How Long Does COVID Stay on Surfaces? Complete Guide to Surface Transmission

Understanding how long the COVID-19 virus survives on surfaces is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones. While the primary transmission route is through respiratory droplets, surface contamination can contribute to virus spread. This comprehensive guide explains surface survival times, effective cleaning strategies, and science-based prevention methods.

How Long Does COVID-19 Survive on Different Surfaces?

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can remain viable on surfaces for varying periods depending on the material, environmental conditions, and other factors. Research shows that survival times differ significantly across surface types:

Plastic and stainless steel: The virus can survive up to 72 hours (3 days) on these non-porous surfaces. This includes items like doorknobs, refrigerator handles, and plastic containers.

Cardboard: COVID-19 typically remains viable for up to 24 hours on cardboard surfaces, making package deliveries relatively low-risk after a day.

Copper: The virus survives approximately 4 hours on copper surfaces, which naturally has antimicrobial properties.

Glass: Similar to plastic, glass surfaces can harbor the virus for up to 4-5 days under certain conditions.

Fabric and porous materials: Cloth, upholstery, and other porous materials typically show shorter survival times, often less than 24 hours, though this can vary.

It’s important to note that while the virus may be detectable on surfaces, the amount capable of causing infection decreases over time. Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and UV exposure significantly impact viral survival.

What Factors Affect COVID-19 Surface Survival?

Several environmental and material factors influence how long the coronavirus remains infectious on surfaces:

Temperature: Cooler temperatures help the virus survive longer. Studies show that at room temperature (around 70°F or 21-22°C), the virus remains viable longer than in warmer conditions. Higher temperatures accelerate viral degradation.

Humidity: Both very high and very low humidity levels can affect viral stability. Moderate humidity levels may support longer survival times.

Surface porosity: Non-porous surfaces like metal and plastic allow the virus to survive longer compared to porous materials like fabric and paper, which absorb and trap viral particles.

Viral load: The initial amount of virus deposited on a surface matters. Higher viral loads take longer to degrade to non-infectious levels.

UV light exposure: Sunlight and UV radiation can quickly deactivate the virus. Surfaces exposed to direct sunlight show much shorter viral survival times.

How Does COVID-19 Spread Through Surfaces?

Surface transmission, also called fomite transmission, occurs when someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face, particularly their eyes, nose, or mouth. Here’s how the process works:

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, respiratory droplets containing the virus can land on nearby surfaces. Another person touching that surface can pick up viral particles on their hands. If they then touch their mucous membranes before washing their hands, the virus can enter their body.

However, it’s crucial to understand that surface transmission is not the primary way COVID-19 spreads. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets and aerosols remains the main transmission route. Surface transmission is possible but represents a lower risk compared to direct exposure to an infected person.

What Are High-Touch Surfaces That Need Regular Cleaning?

Certain surfaces in homes and public spaces require more frequent cleaning due to constant contact. Focus your cleaning efforts on these high-touch areas:

In the home:

• Doorknobs and door handles
• Light switches
• Kitchen countertops
• Bathroom faucets and fixtures
• Toilet handles
• Remote controls
• Phone devices
• Computer keyboards and mice
• Table surfaces
• Refrigerator handles
• Cabinet handles
• Stair railings

In public spaces:

• Shopping cart handles
• ATM keypads
• Elevator buttons
• Public restroom surfaces
• Gas pump handles
• Door push plates

What Is the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting?

Understanding the distinction between cleaning and disinfecting helps you implement more effective hygiene practices:

Cleaning removes dirt, debris, and some germs from surfaces using soap or detergent and water. This process doesn’t necessarily kill germs but physically removes them, lowering their numbers and reducing infection risk. Regular cleaning is often sufficient for routine maintenance.

Disinfecting uses chemical products to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfectants contain active ingredients specifically designed to destroy microorganisms, including viruses. This process is more intensive and particularly important when someone in your household is sick or at high risk.

The most effective approach combines both: clean surfaces first to remove organic matter and debris, then apply disinfectant to kill remaining germs. This two-step process maximizes germ elimination.

How Should You Clean and Disinfect Surfaces Effectively?

Follow these evidence-based steps for proper surface cleaning and disinfection:

Step 1: Prepare the area

• Open windows and doors to improve ventilation
• Put on disposable gloves or dedicated reusable gloves
• Gather cleaning supplies and disinfectants
• Remove clutter from surfaces

Step 2: Clean surfaces

• Use soap and water or appropriate cleaning products
• Wipe surfaces thoroughly to remove visible dirt and grime
• Pay attention to grooves, crevices, and textured surfaces
• Use clean cloths or disposable wipes

Step 3: Apply disinfectant (when needed)

• Choose EPA-registered disinfectants effective against COVID-19
• Read product labels carefully before use
• Apply disinfectant according to manufacturer instructions
• Allow proper contact time (usually 3-10 minutes) for the disinfectant to work
• Don’t wipe away disinfectant before contact time expires

Step 4: Safety measures

• Never mix cleaning products, especially bleach with ammonia or acidic cleaners
• Keep cleaning products away from children and pets
• Dispose of gloves after cleaning
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

What Cleaning Products Kill COVID-19?

Several types of disinfectants have proven effective against the coronavirus. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of approved disinfectants for use against COVID-19. Look for products containing these active ingredients:

Ethanol (alcohol): Solutions with at least 70% alcohol effectively kill the coronavirus. These work quickly and are suitable for many surfaces, though they may damage some materials over time.

Hydrogen peroxide: Concentrations of 0.5% or higher are effective against COVID-19. This option is less harsh than bleach and breaks down into water and oxygen.

Quaternary ammonium compounds: Often listed as “quats” on labels, these are common in many household disinfectants and are effective when used properly.

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach): Diluted household bleach is highly effective and inexpensive. Mix 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Never use undiluted bleach, and ensure good ventilation when using bleach solutions.

Isopropyl alcohol: Solutions with 70% or higher concentration work well for electronics and non-porous surfaces.

When selecting disinfectants, check for EPA registration numbers on product labels, which indicate the product has been tested and approved for effectiveness.

How Often Should You Clean and Disinfect?

The frequency of cleaning and disinfecting depends on several factors:

Routine cleaning: High-touch surfaces in your home should be cleaned at least once daily under normal circumstances. Increase frequency if household members come and go frequently or if you have visitors.

When to disinfect: Regular disinfection becomes more important in these situations:

• Someone in your household has COVID-19 or shows symptoms
• Someone at high risk for severe illness lives in your home
• You’ve had visitors or service workers in your home
• After someone sick has been in a room within the last 24 hours
• In shared spaces used by multiple households

Less frequent cleaning: Surfaces that are touched less often, like walls, ceilings, and window frames, don’t require regular disinfection and can be cleaned as part of routine housekeeping.

How Can You Safely Handle Electronics and Personal Items?

Electronics and personal devices require special attention as they’re frequently touched but sensitive to moisture and harsh chemicals:

Smartphones and tablets:

• Remove from cases before cleaning
• Use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or similar disinfecting wipes
• Gently wipe all surfaces, avoiding ports and openings
• Let air dry completely
• Clean at least once daily, more if shared or used outside

Computers and keyboards:

• Turn off and unplug devices before cleaning
• Use disinfecting wipes or slightly dampened cloth with alcohol solution
• Clean between keys carefully
• Consider using keyboard covers for easier disinfection

Other personal items:

• Regularly clean eyeglasses with soap and water
• Wipe credit cards and keys with disinfectant
• Wash face masks according to manufacturer instructions
• Clean fitness trackers and smartwatches daily

Always check manufacturer guidelines before cleaning electronics, as some products may be damaged by certain cleaning agents.

What About Packages and Mail?

While concern about virus transmission through packages and mail was high early in the pandemic, research has shown this risk to be very low. Here’s what you need to know:

The virus survives shorter periods on porous materials like cardboard and paper. Most packages travel for several days, during which time viral loads decrease significantly. However, if you want extra precaution:

• Let non-urgent packages sit for 24 hours before opening
• Open packages outside or in a garage if possible
• Dispose of packaging materials immediately
• Wipe down items inside if they have non-porous surfaces
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling packages
• Avoid touching your face while opening deliveries

For mail, the risk is even lower due to paper’s porous nature and typical delivery timeframes.

How Should You Handle Laundry and Fabrics?

Proper laundry practices help eliminate the virus from clothing, linens, and other fabric items:

General laundry guidelines:

• Wash items according to fabric care labels using the warmest appropriate water setting
• Use regular laundry detergent – special products aren’t necessary
• Dry items completely on the highest heat setting recommended
• Clean and disinfect hampers regularly
• Wash hands after handling dirty laundry

When someone is sick:

• Wear gloves when handling laundry from someone with COVID-19
• Don’t shake dirty items to minimize dispersing viral particles
• Wash sick person’s items separately if possible
• Use the hottest water safe for the fabric
• Disinfect laundry basket after use
• Remove gloves carefully and wash hands immediately

Items that can’t be laundered:

• Use appropriate fabric disinfectant sprays
• Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly
• Steam clean when possible
• Air out items in sunlight, which has natural disinfecting properties

What Role Does Ventilation Play in Reducing Transmission?

While not directly related to surface transmission, improved ventilation significantly reduces overall COVID-19 risk and complements surface cleaning:

Why ventilation matters: Good air circulation dilutes viral particles in the air and helps remove them from indoor spaces. This is particularly important since airborne transmission is the primary spread route.

Ways to improve ventilation:

• Open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
• Run HVAC systems with proper filters
• Consider portable HEPA air purifiers for individual rooms
• Increase outdoor air circulation when weather permits
• Use fans strategically to direct air flow

Better ventilation reduces the need for excessive surface disinfection by lowering the overall viral load in indoor environments.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

Avoid these common errors that can reduce cleaning effectiveness or create hazards:

Mixing cleaning products: Never combine bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaners, as this creates dangerous toxic fumes.

Skipping contact time: Wiping disinfectant off immediately doesn’t allow it to kill germs. Always follow the recommended contact time on product labels.

Using expired products: Disinfectants lose effectiveness over time. Check expiration dates and replace old products.

Over-concentrating solutions: More is not better with disinfectants. Follow dilution instructions exactly.

Neglecting personal protection: Always wear gloves when disinfecting and wash hands afterward.

Forgetting hidden surfaces: Don’t overlook less obvious high-touch areas like drawer pulls, appliance buttons, and pet leashes.

Using wrong products on surfaces: Some disinfectants can damage certain materials. Check compatibility before use.

How Can You Maintain Hand Hygiene?

Even with thorough surface cleaning, hand hygiene remains your first line of defense against infection:

Proper handwashing technique:

• Wet hands with clean running water
• Apply soap and lather thoroughly, including backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails
• Scrub for at least 20 seconds
• Rinse completely under running water
• Dry with a clean towel or air dry

When to wash hands:

• After touching surfaces outside your home
• Before and after eating
• After using the bathroom
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• After handling packages or mail
• After touching pets or animals
• Before touching your face

Hand sanitizer use: When soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Apply enough product to cover all hand surfaces and rub until dry.

What Additional Precautions Should High-Risk Individuals Take?

People at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness should consider extra protective measures:

• Increase cleaning frequency of high-touch surfaces to twice daily or more
• Disinfect surfaces regularly, not just clean them
• Consider having a dedicated space with minimal shared surfaces
• Use disposable items when possible to reduce shared object contact
• Have others in the household help with cleaning tasks when possible
• Limit visitors and ask them to sanitize hands upon entry
• Keep hand sanitizer readily available throughout the home
• Maintain other preventive measures like vaccination and mask use in appropriate settings

High-risk groups include older adults, people with chronic health conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women. These individuals should discuss specific precautions with their healthcare providers.

How Long Should You Quarantine Items From Outside?

While extensive quarantine periods aren’t necessary for most items, some precautions can provide peace of mind:

Groceries: The risk from food packaging is extremely low. Simply washing hands after unpacking groceries is typically sufficient. If desired, let non-perishable packaged items sit for several hours, and wash produce under running water before consuming.

Clothing and new items: Wash new clothing before wearing. For items that can’t be washed immediately, letting them sit for 24-48 hours significantly reduces any potential viral load.

Library books and borrowed items: A 24-hour waiting period is reasonable for porous items like books before handling them.

Purchased goods: For non-porous items from stores, wiping with a disinfectant or letting them sit for a few hours is sufficient.

Remember that while these precautions can be comforting, the actual risk of surface transmission is low compared to airborne transmission, and hand hygiene provides substantial protection.

What Does Current Research Tell Us About Surface Transmission Risk?

Scientific understanding of COVID-19 surface transmission has evolved significantly since the pandemic began:

Early in the pandemic, surface transmission received considerable attention, leading to extensive disinfection protocols. However, subsequent research has clarified that while the virus can survive on surfaces, the actual risk of infection through this route is relatively low.

Studies indicate that most COVID-19 transmission occurs through inhalation of respiratory droplets and aerosols from infected individuals. The CDC has stated that surface transmission is not the primary way the virus spreads, though it remains a possible route.

This doesn’t mean surface cleaning is unnecessary. Rather, it should be viewed as one component of a comprehensive prevention strategy that prioritizes:

• Vaccination
• Good ventilation
• Hand hygiene
• Appropriate mask use in high-risk settings
• Staying home when sick
• Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces

The key is maintaining reasonable cleaning practices without excessive disinfection, which can waste resources and expose people to unnecessary chemicals.

Final Thoughts on Surface Safety

Understanding how long COVID-19 survives on surfaces empowers you to make informed decisions about cleaning and disinfection. While the virus can persist on surfaces for hours to days depending on the material, the actual transmission risk through this route is low compared to airborne spread.

Focus your efforts on regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces using soap and water, with disinfection when someone in your household is sick or at high risk. Combine surface hygiene with other protective measures like vaccination, hand washing, and improved ventilation for comprehensive protection.

Remember that excessive disinfection isn’t necessary or beneficial. Reasonable, consistent cleaning practices, along with good hand hygiene and other preventive measures, provide effective protection against COVID-19 transmission in your home and daily life.

Stay informed about evolving guidance from health authorities, and adjust your cleaning protocols based on current recommendations and your household’s specific risk factors. By maintaining balanced, evidence-based hygiene practices, you can protect yourself and others while avoiding unnecessary stress and expense.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus
• World Health Organization – COVID-19: How Is It Transmitted
• National Institutes of Health – Coronavirus on Surfaces