How long do germs live in a flat dry surface?

Question

i'm talking common every-day sorts of germs here, not bio-terrorism kind of germs. what degree of heat does it take to kill germs? what degree of freezing?

Answer 1

Most germs can live on a solid surface for a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the germ.  It also depends on the germ as to how much heat will kill it.  Usually temps of above 100 will start killing most germs.  However, many germs go into a hibernation or dormant stage when they are exposed to the cold. A mild solution of bleach and water, ( 6 oz bleach to 1 gal water) will kill 99% of germs.  Wipe the surface with this solution and dry it off after 10 minutes.  No need to rinse.  (or you can put it in a spray bottle so it's handy.)..

Answer 2

This really depends on the exact germ. Did you know that the aids virus dies upon contact with air? You would need to provide more information before getting a reliable answer.

Answer 3

Depends on the germs.

For example, HIV wouldn't last more than a few minutes out on a flat, dry surface. However the hepatitis B virus can last up to a WEEK on the same surface.

Bacteria thrive in all kinds of conditions. Many of them live in the hot, dry dirt and do quite well out there.

As for bioterror-related germs, you'd be surprised how fragile many of them really are. Anthrax needs to be killed with fire, but Brucella not so much.

NEVER try to freeze-kill a germ. It doesn't work. Fire is the cleanser. Most things will die if cooked above 140ºF. Bleach kills things pretty thoroughly, too.