Activity of selected oxidizing microbicides against the spores of Clostridium difficile: Relevance to environmental control

Acidified bleach, Virox STF, and regular bleach (3000-5000 mg/L FC) could inactivate C difficile spores on hard environmental surfaces in approximately 10 to 15 minutes under ambient conditions. All of these products are strong oxidizers and should be handled with care for protection of staff, but acidified and regular bleach with high levels of FC also release chlorine gas, which can be hazardous if inhaled by staff or patients.