Social Distancing While Laundering
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the United States, regular laundering, cleaning and disinfecting has never been more important. Continuing with your regular laundry routine is crucial in helping to prevent the spread of this virus. While many non-essential businesses are being forced to close their doors, laundromats across the country, including Bakers Laundry Center, have been allowed to remain open. With this brings about an increased responsibility in the cleanliness and safety of our facility, staff and customers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is spread “through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.” While the virus is much more typically spread from a sick person’s droplets, it is possible for someone to become infected by touching an object or surface that has the virus present and then touching their own face.
Current evidence from the CDC suggests that the virus can live and remain viable on objects, such as clothing, for hours to days and because of this, we’re sharing some simple laundering practices and techniques that can help keep you, our staff and fellow customers safe during this time of social distancing.
Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry.
Whether or not you’re laundering clothes worn by an ill person, it’s still a smart idea to wear disposable gloves when washing dirty clothes. Once you’re finished handling the dirty laundry, throw out your gloves and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Do not shake dirty laundry.
This minimizes the chances of the virus being spread through the air.
The hotter the wash, the better.
Viruses don’t like the heat, so wash your clothes on the hottest setting they will allow. Experts recommend the temperature be at least 140 degrees to kill germs and bacteria.
Use the dryer.
Make sure your dryer is on the hottest setting. This will help further kill and prevent the spread of the virus. When the cycle is complete, check to make sure your clothing is completely dry.
Use the correct detergent and right amount of soap.
If allowable, wash clothes in bleach as viruses don’t like these harsh environments. If using regular detergent, make sure you don’t use too much. Too much soap can create excess suds which creates a buildup of grime that can remain trapped inside your clothes.
Clean and disinfect, carts, baskets and hampers.
Clean and disinfect these items as often as possible and if available, use a disposable liner.
Practice social distancing.
Allow yourself and your fellow laundromat members some space. Adhering to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines can help keep everyone safe. Proper distance between you and someone not from your own household is approximately six feet apart, or the width of a car. Always sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm and continue to wash your hands. If possible, fold all your laundry at home.
To keep everyone safe while you’re visiting Bakers Centre Laundromat, remember these smart tips and techniques while doing your laundry. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you for working with us and together to keep everyone safe.
