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Summary: OxiTab kills rhinovirus on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA-registered virucidal claim using rhinovirus Type 14
- Precise concentration and contact time
- How rhinovirus spreads and survives by surface type
- Step-by-step disinfection with OxiTab
- Prevention strategies, industry tips, and FAQs
What is Rhinovirus?
Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of the common cold. They spread easily in schools, offices, gyms, and healthcare facilities through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms often include runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, and congestion. Because even a small amount of virus can initiate infection, routine cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection are important in shared spaces.
Authoritative sources: CDC - Common Cold | MedlinePlus - Common Cold
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill Rhinovirus?
Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes virucidal efficacy against rhinovirus on hard, non-porous surfaces when mixed and applied according to the label.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for Rhinovirus
- Concentration: 1076 ppm
- Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
- EPA Registration: 71847-6
- Does OxiTab kill rhinovirus? Yes, when used as directed.
EPA label reference: EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
How to Sanitize Against Rhinovirus Using OxiTab
- Prepare the solution: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) in 1 gallon of water to reach the labeled disinfection strength of 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, desktops, counters, treatment chairs, rails, payment terminals
- Mop bucket: floors in classrooms, lobbies, gyms, locker rooms
- Wipes or cloths: phones, shared keyboards and mice exteriors, remotes, light switches
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage for cafeterias, waiting rooms, open offices
- Contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 4 minutes.
- After treatment: Air dry or wipe for appearance after contact time is met.
- Solution management: Effective up to 24 hours. Store closed and prepare fresh daily.
How Rhinovirus Spreads and How Long It Survives
Rhinovirus spreads through respiratory droplets and by touching contaminated surfaces then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Many infections occur in community settings where people share equipment or high-touch surfaces. Consistent disinfection helps lower the risk of fomite transmission.
Rhinovirus Survival Times by Surface
1. Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Plastic and stainless steel: Typically survives for hours and up to a day in favorable conditions.
- Glass and laminate: Multi-hour survival with potential for transfer 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 plastics, but sufficient for incidental transfer without routine cleaning.
- Fabric and upholstery: Hours; moisture and organic soil can extend survival time.
- Paper products: Hours in typical indoor conditions.
3. Factors that extend persistence
- Cool, low-UV environments: Can prolong survival on some surfaces.
- Visible soil and organic load: Reduces disinfectant performance unless pre-cleaned.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | Rhinovirus 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 - About the Common Cold | CDC - Disinfection and Sterilization
Why Does Rhinovirus Survive on Surfaces?
Rhinovirus is a non-enveloped virus. Without a fragile lipid envelope, it shows greater environmental stability than many enveloped viruses. Pre-cleaning to remove organic soil and using an EPA-registered disinfectant at label strength and contact time are essential for reliable inactivation on hard, non-porous surfaces.
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Clean visible soil first then disinfect with OxiTab at 1076 ppm for 4 minutes.
- Increase frequency on high-touch points: desks, doorknobs, switches, rails, remotes, shared devices.
- Encourage hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette in schools, offices, gyms, and salons.
- Launder linens hot and dry thoroughly in hospitality and fitness environments.
References: CDC - Common Cold Prevention
Symptoms of Rhinovirus Infection
- Common: runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough, mild headache, mild body aches
- Complications: exacerbation of asthma or COPD, sinusitis, otitis media
Reference: MedlinePlus - Common Cold
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Children and students: daycare, schools, dormitories
- People with chronic respiratory conditions: asthma, COPD
- Healthcare workers and caregivers: frequent exposure to symptomatic patients
- Residents of long-term care: congregate living increases exposure
Prevention Best Practices (By Environment)
- Healthcare: routine disinfection of patient rooms and shared equipment; promote hand hygiene and mask use during respiratory illness waves
- Education and childcare: daily disinfection of desks, doorknobs, restrooms; reinforce handwashing and stay-home-when-sick policies
- Hospitality and travel: disinfect guest room touchpoints and public restrooms; provide tissues and hand hygiene stations
- Gyms and fitness: clean and disinfect benches, mats, cardio interfaces; supply wipes for patrons
- Salons and beauty: disinfect chairs, counters, and tools between clients; schedule routine cleaning of waiting areas
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 Rhinovirus
Q: What disinfectant kills rhinovirus?
A: OxiTab kills rhinovirus with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.
Q: How long can rhinovirus survive on surfaces?
A: Typically hours and up to a day on non-porous surfaces under favorable conditions. See the table above.
Q: Are alcohol hand sanitizers effective?
A: Alcohol-based hand rubs can help reduce transmission. 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 - Common Cold
- CDC - Disinfection and Sterilization
- MedlinePlus - Common Cold
- EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
Call to Action
Reduce cold-season disruptions with OxiTab, an EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
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