The National Collaborating Centre for Environmenatal Health (NCCEH) say research suggests the virus that causes COVID-19 can live for hours to days on hard surfaces like laundry machines, countertops and furniture.
The NCCEH say those need to be sanitized frequently. They also say even though laundry from sick people should be kept bagged and separate in your home so accidental handling does not happen, there is no need to wash or dry these items separately.
Some things you should do when using a shared laundry facility, according to the NCCEH, include:
- Wash your hands before and after
- Wipe down controls before and use
- Dry items at highest temperature possible and dry them completely.
- Wash with soap and the warmest water possible
- Keep a two metre distance from others.
- Disinfect your hamper before filling it with clean clothes.
Things you should not do when using a shared laundry facility, according to the NCCEH, include:
- Overload the machine.
- Shake dirty laundry before putting it in the machine.
- Leave soiled clothing or baskets on top of machines or tables.
- Leave cleaning residues (like bleach) that could damage other people’s clothing.
- Leave dryer door open when not in use.
Health Canada has created a list of disinfectants that are effective against the virus which can be found here.