardwood floors, kitchen surfaces, and shower and bathroom tiles.
The health benefits of steam cleaning are that it’s safe and eco-friendly as well as being able to eliminate viruses and allergens. Bear in mind that recent studies have shown that the virus can live on worktops and door handles for up to three days – steam power can help prevent the virus from spreading.
Does steam cleaning keep you from getting coronavirus?
You can take preventative measures such as steam cleaning to help prevent the virus from spreading, but it won’t actually protect you from getting the disease. You need to also focus on the precautions listed above.
Does steam cleaning carpets work?
Carpet deep cleaning will kill bacteria, mould, fungus, and dust mites that thrive in carpet fibres, and the process will sterilise any underlying pollutants. Due to the high temperatures used in the process, it isn’t suitable for delicate fabrics – but steam cleaning suitable carpets will eliminate any lingering active virus spores.
How does steam cleaning work?
Steam cleaning carpets is carried out using vaporised water. The water is heated to an exceptionally high temperature then applied with a machine that resembles a vacuum cleaner. During the process it may be combined with a detergent for additional cleaning.
As the heat penetrates deep within the carpet fibres it breaks down dirt and bacteria in carpets, and then collects the debris, bringing it to the surface with the excess water.
Call in The Experts
Steam cleaning carpets using a professional steam cleaning service will ensure that only superior equipment and eco-friendly products will be used to carry out the procedure. Powerful cleaning solutions will effectively kill and remove bacteria and virus spores – giving you the peace of mind you need.