Are Laundromats Open during Covid 19? Plus Handy Washing Tips

The simple answer is YES The WashRoom is still open. Laundromats are classed as essential and it is imperative that you keep up with your health and hygiene during these difficult times. See below for a few handy hints and commonly asked questions.
 
Can you still use dry cleaners, laundromats or shared laundry facilities?
Even in the world of social distancing, doing the laundry is a low-risk activity. You're more at risk from someone coughing near you than you are of infection from touching surfaces, so a few simple precautions are all that's needed to protect yourself and others.
 
Will ordinary detergent and washing get rid of the virus?
The answer is yes, according to Sacha Stelzer-Braid, a virologist at the University of New South Wales.
"Ordinary detergent, just the same as ordinary soap, will be enough to break up the virus," Dr Stelzer-Braid says.
 
Does hot or cold water work better for killing Covid 19
The virus doesn't like heat, so if you're worried your clothes may have come into contact with the virus, we suggest washing in hot water.  ideally above 56 degrees Celsius. We also recommended using dryers on the medium or hottest settings.
 
Are my clothes a risk?The clothes transmission route would really be a very small percentage of transmissions, if any.
Although some frontline workers, like those working in a health care or close contact with other people, should definitely taking extra precautions with their clothing. If you're a frontline health worker or have likely come into contact with the virus during your day, then change clothes as soon as possible, and treat what you were wearing as you would other contaminated clothing. This minimises your exposure if your clothes do happen to have the virus on them.

Dry laundry thoroughly after washing
Viruses spread more easily via wet surfaces than dry ones, so make sure your laundry's completely dry after washing to minimise the risk of contamination. Despite sunlight's mild germ-killing properties, the hot air in our dryers will do a much better job at rendering viruses inactive.

Store contaminated laundry separately
While you are fine to wash contaminated clothing together with other items, keep it in a separate hamper until laundry day. You should also use a washable or disposable liner for hampers, and change it when you wash.

Please avoid shaking or flicking your clothing.
Do not shake out contaminated laundry – it may release viruses and other germs into the air. Carry contaminated clothing carefully and load your washing machine gently.

​Keep Safe
Keep Healthy
Keep Washing

:)
The WashRoom