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Summary: OxiTab kills norovirus on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA-verified kill claims using the feline calicivirus surrogate
- Exact concentration and contact time for disinfection
- How norovirus spreads and survives by surface type
- Step-by-step instructions to disinfect with OxiTab
- Prevention strategies, industry tips, and FAQs
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Outbreaks are common in schools, long-term care, restaurants, cruise ships, and other crowded or shared environments. The virus spreads quickly and requires rigorous cleaning and disinfection to control.
Authoritative source: CDC - Norovirus
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill Norovirus?
Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes efficacy against norovirus using feline calicivirus as the accepted surrogate on hard, non-porous surfaces when used at the correct strength and contact time.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for Norovirus
- Concentration: 1076 ppm
- Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
- EPA Registration: 71847-6
- EPA List: List G (products effective against norovirus via feline calicivirus surrogate)
- Does OxiTab kill norovirus? Yes, when used as directed.
EPA label reference: EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
How to Sanitize Against Norovirus Using OxiTab
- Prepare the solution: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) in 1 gallon of water to achieve the labeled disinfection strength.
- Mix and wait: Allow the tablet to dissolve fully. Stir gently to speed dissolution.
-
Apply the solution:
- Spray bottle: high-touch surfaces like door handles, railings, counters, tables, tray tables
- Mop bucket: floors, restrooms, food service areas after pre-cleaning visible soils
- Wipes or cloths: small fixtures, shared devices, point-of-sale terminals
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage in classrooms, dining rooms, cabins, and waiting areas
- Contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 4 minutes.
- After treatment: Allow to air dry or wipe with a clean cloth if needed for appearance.
- Storage and disposal: Mixed solution remains effective for up to 24 hours. Store closed and prepare fresh daily.
How Norovirus Spreads and How Long It Survives
Norovirus spreads through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated hands, surfaces, food, and water. Because very few viral particles can cause illness and the virus survives well in the environment, shared spaces are vulnerable without consistent disinfection and hand hygiene.
Norovirus Survival Times by Surface
1. Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Plastic and stainless steel: Often persists for several days and in some conditions up to a week or more when not disinfected.
- Ceramic and sealed stone: Multiple days of viability depending on humidity and organic soil.
- Glass and laminate: Several days, making tabletops and counters potential reservoirs.
2. Porous and softer surfaces
- Wood: Typically 1 to 3 days on finished wood. Porosity and cracks can protect virus from removal.
- Fabric and upholstery: Hours to 1 to 2 days. Moisture can extend survival.
- Paper and disposable napkins: About 12 hours to 1 day under common conditions.
3. Extended persistence
- General environments: Norovirus can linger for days and sometimes weeks across diverse materials without proper disinfection.
- Still or contaminated water: Evidence suggests survival can extend for months, underscoring the need for thorough cleaning and water safety practices.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | Norovirus Survival Time |
|---|---|
| Plastic and Stainless Steel | Several days to 1 week+ |
| Glass and Laminate | Several days |
| Ceramic and Sealed Stone | Several days |
| Wood | 1 to 3 days |
| Fabric and Upholstery | Hours to 1 to 2 days |
| Paper Products | About 12 hours to 1 day |
Why Does Norovirus Survive So Long?
Norovirus is a non-enveloped virus with a sturdy protein capsid that protects it from drying and many environmental stresses. This structure allows the virus to persist on surfaces and resist some cleaners. EPA-registered disinfectants with verified claims are required for reliable inactivation on hard, non-porous surfaces.
References: CDC - About Norovirus | CDC - Preventing Norovirus
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Clean visible soil first to improve disinfection performance.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces on a defined schedule using OxiTab at 1076 ppm for 4 minutes.
- Practice strict hand hygiene with soap and water, especially after restroom use and before eating.
- Use gloves and appropriate PPE during cleanup of vomit or feces and dispose of materials properly.
- Exclude sick staff or students until 48 hours after symptoms end, per public health guidance.
References: CDC - Handwashing for Norovirus | CDC - Cleaning and Disinfection
Symptoms of Norovirus Infections
- Mild to moderate: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, low-grade fever, body aches
- Severe or complicated: dehydration, especially in infants, older adults, and people with underlying conditions
Reference: CDC - Symptoms
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Children and students: daycare, schools, dormitories
- Older adults: long-term care and assisted living
- Food service workers and guests: restaurants, cafeterias, catering
- Travelers and crew: cruise ships, airlines, tour groups
- Healthcare staff and patients: hospitals, clinics, rehab facilities
Prevention Best Practices
- Healthcare: isolate symptomatic patients, perform terminal cleaning, dedicate equipment when possible
- Food service: enforce strict handwashing, exclude ill workers, disinfect prep areas and dining surfaces
- Education and childcare: routine disinfection of classrooms, restrooms, and cafeterias. Emphasize hand hygiene
- Hospitality and travel: frequent disinfection of cabins, remotes, rails, elevator buttons, and shared restrooms
- Gyms and fitness: clean and disinfect mats, benches, and locker rooms. Provide hand hygiene stations
Why OxiTab is the Safer Choice
- Non-Hazardous: safer for teams and guests compared to bleach or Quats
- No residue: clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors
- Simple and affordable: 1 tablet per gallon of water for consistent, easy mixing
FAQs About Norovirus
Q: What disinfectant kills norovirus?
A: OxiTab kills norovirus with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.
Q: Can norovirus live on clothing or towels?
A: Yes. It can persist for hours to days, especially when damp. Wash hot and dry fully.
Q: Are alcohol hand sanitizers effective against norovirus?
A: Soap and water is strongly preferred. Hand sanitizers may be less effective against norovirus. Wash thoroughly after restroom use and before eating.
Q: How long does norovirus survive on surfaces?
A: From hours to days or longer, depending on the surface, soil load, and environment. See the table above.
Related Pathogen Guides
References
- CDC - Norovirus
- CDC - Preventing Norovirus
- CDC - Cleaning and Disinfection
- EPA - List G
- EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
Call to Action
Protect your environment against norovirus using OxiTab, an EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
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