We all have been through the pandemic and know that preventing the spread of coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, is essential. Therefore, understanding what kills coronavirus will help you safeguard you and your family’s health. In this article, we discuss how steam cleaning, a common carpet cleaning method, plays an essential role in disinfection, killing bacteria, and germs, and killing coronavirus.
What is Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning actually has two meanings, depending on the context. For carpet cleaning, it means one thing and for household cleaning, it means another.
Steam Cleaning in Carpet Cleaning
In the context of carpet cleaning, steam cleaning means hot-water extraction, which is the process of using an industrial carpet cleaning machine to inject water into a fabric and then suction it up. The name comes from the common occurrence of small water particles emitted during the process which looks like actual steam. Some carpet cleaning machines can heat the water past boiling point causing actual steam. Most carpet cleaners heat water to about 150F or 65.6C.
Steam Cleaning in Household Cleaning
Steam cleaners in the context of household cleaning are machines which heat water past boiling point in a portable tank and a hose with nozzles are used to emit the hot water vapor for various purposes. They can be used to steam clothes, clean ovens, and more. In this case, actual hot water vapor, or accurately “steam,” is created. The heat of the steam is around 245F or 188C.
Does Steam Cleaning Kill Coronavirus?
Let’s again approach it from the context of carpet cleaning and household cleaning.
Steam Cleaning for Carpet Cleaning
Steam cleaning in the context of carpet cleaning can in fact kill coronavirus provided that the hot water remains on the virus at a temperature range for a designated period of time. According to this study by Texas A&M, temperatures of 160F or 72C can kill the coronavirus within half a second. If a carpet cleaning machine can produce that level of heat, then carpet steam cleaning is an effective means of disinfecting and sterilizing against coronavirus.
Steam Cleaning for Household Cleaning
Household steam cleaners can produce very hot steam vapor which can effectively kill coronavirus under specific circumstances. Again according to a Texas A&M study, if the virus is subjected to temperatures above 160F or 72C for at least half a second, it will be disarmed. In this way, using household steam cleaners is an effective means of killing coronavirus.
Hiring a Professional Disinfection Company
If you want peace of mind that your home or business is free of coronavirus and any other harmful viruses or bacteria, it's best to call a professional sanitization and disinfection company. We offer professional sanitization services that can kill coronavirus on your carpets, furniture, and hard surfaces like counters, desks, tables, and bathrooms. Our process uses both steam cleaners, hot water vapor, as well as EPA certified disinfectants. Call us today to learn more about our sanitization services or book a free quote online!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if the water reaches 160°F (72°C) and maintains contact with the virus for a sufficient time, it can effectively kill coronavirus.
Hot steam vapor from household steam cleaners can kill coronavirus by exposing it to temperatures above 160°F (72°C) for at least half a second.
For assurance that your space is free from coronavirus and other viruses, utilizing their expertise, equipment, and EPA-certified disinfectants.
Steam cleaning can kill mold by exposing it to high temperatures, which destroys the mold spores and prevents growth on surfaces.
Yes, the high-temperature steam from cleaners is capable of killing bacteria on a variety of surfaces, making it an effective sanitization tool.
Steam cleaners sanitize surfaces by delivering steam at a temperature that is effective in killing most pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.
