Comprehensive Guide to Disinfecting Your Home After a Norovirus Outbreak

Populations can be hit hard by a norovirus outbreak, often leading to anxiety and uncertainty about how to effectively clean and disinfect your home. Norovirus, sometimes referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is highly contagious and can spread rapidly within households. However, proper disinfection techniques can significantly reduce the risk of further contamination and spread.

Understanding Norovirus and Its Disinfection Needs

Norovirus is a highly resilient virus that can survive on surfaces for days or even weeks. While the virus does not walk into your home and infect everyone, it is crucial to understand that when someone in your household is infected, they have brought the virus into your living space. Effective disinfection is key to preventing further outbreaks and ensuring the health and safety of all occupants.

Professional vs. Amateur Clean-Up

Attempting to clean a norovirus-infected home on your own can be a daunting task, especially for the uninitiated. Professionals often face challenges on their first attempt, given the high standards required to thoroughly eliminate the virus. This guide aims to provide a detailed, step-by-step process to help you effectively disinfect your home.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Safety

Required Gear

To protect yourself and ensure that you don’t contaminate the environment further, you need to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Essential items include:

Long-cuff high-quality chemical gloves Respirator with an N95 prefilt Eye protection (unless using a full-face respirator) Rubber boots Disposable full-coverage Tyvek suit (optional but recommended)

Using a disposable full-coverage Tyvek suit is highly recommended as it provides a barrier for any contaminated clothing or equipment. The suit should be worn throughout the cleaning process to avoid wearing through during the task.

Disinfection Process

Surface Disinfection with Bleach Solution

Begin by cleaning surfaces with a strong 8% bleach solution. Apply the solution heavily and allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes before rinsing. Key areas to clean include:

Doorknobs and light switches Countertops, tables, and other touched surfaces Toilets, showers, and bathrooms Floors Walls, particularly those exposed to projectile vomit or diarrhea

For more contaminated areas, extend your cleaning efforts to include door frames, window sills, and any other surfaces that may have come into contact with the virus.

Central Air/Heat System Disinfection

Disinfection of the air handler is crucial, especially if there is a central air/heat system. Replace the “return air” plenum filter and spray the return grill and ductwork with a bleach solution. The further you can reach, the better for thorough disinfection.

Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses

Upholstered furniture that has been vomited on or soiled with diarrhea is likely unsalvageable without professional tenting and treatments. Mattresses are difficult to clean effectively and may be best discarded or treated by professionals. Ensure a thorough cleaning and disinfection process to minimize the risk of further contamination.

Laundry and Fabric Cleaning

Wash all fabric items, including bedding, towels, clothing, and rugs, in the hottest water setting possible. If the fabrics can withstand it, add extra bleach. Heat-dry the items to ensure thorough sterilization. Special attention should be given to any contaminated items that have not been laundered but need to be used immediately.

Proper Removal and Disposal of PPE

Follow these steps carefully to ensure you do not re-contaminate your environment:

Watch videos on how to remove contaminated gloves, boots, masks, and suits. Put on protective gear before cleaning to prevent any premature contamination. Contain all contaminated items in a plastic trash bag and dispose of them outside immediately. Treat boots and respirator cartridges with a bleach solution, then wash them down with hot water to remove any remaining contaminants. Properly clean and decontaminate all cleaning equipment and solutions. Before removing PPE, thoroughly wash and disinfect your hands, then shower thoroughly to remove any remaining contaminants.

Maintaining cleanliness and following these guidelines will significantly reduce the risk of norovirus contamination in your home. For more detailed instructions, consider consulting a professional cleaning service.