As spas prepare to reopen around the world, the issue of COVID-19 transmission is top of the agenda in terms of reassuring consumers and protecting the spa teams.

Some operators have been preparing to move to disposable linens, masks and uniforms to gain consumer confidence, but scientists are indicating this will not be necessary, as COVID-19 can be destroyed by simple soap powder, meaning a careful laundry process will be enough to render it harmless.

The virus can be transmitted by touch to a wide range of surfaces, so these need to be cleaned regularly with an anti-viral or soap-based product, but linens can be rendered safe by washing with soap powder and hot water.

This dissolves the fat membrane of the virus which then falls apart and becomes inactive.

The spa industry is seeking to become more environmentally sustainable, so it would be a retrograde move to change to disposables at this time. Fortunately, this will not be necessary, so long as good laundry processes are followed.