How to Disinfect and Kill Human Coronavirus (non-SARS-CoV-2) - OxiTab’s EPA-Registered Claims

Summary: OxiTab kills common human coronaviruses (such as 229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1) on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.

• EPA-registered virucidal claim with exact ppm and contact time
• How common human coronaviruses spread and survive on surfaces
• Step-by-step disinfection with OxiTab
• Industry-specific prevention routines and FAQs
• References to CDC and the EPA label portal

What is Human Coronavirus (non-SARS-CoV-2)?

Common human coronaviruses (for example, HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-HKU1) typically cause mild to moderate upper respiratory illness, similar to a common cold. They circulate seasonally and spread in schools, offices, childcare, long-term care, and other community settings through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces touched before the eyes, nose, or mouth. Routine cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection help reduce environmental transmission.

Authoritative sources: CDC — Common Human Coronaviruses | CDC — Disinfection and Sterilization

Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill Human Coronavirus?

Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes virucidal efficacy on hard, non-porous surfaces for coronaviruses when the solution is mixed and applied according to the label.

EPA-Registered Kill Claims for Human Coronavirus

• Concentration: 1076 ppm
• Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
• Does OxiTab kill human coronavirus? Yes, when used as directed.

EPA label reference: EPA Product Label Portal — OxiTab

How to Sanitize Against Human Coronavirus Using OxiTab

1. Pre-clean visible soil: Remove dust, body oils, and organic debris. Pre-cleaning improves disinfectant performance.
2. Prepare the solution: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) in 1 gallon of water to reach approximately 1076 ppm. Allow the tablet to dissolve fully; stir gently if needed.
3. Apply thoroughly:
   • Spray bottle: desks, counters, door handles, rails, faucet controls, payment terminals
   • Mop bucket: floors in classrooms, offices, lobbies, corridors
   • Wipes or cloths: phones, tablets, keyboards and mice exteriors, remotes, light switches
   • Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage in cafeterias, waiting rooms, open offices, and common areas
4. Maintain wet contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 4 minutes. Reapply solution if drying occurs.
5. After treatment: Air dry or wipe for appearance after the contact time is met.
6. Solution management: Use prepared solution within 24 hours; store closed and mix fresh daily.

How Human Coronavirus Spreads and How Long It Survives

Common human coronaviruses spread via respiratory droplets, direct contact with secretions, and contaminated surfaces. People may be infectious early in illness, and high-touch surfaces can act as reservoirs without routine disinfection.

Human Coronavirus Survival Times by Surface

1) Hard, non-porous surfaces

• Plastic and stainless steel: Typically survives from hours to a day in indoor conditions without disinfection.
• Glass and laminate: Multi-hour survival; transfer risk during that period.
• Ceramic and sealed stone: Hours to about a day depending on humidity and soil load.

2) Porous and softer surfaces

• Wood, finished: Generally shorter survival than smooth plastics; cracks and moisture can extend persistence.
• Fabric and upholstery: Hours; moisture and soil may extend survival time.
• Paper products: Hours in typical indoor conditions.

3) Factors that extend persistence

• Cool, low-UV environments: May prolong survival on some materials.
• Organic soil: Can shield virus from disinfectants if pre-cleaning is skipped.

Surface Survival Times Chart

Surface Type	Human Coronavirus Survival Time
Plastic and Stainless Steel	Hours to ~1 day
Glass and Laminate	Hours
Ceramic and Sealed Stone	Hours to ~1 day
Wood, Finished	Generally hours
Fabric and Upholstery	Hours
Paper Products	Hours

References: CDC — Common Human Coronaviruses | CDC — Disinfection and Sterilization

Why Do Human Coronaviruses Survive on Surfaces?

Although coronaviruses are enveloped and generally less stable than non-enveloped viruses, they can still persist long enough for hand-to-face transfer, especially in cooler, low-UV indoor environments or when protected by organic soil. Pre-cleaning to remove soil and using an EPA-registered disinfectant at label strength and contact time are key to reliable inactivation.

Preventing Surface Transmission

• Use a two-step protocol. Pre-clean, then disinfect with OxiTab at 1076 ppm for 4 minutes.
• Disinfect high-touch points frequently. Door handles, desks, rails, faucets, elevator buttons, touch screens, and shared devices.
• Promote hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Provide soap, water, and alcohol-based hand rubs.
• Launder linens hot and dry thoroughly; manage waste per local guidance.

Guidance: CDC — Prevention

Symptoms of Common Human Coronavirus Infection

• Common: runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, low-grade fever, malaise
• Complications: bronchitis or pneumonia in higher-risk groups

Reference: CDC — Common Human Coronaviruses

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Infants and young children in childcare and early education
• Older adults and people with chronic conditions
• Residents of long-term care and congregate housing
• Healthcare workers and caregivers with frequent exposure

Prevention Best Practices by Environment

• Healthcare and long-term care: Routine disinfection of rooms and shared equipment; increase frequency during respiratory season; provide respiratory hygiene stations.
• Education and childcare: Disinfect desks, non-porous toys, restrooms, and handwashing areas; reinforce stay-home-when-sick policies.
• Hospitality and travel: Disinfect guest room touchpoints and public restrooms; provide tissues and hand hygiene stations in lobbies and dining areas.
• Gyms and fitness: Disinfect benches, mats, cardio interfaces, and locker rooms; provide wipes and signage for members.
• Salons and beauty: Disinfect chairs, counters, bowls, and non-porous 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 gives consistent ppm with 1 tablet per gallon

FAQs About Human Coronavirus

Q: What disinfectant kills human coronavirus?
A: OxiTab kills common human coronaviruses with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.

Q: How long can human coronaviruses survive on surfaces?
A: Typically hours and up to a day on non-porous surfaces depending on conditions. See the table above.

Q: Does OxiTab have a strong chemical odor or leave residue?
A: No. OxiTab is non-hazardous and leaves a clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors.

Q: Are alcohol hand sanitizers effective?
A: Alcohol-based hand rubs help reduce transmission. Wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.

Related Pathogen Guides

• Disinfect COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
• Disinfect Rhinovirus
• Disinfect RSV
• Disinfect Influenza A
• Full Pathogen List

References

• CDC — Common Human Coronaviruses
• CDC — Prevention
• CDC — Disinfection and Sterilization
• EPA Product Label Portal — OxiTab

Call to Action

Protect classrooms, clinics, offices, and shared spaces with OxiTab. It is an EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.

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