How COVID-19 is removed from hands with soap and water washing

A nurse washing hands with portable handwash station with instructional video screen

Just washing the microorganisms down the drain is by far the most effective way

COVID-19, described as an “enveloped virus”, is comparatively easy to remove, being assessed as a “wimpy”, in a recent article on the Daily Targum website.

This assessment in the report by Astha Lakhankar comes courtesy of Dr. Donald W. Schaffner, who is Extension Specialist in Food Science and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University.

Hand washing with soap and water, (using appropriate techniques and for a suitable duration), “provides a strong defense against the virus that causes COVID-19” Dr Schaffner is quoted as saying.

“Soap molecules can attach part of themselves to both water molecules and particles like the virus. This unique property allows soap to remove the virus from hands, along with dirt, oil and grease particles.”

So in effect, what you’re actually doing is simply washing the virus down the drain, not trying to kill it at all. In fact, coronavirus is actually easier to remove than more resistant viruses, such as norovirus he advises.

Wash hands frequently

The article also refers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) – How to Protect Yourself & Others which states

“Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.”

Rutgers professor discusses science of hand-washing for coronavirus »


Make effective handwashing available – wherever it’s needed!

Teal produces an comprehensive range of mobile sinks and portable basins for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively, whether they’re in an office environment, temporary accommodation or out in the field on a daily basis.

There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks for use with pre-heated hot water.

The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWashHygienius and Hygienius ProWashBigSynkSuper StalletteTEALwashHandeman XtraCompact Classic and WashStand – and now the new HandSpa.

How to choose the correct mobile sink »