I’ve spent more than a decade running cleaning programmes across offices, retail and healthcare sites, and one question that keeps coming up with facilities managers and cleaning teams is: which disinfectant active ingredients actually neutralize norovirus on touchpoints? Norovirus is notoriously tough — small amount of virus, low infectious dose, high environmental stability — so choosing the right chemistry and using it correctly matters more than ever. Below I explain what works, what doesn’t, and practical steps you can take on-site.
Why norovirus is different from many other germs
Norovirus is a non-enveloped virus. That simple fact explains a lot. Many common disinfectants (especially those that are alcohol-based or rely only on disrupting lipid envelopes) are less effective against non-enveloped viruses. Norovirus also survives well on surfaces for days, resists drying, and a tiny number of viral particles can cause infection. So your disinfectant choice and your cleaning protocol must be designed for a tougher target.
Active ingredients that do work
In my experience and from the evidence I follow, the following active ingredients are reliable against norovirus — provided you use them at the correct concentration and allow the required contact time:
Often the first-line response in outbreak situations. Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) at the right dilution is a proven virucide against norovirus surrogates. Typical guidance: 1,000–10,000 ppm available chlorine depending on context. For routine touchpoints, 1,000 ppm (1:50 from 5%–6% household bleach) is commonly used; for heavy contamination (vomit or diarrhea) many guidance notes recommend 5,000–10,000 ppm. Contact time is important — usually 1–5 minutes minimum, longer in soiled conditions.
AHP formulations combine hydrogen peroxide with surfactants and stabilisers to improve efficacy and reduce contact time. Some AHP products claim EN14476 virucidal activity, which includes effectiveness against non-enveloped viruses (tested against surrogates). They are less corrosive than bleach and better for repeated use on certain surfaces.
Peracetic acid is a strong oxidiser with quick action against norovirus surrogates. It’s used industrially and in healthcare for high-level disinfection. It can be corrosive and has a pungent odour, so use requires PPE and good ventilation.
These oxidising agents have broad-spectrum activity including non-enveloped viruses in some formulations. Virkon S (and similar) are commonly used in outbreak control in communal settings. They’re effective at recommended concentrations and can be a good alternative where bleach is unsuitable.
Certain phenolic-based disinfectants have demonstrated activity against non-enveloped viruses, though performance varies by formulation. Check manufacturer EN claims; don’t assume all phenolics will work.
Active ingredients that are NOT reliable on their own
It’s just as important to know what won’t cut it. I see alcohol wipes and standard QACs (quaternary ammonium compounds) used as tick-box solutions — but they have limits.
Alcohols are excellent for enveloped viruses and quick skin/application use, but they’re not reliably effective against non-enveloped viruses like norovirus at the concentrations typically used for surface disinfection.
QACs are great general-purpose disinfectants for bacteria and many enveloped viruses, but many QACs lack sufficient activity against norovirus. Some blended products claim improved efficacy — always verify EN14476 / virucidal claims for norovirus surrogates.
Standards and testing to check on product labels
When selecting a disinfectant, don’t rely on marketing claims. Look for independent standards and test claims:
Practical on-site considerations — concentration, contact time and organic load
You can’t just spray and run. In practice, these three factors determine success:
Surface compatibility and safety
Bleach is effective but corrosive — it can discolour fabrics, damage metals and degrade sealants over time. AHP and Virkon-style products tend to be less corrosive, but you must consult manufacturer guidance for specific substrates. Always use PPE (gloves, eye protection) when handling high-concentration oxidisers and ensure adequate ventilation for peracetic acid.
Application methods I recommend
Quick comparison table (practical summary)
| Active ingredient | Typical concentration | Contact time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) | 1,000–10,000 ppm | 1–10 minutes | Proven, inexpensive | Corrosive, irritant, affected by organic matter |
| Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) | Manufacturer-specific (ready-to-use or diluted) | 1–5 minutes (product dependent) | Less corrosive, pleasant odour | Check EN claims; can be pricier |
| Peracetic acid | Low % (product specific) | Short (often <5 min) | Fast, broad-spectrum | Pungent, corrosive, requires PPE |
| Potassium peroxymonosulfate | Manufacturer guidance | Few minutes | Effective alternative to bleach | May be corrosive; check substrate compatibility |
| Alcohol / QACs | Typical commercial strengths | Short | Good for many pathogens | Not reliable vs norovirus |
Verification and training
I always advise teams to:
Choosing the right chemistry is one piece of the puzzle. The rest is about correct preparation, removing contamination first, ensuring proper concentration and contact time, and protecting staff and surfaces. If you want, I can help review your cleaning schedule and product inventory against current UK guidance and recommend specific formulations that meet EN standards for virucidal activity.
