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Summary: OxiTab kills SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA-registered virucidal claims for human coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2
- Exact concentration and contact time for surface disinfection
- How COVID-19 spreads and survives by surface type
- Step-by-step instructions to disinfect with OxiTab
- Prevention strategies, industry tips, and FAQs
What is COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It spreads when infected people expel respiratory droplets and aerosols, and by touching contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose, or mouth. Because people can be contagious before symptoms appear, routine cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection help reduce surface transmission risk in schools, healthcare, workplaces, hospitality, gyms, and salons.
Authoritative sources: CDC - About COVID-19 | CDC - Cleaning and Disinfecting
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill SARS-CoV-2?
Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes virucidal claims that cover human coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces when mixed and applied according to the label.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for SARS-CoV-2
- Concentration: 1076 ppm
- Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
- EPA Registration: 71847-6 (see EPA portal below)
- EPA List: List N products are expected to kill SARS-CoV-2 when used as directed
- Does OxiTab kill SARS-CoV-2? Yes, when used as directed.
EPA label reference: EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
How to Sanitize Against COVID-19 Using OxiTab
- Prepare the solution: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) in 1 gallon of water to reach the labeled disinfection strength (about 1076 ppm).
- Mix and wait: Allow the tablet to dissolve fully. Stir gently to speed dissolution.
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Apply the solution:
- Spray bottle: door handles, railings, desks, payment terminals, treatment chairs
- Mop bucket: floors in classrooms, lobbies, fitness areas, corridors
- Wipes or cloths: phones, keyboards and mice exteriors, remotes, light switches
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage for waiting rooms, dining areas, locker rooms
- Contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 4 minutes.
- After treatment: Air dry, or wipe for appearance after the contact time is met.
- Solution management: Effective up to 24 hours. Store closed and prepare fresh daily.
How COVID-19 Spreads and How Long It Survives
SARS-CoV-2 spreads via respiratory droplets and aerosols and through contaminated hands touching the face. While airborne transmission is significant, contaminated surfaces can contribute to spread in shared spaces. Routine cleaning and disinfection help reduce the risk of fomite transmission, especially on frequently touched items.
SARS-CoV-2 Survival Times by Surface
1. Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Plastic and stainless steel: Up to 48 to 72 hours in lab conditions, typically shorter with routine cleaning and normal indoor environments.
- Glass and laminate: Up to 48 hours reported in controlled settings.
- Ceramic and sealed stone: Hours to a day depending on humidity and soil load.
2. Porous and softer surfaces
- Wood: Generally shorter survival than plastics, but enough time for incidental transfer if not disinfected.
- Fabric and upholstery: Hours. Moisture and soil can extend survival.
- Paper and cardboard: Often under 24 hours in typical indoor conditions.
3. Extended persistence
- Cool, low-UV environments: Survival can be longer. Winter conditions can favor persistence on some materials.
- High-traffic touchpoints: Repeated recontamination requires frequent cleaning and disinfection.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | SARS-CoV-2 Survival Time |
|---|---|
| Plastic and Stainless Steel | Up to 48–72 hours (lab conditions) |
| Glass and Laminate | Up to ~48 hours |
| Ceramic and Sealed Stone | Hours to 1 day |
| Wood | Hours to a day |
| Fabric and Upholstery | Hours |
| Paper and Cardboard | Under ~24 hours |
References: CDC - Cleaning and Disinfecting
Why Does SARS-CoV-2 Survive on Surfaces?
SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus. Its lipid envelope makes it susceptible to EPA-registered disinfectants when they are used at the labeled strength and contact time. Environmental factors like cooler temperatures, low humidity, and organic soil can modestly extend survival, so pre-cleaning and proper wet contact time are important for reliable inactivation.
Reference: CDC - Cleaning and Disinfecting
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Clean visible soil first, then disinfect with OxiTab at 1076 ppm for 4 minutes.
- Increase frequency on high-touch points: doorknobs, switches, rails, remotes, shared devices.
- Promote hand hygiene: wash with soap and water; provide alcohol-based hand rubs.
- Encourage respiratory etiquette and stay-home-when-sick policies.
References: CDC - Prevention
Symptoms of COVID-19
- Common: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, headache
- Complications: pneumonia, worsening of chronic conditions, hospitalization
Reference: CDC - Symptoms of COVID-19
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Older adults and people with chronic conditions
- Pregnant people
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
- Residents of long-term care facilities
Reference: CDC - Higher Risk
Prevention Best Practices (By Environment)
- Healthcare: routine disinfection of patient rooms and shared equipment, respiratory hygiene stations, staff vaccination policies
- Education and childcare: daily disinfection of desks, doorknobs, restrooms; encourage sick students to stay home
- Hospitality and travel: disinfect guest room and transport touchpoints; provide tissues and hand hygiene
- Gyms and fitness: clean and disinfect benches, mats, cardio interfaces; supply wipes for patrons
- Salons and beauty: disinfect chairs, counters, tools between clients
Why OxiTab is the Safer Choice
- Non-hazardous: safer to handle than bleach or Quats (QACs)
- No residue: leaves a clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors
- Simple and affordable: tablet dosing for easy, consistent mixing
FAQs About COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
Q: What disinfectant kills SARS-CoV-2?
A: OxiTab kills SARS-CoV-2 with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.
Q: How long can SARS-CoV-2 survive on surfaces?
A: From hours to a couple of days on non-porous surfaces in lab settings, typically shorter with routine cleaning and normal conditions.
Q: Are alcohol hand sanitizers effective?
A: Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective when used correctly. Wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.
Q: Does OxiTab leave a strong chemical odor?
A: No. OxiTab leaves a clean finish without harsh residue or strong lingering odors.
Related Pathogen Guides
References
- CDC - About COVID-19
- CDC - Cleaning and Disinfecting
- CDC - Symptoms of COVID-19
- EPA - About List N
- EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
Call to Action
Protect your spaces during respiratory virus season with OxiTab, an EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
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