10.2 - Table 1: Recommended Hard Surface Disinfectants


(e.g., table tops, equipment) Always follow manufacturer’s instructions. 

NAME

EXAMPLES *

COMMENTS
Alcohols

70% ethyl alcohol

85% isopropyl alcohol

Required contact time – 15 minutes; remove gross contamination before use; contaminated surfaces require longer contact time

Quaternary Ammonium

Roccal®, Cetylcide®

Rapidly inactivated by organic matter; compounds may support growth on Gram negative bacteria

Chlorine

Sodium hypochlorite 10% solution (Chlorox®), Chlorine dioxide (Clidox®, Alcide®)

Corrosive; activity reduced by organic matter; chlorine dioxide must be < 2 weeks old; kills vegetative organisms within 3 minutes of contact

Aldehydes

Glutaraldehyde (Cidex®, Cide Wipes®)

Rapidly disinfects surfaces; toxic- exposure limits have been set by OSHA

Phenolics

Lysol®, TBQ®

Less affected by organic material than others

Chlorhexidine

Nolvasan®, Hibiclens®

Activity unaffected by presence of blood; rapidly bactericidal and persistent; good virucidal activity

* The use of common brand names as examples does not indicate a product endorsement.