---
title: Avoiding Norovirus - Tips for Your Cleaning Staff
description: The norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in the United States. Avoiding norovirus should be a priority for any cleaning operation. Understanding Norovirus Transmission, Avoiding Norovirus - Practical Tips, and Proper Sickness Cleanup Procedures.
image: https://content.smoworks.com/hubfs/Avoiding%20Norovirus%20-%20Tips%20For%20Your%20Cleaning%20Staff.jpg
---

[![](https://content.smoworks.com/hubfs/SMO_Works_Sep2018/Images/logo_smo-wht.png)](http://smoworks.com)

[![Supreme Maintenance Organization](https://content.smoworks.com/hubfs/SMO_Works_Sep2018/Images/logo_smo.svg)](http://smoworks.com/) Keeping Facilities Clean & Healthy Since 1989

[Call Today! 800.717.4766](tel:18007174766)

[Request More Information](http://smoworks.com/get-more-info)

- [LOCATIONS](http://smoworks.com/locations)
- [CAREERS](http://smoworks.com/careers)
- [CONTACT](http://smoworks.com/contact)
- [TEAM LOGIN](https://smo.teamehub.com/ehub/account/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fehub%2F)
- [ICARE AWARD](https://content.smoworks.com/icare)

- [HOME](http://smoworks.com/)
- [OUR SERVICES](http://smoworks.com/our-services) 
    - [Janitorial](http://smoworks.com/janitorial) 
          - [Industrial](http://smoworks.com/industrial)
          - [Educational](http://smoworks.com/educational)
          - [Property Management](http://smoworks.com/property-management)
          - [Commercial & Corporate](http://smoworks.com/commercial-and-corporate)
          - [Healthcare](https://smoworks.com/healthcare-janitorial-services)
    - [Special Services](http://smoworks.com/special-services)
    - [Green Cleaning](http://smoworks.com/green-cleaning)
    - [Disinfecting Services](http://smoworks.com/disinfecting-services/)
- [WHY CHOOSE SMO?](http://smoworks.com/why-choose-smo) 
    - [Our Values](http://smoworks.com/our-values)
    - [Experienced Leadership](http://smoworks.com/experienced-leadership)
    - [SMO University](http://smoworks.com/smo-university)
    - [CIMS Certification](http://smoworks.com/cims-certification)
- [ABOUT](http://smoworks.com/about) 
    - [Professional Associations](http://smoworks.com/professional-associations)
    - [Our Team Members](http://smoworks.com/our-team-members)
    - [Managed Implementation](http://smoworks.com/managed-implementation)
    - [Community Participation](http://smoworks.com/community-participation)
    - [Innovation](http://smoworks.com/innovation)
    - [Quality Assurance Program](http://smoworks.com/quality-assurance-program)
    - [Corporate Sustainability](http://smoworks.com/corporate-sustainability)
- [NEWS & INSIGHTS](https://content.smoworks.com/blog)

- [Janitorial Services](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-services)
- [Cleaning Industry Insights](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-industry-insights)
- [Clean & Healthy Facilities](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/clean-healthy-facilities)

## Avoiding Norovirus - Tips for Your Cleaning Staff

- by [David Murphy](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/author/david-murphy)
- January 08, 2019
- [0](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/avoiding-norovirus-tips-for-your-cleaning-staff#comments-listing)

![Avoiding Norovirus - Tips For Your Cleaning Staff](https://content.smoworks.com/hubfs/Avoiding%20Norovirus%20-%20Tips%20For%20Your%20Cleaning%20Staff.jpg)

![Avoiding Norovirus - Tips For Your Cleaning Staff](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Avoiding%20Norovirus%20-%20Tips%20For%20Your%20Cleaning%20Staff.jpg?width=2835&name=Avoiding%20Norovirus%20-%20Tips%20For%20Your%20Cleaning%20Staff.jpg)

Keeping your cleaning staff healthy is a key objective for your cleaning operation. That is especially true during the winter months when cleaning staffs are more likely to be exposed to various forms of germs, bacteria, and virus. The norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in the United States. Avoiding norovirus should be a priority for any cleaning operation. Some tips on how to protect your cleaning staff....

**Understanding Norovirus Transmission**

The norovirus lives within the vomit or stool of those individuals that have become infected. The transmission of the virus from one individual to another can occur in numerous ways; including, but not limited to:

- ***Contact with contaminated surfaces:***Virus transmission occurs when we touch a contaminated surface and then placing our hand in our mouth prior to washing our hands.
- ***Consuming food or drink that has been contaminated:*** This common method of transmission occurs when we consume food or drink that has been contaminated by infected restaurant or cafeteria workers.
- ***Contact with the vomit of an infected individual:*** Every year thousands of people become infected during the process of cleaning up after a sick person.

**Avoiding Norovirus - Practical Tips**

**Pay Special Attention to Norovirus "Hot-Spots"**

Cleanliness is the key to avoiding norovirus. Areas that you should pay special attention to...

- Door handles and push plates
- Light switches
- Elevator buttons
- Kitchen equipment and surfaces
- Common-area counters and tables
- Restrooms (toilets, paper holders, sinks, handles)
- Drinking fountains

All of the above areas are prime transmission points for norovirus. Your maintenance routine should include regular cleaning **and** disinfection of each of these "hot-spots". Your cleaning and disinfection frequency should be based on traffic and use levels. For some areas a weekly routine may be sufficient while others may require daily treatment.

**Proper Sickness Cleanup Procedures**

The norovirus causes vomiting. Your cleaning staff will often bear the unpleasant responsibility of cleaning up that vomit. That task is not only unpleasant but it can also expose your staff to the virus. Techniques for cleaning and handling that will help protect your staff:

- ***Wear protection: ***Make sure that your staff wears disposable rubber gloves. A disposable plastic apron is also recommended.
- ***Cover the area: ***Cover the vomit with paper towels to soak up excess liquid.
- ***Clean:***Remove the vomit using a disposable dustpan or other type of scoop. Wash the entire area with hot water and detergent.
- ***Decontaminate: ***Decontaminate the entire area with 0.1% bleach solution. Properly dispose of **all** materials used during the cleanup process as well as all liquid residues.

Following the above tips and procedures will help protect your cleaning staff as well as the residents of the facility you service. Avoiding norovirus will also protect you against the loss of productivity that comes with a cleaning staff that is constantly battling illness.

[![Diana verticle Ad](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Diana%20verticle%20Ad.jpg?width=750&name=Diana%20verticle%20Ad.jpg)](http://smoworks.com/get-more-info/)

[Janitorial Services](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-services) [Cleaning Industry Insights](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-industry-insights) [Clean & Healthy Facilities](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/clean-healthy-facilities)

 Share this post

- <http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?m2w&s=100&p[url]=https://content.smoworks.com/blog/avoiding-norovirus-tips-for-your-cleaning-staff&p[images][0]=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4826756/Avoiding%20Norovirus%20-%20Tips%20For%20Your%20Cleaning%20Staff.jpg&p[title]=Avoiding%20Norovirus%20-%20Tips%20for%20Your%20Cleaning%20Staff>
- <https://twitter.com/share?text=Avoiding%20Norovirus%20-%20Tips%20for%20Your%20Cleaning%20Staff&url=https://content.smoworks.com/blog/avoiding-norovirus-tips-for-your-cleaning-staff>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://content.smoworks.com/blog/avoiding-norovirus-tips-for-your-cleaning-staff&title=Avoiding%20Norovirus%20-%20Tips%20for%20Your%20Cleaning%20Staff>

[Previous](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-of-the-month-september-2018) [Next](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-of-the-month-october-2018)

##### Related Posts

- <https://content.smoworks.com/blog/summer-cleaning-schools> 
  
  [![Guide to Professional Summer Cleaning in Schools](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Listing%20Image%20(14).jpg?width=220&height=135&name=Blog%20Listing%20Image%20(14).jpg)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/summer-cleaning-schools)

### [Guide to Professional Summer Cleaning in Schools](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/summer-cleaning-schools)

- <https://content.smoworks.com/blog/getting-windows-cleaned> 
  
  [![Let the Light In: The Importance of Getting Your Windows Cleaned](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Listing%20Image%20(13).jpg?width=220&height=135&name=Blog%20Listing%20Image%20(13).jpg)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/getting-windows-cleaned)

### [Let the Light In: The Importance of Getting Your Windows Cleaned](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/getting-windows-cleaned)

### Search Article

### FOLLOW US

- <https://twitter.com/smoworks>
- <https://www.facebook.com/smoworks/>
- <https://www.instagram.com/smoworks/>
- <https://linkedin.com/company/supreme-maintenance-organization/>

### Subscribe to our blog

## Topics

- Select a Topic 
    - [All](https://content.smoworks.com/blog)
    - [SMO Company News](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/smo-company-news)
    - [Employee Engagement](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/employee-engagement)
    - [Janitorial Services](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-services)
    - [Cleaning Industry Insights](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-industry-insights)
    - [Clean & Healthy Facilities](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/clean-healthy-facilities)
    - [Cleaning Innovation](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-innovation)
    - [Green Cleaning](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/green-cleaning)

[![Let SMO create a customized, cost-effective Service Solution for your business.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4826756/03caab17-9bf3-4111-93b4-7a38b0288497.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4826756/03caab17-9bf3-4111-93b4-7a38b0288497)

### TOPICS

- [SMO Company News (321)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/smo-company-news)
- [Cleaning Industry Insights (125)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-industry-insights)
- [Janitorial Services (76)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-services)
- [Clean & Healthy Facilities (68)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/clean-healthy-facilities)
- [Employee Engagement (48)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/employee-engagement)
- [Green Cleaning (28)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/green-cleaning)
- [Disinfecting (25)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/disinfecting)
- [Cleaning Safety (18)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-safety)
- [Cleaning Innovation (7)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/cleaning-innovation)
- [Janitorial Quality Assurance (7)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/tag/janitorial-quality-assurance)

### LATEST POSTS

[![SMO Team Member Birthdays December 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(25).png?width=180&height=138&name=Untitled%20design%20(25).png)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-birthday/december24)

## [SMO Team Member Birthdays December 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-birthday/december24)

December 04, 2024

[![SMO Team Member Anniversaries December 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-Apr-27-2022-03-02-43-71-PM.png?width=180&height=138&name=1-Apr-27-2022-03-02-43-71-PM.png)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo/december/2024/anniversaries)

## [SMO Team Member Anniversaries December 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo/december/2024/anniversaries)

December 02, 2024

[![SMO iCare Award Winners October 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iCare%20New%20image.png?width=180&height=138&name=iCare%20New%20image.png)](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-icare/november24)

## [SMO iCare Award Winners October 2024](https://content.smoworks.com/blog/smo-team-member-icare/november24)

November 19, 2024

- [HOME](http://smoworks.com/)
- [SERVICES](https://smoworks.com/office-cleaning-services)
- [WHY CHOOSE SMO](http://smoworks.com/why-choose-smo)
- [ABOUT](http://smoworks.com/about)
- [NEWS & INSIGHTS](https://content.smoworks.com/blog)
- [ACQUISITIONS](https://smoworks.com/acquisitions)

- [LOCATIONS](http://smoworks.com/locations)
- [CAREERS](http://smoworks.com/careers)
- [CONTACT](http://smoworks.com/contact)
- [TEAM LOGIN](https://smo.teamehub.com/ehub/account/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fehub%2F)
- [ICARE AWARD](https://content.smoworks.com/icare)

###  Where to Find Us

- [108 Pomona Drive Greensboro, NC 27409](https://goo.gl/maps/8jzNkBFwtYU2)
- [800.717.4766](tel:+18007174766)
- [336.294.7665](tel:+13362947665)

[![](https://content.smoworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SMO-iCare-logo.png?width=90&name=SMO-iCare-logo.png) NOMINATE TEAM MEMBER](https://content.smoworks.com/smo-icare-award-program)

[Work Request](http://smo.vektr.com)

<https://twitter.com/smoworks> <https://www.facebook.com/smoworks/> <https://linkedin.com/company/supreme-maintenance-organization/> <https://www.instagram.com/smoworks/>

Copyright  | Supreme Maintenance Organization