What kills norovirus on hands? What cleans norovirus?

Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, is not easily killed by many common disinfectants or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. It’s resistant to many disinfectants and can survive both hot and cold temperatures. This makes it particularly challenging to eliminate from your hands and surfaces.

To kill norovirus on your hands, the most effective method is thorough hand washing. It’s recommended to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, before eating, preparing, or handling food, and before giving yourself or someone else medicine.

Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus, and while it can be used in addition to hand washing, it should not be used as a substitute for proper handwashing. When it comes to cleaning surfaces that may be contaminated with norovirus, bleach-based cleaners are the most effective.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a solution that contains anywhere from 5 to 25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water or other disinfectant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s important to let the bleach solution or cleaner sit on the surface for at least 5 minutes before wiping it clean with paper towels