What Kills Hand, Foot, and Mouth Virus on Surfaces [VIDEO]

Looking to stop Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease from spreading at home or work? Here’s how you can kill the virus on surfaces and keep your family safe.

How to Effectively Prevent the Spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) spreads rapidly, especially in places like schools and daycare centers.

The virus can stay active on surfaces, so disinfecting properly is key to preventing outbreaks.

Knowing the most effective cleaning methods can help keep your family and community safe.

Key Takeaways:

• HFMD is caused by viruses that can live on surfaces.
• Without thorough disinfection, the virus can spread through contact quickly.
• Simple cleaning solutions can eliminate the virus and lower the chances of transmission.

This introduction underscores the importance of cleaning to stop the spread of HFMD, presented in a way that's optimized for quick, mobile-friendly reading.

 

Virus Survival on Surfaces

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) spreads rapidly, especially in places like schools and daycare centers.

The virus can stay active on surfaces, so disinfecting properly is key to preventing outbreaks.

Knowing the most effective cleaning methods can help keep your family and community safe.

Key Takeaways:

• HFMD is caused by viruses that can live on surfaces.
• Without thorough disinfection, the virus can spread through contact quickly.
• Simple cleaning solutions can eliminate the virus and lower the chances of transmission.

This introduction underscores the importance of cleaning to stop the spread of HFMD, presented in a way that's optimized for quick, mobile-friendly reading.

 

Effective Disinfection Methods

To effectively kill the HFMD virus on surfaces, it’s important to use the right disinfectants.

Here are some of the most reliable options:

• Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
  Use at a concentration of 3120 ppm. This can wipe out HFMD viruses in just 5 minutes.
• Acidic Ethanol Disinfectants
  These work well against similar viruses and are great for surfaces where bleach might not be the best choice.
• Alkaline Cleaners
  Known to neutralize the virus effectively, these are perfect for general cleaning and disinfection.

Using these disinfectants regularly on surfaces that are frequently touched can greatly reduce the spread of the virus, keeping both children and adults safer.

 

General Hygiene Practices

Along with disinfecting surfaces, good hygiene habits are essential for stopping the spread of HFMD.

• Frequent Handwashing
  Wash hands with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces or caring for someone with HFMD. Encourage kids to wash their hands regularly—particularly before eating and after playing.
• Daily Cleaning of High-Touch Surfaces
  Make sure to clean things like door handles, toys, countertops, and light switches every day using the right disinfectants.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items
  To prevent cross-contamination, avoid sharing items like cups, utensils, or towels.

By following these hygiene practices along with regular disinfection, you can help reduce the risk of HFMD and create a safer environment.

 

Cleaning Checklist to Prevent the Spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Daily Cleaning Tasks

1. Wash Hands Regularly

• How: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• When: After touching surfaces, using the bathroom, before eating, and after caring for someone sick.

2. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

• Frequency: Clean at least once a day or more if someone is sick.
• Surfaces to Focus On:
  • Door handles
  • Light switches
  • Countertops
  • Remote controls
  • Phones and tablets
  • Keyboards and mice
  • Faucet handles

3. Clean and Disinfect Toys

• Frequency: Daily or after each use, especially for shared toys.
• Method: Use a bleach solution (3120 ppm) or disinfectant wipes. Rinse thoroughly if applicable.

4. Disinfect Shared Spaces

• Frequency: Clean common areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms daily.
• Focus Areas:
  • Toilet seats and handles
  • Bathroom counters
  • Kitchen countertops and tables

Weekly Cleaning Tasks

1. Launder Bedding and Linens

• How: Wash bed sheets, towels, and clothing used by anyone infected with HFMD at high temperatures.
• Products: Use hot water and a good laundry detergent.

2. Deep Clean Children’s Areas

• What to Clean: Stuffed animals, play mats, and other items that children frequently touch.
• Method: Use soap and water or appropriate disinfectant solutions.

After Illness Cleaning

1. Disinfect Personal Items

• What to Clean: Clean cups, utensils, and personal care items (e.g., toothbrushes) with hot water and disinfectant.
• Reminder: Don’t share these items until the person is no longer contagious.

2. Deep Clean High-Touch Areas

• Areas to Focus On: Doorknobs, countertops, and light switches.
• Method: Use bleach or other effective disinfectants on all hard surfaces.

Additional Hygiene Measures

1. Provide Hand Sanitizers

• Where: Place hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol in easy-to-access areas like entryways and common rooms.

2. Teach Children Hygiene

• What to Teach: Encourage children to wash their hands frequently and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

By following this checklist, you can reduce the risk of HFMD transmission and maintain a clean, safe environment.

 

References

1. Kadurugamuwa, J. L., & Shaheen, E. (2011). Inactivation of human enterovirus 71 and coxsackie virus A16 and hand, foot, and mouth disease. American Journal of Infection Control, 39(9), 788–789. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2011.01.015
2. HARADA, Y., LEKCHAROENSUK, P., FURUTA, T., & TANIGUCHI, T. (2015). Inactivation of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus by Commercially Available Disinfectants and Cleaners. Biocontrol Science, 20(3), 205–208. https://doi.org/10.4265/bio.20.205

 

Takeaway

To help stop the spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), it's important to stick to regular disinfection and hygiene practices.

Key Points:

• Use disinfectants like sodium hypochlorite, acidic ethanol, or alkaline cleaners to get rid of the virus on surfaces.
• Make handwashing a priority and clean high-touch areas every day.
• Avoid sharing personal items to reduce the chances of spreading the virus.

By combining these disinfection methods with solid hygiene habits, you can greatly lower the risk of HFMD in your home or community.

If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!

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