Cases of norovirus, the dreaded stomach bug, are surging across the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, outbreaks have reached one of their highest levels in the past 12 years. Now, experts warn that the highly infectious virus can linger on clothes and other fabric-lined items like chairs, pillows and curtains for up to a month.

According to The U.S. Sun, cases of the illness that causes nausea and diarrhea, have skyrocketed by 40% compared to previous years. The norovirus spreads upon close contact with surfaces that have been infected by sick individuals. It can also be spread by eating food that has been touched by someone who has the virus.

Washing your hands with hot water and soap is key in preventing transmission and illness. But don’t rely on alcohol-based hand sanitizers because they won’t kill the bug. And since the virus lingers on fabrics, especially synthetic fabrics, make sure you wash your clothes in hot water with detergent which kills the norovirus and use your dryer to further sanitize.

“Hot is your best friend against microbes,” microbiologist Jason Tetro tells HuffPost, adding that the water should be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Laundry additives such as detergents that contain enzymes and oxygen bleach can also help destroy the norovirus.

Tetro recommends cleaning your washing machine with bleach in a hot water cycle monthly to get rid of microbe contamination. Use a steam iron to sanitize fabrics and if your dryer has its own steam setting, put it to use for pillows, stuffed animals and other cloth items in the home.

If you or someone in the household becomes ill, make sure that their clothing is washed immediately or put it away until you can, says Tetro. “This includes scarfs, hats, and mitts.”

In addition, use practices we learned during the pandemic including wear a mask around the sick person, wash your hands frequently and clean high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs.