We learn more each day about how the coronavirus behaves, but we all wonder how long the virus can live on the surfaces and on household items we interact with daily.

This definitely includes such essential items as clothing and shoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that the virus can live for hours or days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.

Were careful to shower every time we come home after going out in public, so we have to wonder: Can the virus live on our bath accessories (loofahs, mitts, shower poufs and sponges)?

To address just how long the coronavirus can live on our bath accessories and how to clean them properly, we tapped two board-certified dermatologists and an epidemiology expert to break down everything you need to know on this topic.

Read their need-to-know advice on everything from when to toss them to the antibacterial tools we should be using.

The Coronavirus Can Live On Plastic Surfaces

The National Institutes of Health said the coronavirus can live on plastic for up to three days. Its probably a good idea to clean our tools often, as many bath accessories are made with plastic materials, board-certified dermatologist Rina Allawh told HuffPost.

The virus that causes COVID-19 may live on bath accessories made of plastic for up to three days, Allawh said. With this in mind, surfaces need to be thoroughly cleaned and not used by more than one individual in the household to prevent spread.

Washing our hands with soap and water for 20 seconds can prevent the spread of COVID-19. Does that mean taking a shower with a pouf and soap eliminates the virus from the plastic?

Yes. But theres a caveat.