The entire world is in a panic over the new Coronavirus and as a stone expert my phone is ringing off the hook with one major question: Can the Coronavirus survive on my stone countertop and for how long? A follow up question is what do I use to properly kill the virus?
As of this writing there are many unknown facts of the coronavirus however there are several studies that have looked at these questions. One study was recently published in The Journal of Hospital Infections titled Persistnece of Cornonavirus on inanimate surface and their inactivation with biocidal agents. The following is a brief summary of this research
How long can the Coronavirus survive on stone surfaces?
The short answer is we don’t know, however similar virus such as SARS and MERS can survive for up to nine days. The common flu virus can last up to 48 hours on a stone surface. Additional studies have shown that the virus can last for over a week but seem to have a shorter lifespan at temperatures over 86 degrees F. Of course stone surfaces would rarely reach those high temperatures in average kitchen environment.
Can you get the Coronovirus by touching a contaminated stone countertop?
Again, there is not enough information or studies that confirm that the coronavirus acts similar to other virus however some studies are showing that the virus can be killed with standard household disinfectants. One study showed that disinfectants with 62-71% Ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite(bleach) can inactivate the coronavirus within a minute. Although the study shows that that the coronavirus is similar to SARS it is not yet clear if it will act the same. So, can you get the virus by touching a contaminated stone surface? According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) touching a surface is not believed to be the main way the virus is transferred. The most likely way it is spread is from person to person from coughs and sneezing.
How to properly disinfect your stone surface to kill the Coronavirus?
Currently it is believed that most household disinfectants can kill the virus however I have discovered that most don’t know how to properly use them. Most will spray and wipe a disinfectant. This method will not kill the virus. The disinfectant should be allowed to dwell on the countertop for 3-5 minutes to be effective. You can also make your own disinfectant by mixing ½ rubbing alcohol with 1/2 water. Spray the disinfectant on the countertop and thoroughly wet the surface. Allow the solution to sit for 3-5 minutes and than rinse with clean water and then dry with a microfiber cloth.
The best advise is to keep your stone countertop clean by following these simple steps:
To keep your granite in tip-top condition, a few simple maintenance procedures are necessary. For best results, they should be followed very closely.
Clean the countertop daily with a soft white cloth and a neutral cleaner or stone soap. These products are available at most stone and tile suppliers.
It may be necessary to buff the countertop with a clean white terry cloth towel if streaking occurs.
Once a week clean with a disinfectant
All granite countertops should be sealed.
If the countertop becomes stained, immediately blot the spill with a clean paper towel.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the best way to avoid the Cornavirus is to
1. Wash your hands frequently- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
2. Maintain social distancing- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth-Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
4. Practice respiratory hygiene-Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
5. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early-Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
A final Word
As the Coronaviurs spreads there is sure to be misinformation on how it spreads. The best way to the truth is to keep an eye on the CDC and WHO website as well as your local health department.
Ref:
1.The Journal of Hospital Infection; Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents; G. Kampfa,∗,Correspondence information about the author G. Kampf; D. Todtb; S. Pfaenderb; E. Steinmannb
The Coronavirus and your Stone Countertops
The Coronavirus and your Stone Countertops
By Frederick M. Hueston
The entire world is in a panic over the new Coronavirus and as a stone expert my phone is ringing off the hook with one major question: Can the Coronavirus survive on my stone countertop and for how long? A follow up question is what do I use to properly kill the virus?
As of this writing there are many unknown facts of the coronavirus however there are several studies that have looked at these questions. One study was recently published in The Journal of Hospital Infections titled Persistnece of Cornonavirus on inanimate surface and their inactivation with biocidal agents. The following is a brief summary of this research
How long can the Coronavirus survive on stone surfaces?
The short answer is we don’t know, however similar virus such as SARS and MERS can survive for up to nine days. The common flu virus can last up to 48 hours on a stone surface. Additional studies have shown that the virus can last for over a week but seem to have a shorter lifespan at temperatures over 86 degrees F. Of course stone surfaces would rarely reach those high temperatures in average kitchen environment.
Can you get the Coronovirus by touching a contaminated stone countertop?
Again, there is not enough information or studies that confirm that the coronavirus acts similar to other virus however some studies are showing that the virus can be killed with standard household disinfectants. One study showed that disinfectants with 62-71% Ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite(bleach) can inactivate the coronavirus within a minute. Although the study shows that that the coronavirus is similar to SARS it is not yet clear if it will act the same. So, can you get the virus by touching a contaminated stone surface? According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) touching a surface is not believed to be the main way the virus is transferred. The most likely way it is spread is from person to person from coughs and sneezing.
How to properly disinfect your stone surface to kill the Coronavirus?
Currently it is believed that most household disinfectants can kill the virus however I have discovered that most don’t know how to properly use them. Most will spray and wipe a disinfectant. This method will not kill the virus. The disinfectant should be allowed to dwell on the countertop for 3-5 minutes to be effective. You can also make your own disinfectant by mixing ½ rubbing alcohol with 1/2 water. Spray the disinfectant on the countertop and thoroughly wet the surface. Allow the solution to sit for 3-5 minutes and than rinse with clean water and then dry with a microfiber cloth.
The best advise is to keep your stone countertop clean by following these simple steps:
To keep your granite in tip-top condition, a few simple maintenance procedures are necessary. For best results, they should be followed very closely.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the best way to avoid the Cornavirus is to
1. Wash your hands frequently- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
2. Maintain social distancing- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth-Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
4. Practice respiratory hygiene-Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
5. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early-Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
A final Word
As the Coronaviurs spreads there is sure to be misinformation on how it spreads. The best way to the truth is to keep an eye on the CDC and WHO website as well as your local health department.
Ref:
1.The Journal of Hospital Infection; Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents; G. Kampfa,∗,Correspondence information about the author G. Kampf; D. Todtb; S. Pfaenderb; E. Steinmannb
https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext
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