COVID-19-it’s everywhere. Your tv, radio, emails, and your social media feeds. At EasyPro, we’re here to provide you with helpful, factual information on viruses (in general) and how our process aids in the clean up. This information does relate to most viruses including Coronavirus.
Here’s the technical stuff:
Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) virus is not a living organism. It is made up of a protein molecule (DNA). This molecule is enclosed by a protective layer of lipid (a fat). Which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code (mutation) and turns them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
Since the Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, we can not kill it. What we CAN DO is speed up the process of which it decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
The Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy because the foam CUTS the FAT. (that is why it is necessary to rub so much for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
We prefer a chemical that is from the “family” Quaternary ammoniums. “Quats” has been used since WWI, initially in healthcare to clean and sanitize surfaces of all harmful bacteria. It is also used for sanitizing/cleaning numerous other critical environments, including playgrounds and artificial sports surfaces. It is also used on the decking to prevent slip hazards caused by algae and other biofilms.
A high purity quaternary ammonium is a broad spectrum biocide killing microbial life by puncturing cell walls of the Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ). It will not contain solvents and will not affect or interact with anything other than live bacteria – so safe to use on any painted or natural surface. Quats are also a surfactant, which will foam on impact and remove grease and grime from a surface as well as sanitize it. A high purity biocide contains no aggressive or oxidising agents such as bleach or acid and is neither corrosive nor bleaching.
The membrane of a virus has a wall structure similar to the bacteria we treat every day – it is “lipophilic” and punctured at relatively modest concentration. This is compounded by the increase in surface concentration as the water evaporates. Leaving a thin, dry film will keep the surface biocidal – as long as there are dry biocide salts on the surface. The biocide can be left to dry without the risk of damage on the surface. With biocides, we can safely clean all outside hard surfaces without the use high-pressure washers and ensure that canopies, benches and seating are kept sanitized of detritus from nocturnal visitors such as foxes, birds, and other unwelcome visitors.
Other Methods:
HEAT melts the fat-so it is good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees F) to wash hands, clothes and everything. Also, the hot water makes more foam and as already mentioned, making more foam is good. Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the outer lipid layer of a virus. BACTERICIDES DO NOT WORK on Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ). The Virus is not a living organism like bacteria. You cannot kill something that is not alive with antibiotics, but rather quickly disintegrate its structure with the methods mentioned earlier.
Lifespan of a Virus on Surfaces
- While attached to a porous surface, a virus is very inert and will survive for 3 hours.
- It will survive for 4 hours in copper (because copper has natural antiseptic properties); and wood (because wood removes all the moisture and does not let it peel off and then, it disintegrates)
- 24 hours on cardboard 42 hours on metal, such as stainless steel
- 72 hours on plastic
Viruses will be very stable in outside low temperatures, or artificial cooling indoors, such as in air-conditioned houses and cars. They also need moisture to stay stable and especially need darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
While we hope that your family is safe during this outbreak – we want you to know that we are here to help with all of your outside cleaning and sanitization.
Our low pressure cleaning system uses a bleach based cleaner to kill mold, mildew, algae and other viruses and bacteria.
Give us a call today to take care of the cleaning of the outside of your home while you take care of the cleaning on the inside.
