Disinfecting cycling bags from coronavirus COVID-19 after a ride out
From our previous article, we examined a scientific article which found that the coronavirus COVID-19 virus can survive up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. Another study has found that the virus can even remain on metal, glass or plastic for up to 9 days.
When we go on a ride out, we may be taking a multitude of belongings such as gloves, our lunch box, laptop, clothing and documents. The primary surface upon which the virus may land on, however, are our bags, clothes and gloves. Let's look at the scientific advice about how we should disinfect our belongings after a ride.
How long could COVID-19 last on surfaces?
The following table shows how long coronavirus can persist on different surface types.
Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents
Our Craft Cadence bags belong in the PVC category, which means that if COVID-19 droplets land its surface, it may be there for up to 5 days. To reduce the health risk that this may bring to your household, it would be prudent to clean and disinfect your belongings, including your bag, after a ride.
How to clean your bag
In the article "Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents", published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, the authors found that solutions with 62-71% alcoholic content, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite can efficiently kill the virus within one minute.
To clean our Craft Cadence bags, you can apply bleach directly onto the bag, let it sit for a period of time (5 minutes should be sufficient), and rinse it off with water. The fabric is 100% waterproof so you can even use a bathroom shower head or hose to wash the bag. Please take care not to directly apply water to the front zipper though, as the front compartment is not IPX5 certified, unlike the main compartment which is.
Alternatively, you can use antiseptic, antimicrobial wipes, such as Dettol's cleaning surface wipe. Such wipes are designed to kill off cold and flu viruses. Simply apply the wipe across the surface of the bag, both inside and out.
If none are available, then a thorough clean using soapy water or dish wash liquid will also do the job. It is recommended to wear a glove whilst cleaning your bag, and of course wash your hands after.
Disinfecting your clothes and gloves
The advise is that if you can't wash your clothes immediately, leave it aside for 72 hours, past the expected lifetime of the virus on common textiles. When you do wash, wash at a higher temperature, 60 degrees.
Summary
As shown above, with proper precautions and a few simple cleaning and disinfecting steps, we can continue to enjoy our cycling and ensure that we do not put our family and society at unnecessary risk.
