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Summary: OxiTab kills C. diff spores on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA-recognized claim category via List K
- Exact concentrations and contact times for C. diff spores
- How C. diff spreads and survives by surface type
- Step-by-step disinfection workflow with OxiTab
- Prevention tips, industry-specific routines, and FAQs
What is C. diff?
Clostridioides difficile is a spore-forming bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and colitis. In healthcare and community settings, C. diff spreads when microscopic spores from feces contaminate hands, surfaces, and shared equipment. Spores are highly resilient and can persist in the environment for long periods, which is why cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection are essential.
Authoritative sources: CDC - About C. diff | CDC - Preventing C. diff
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill C. diff?
Yes. OxiTab has EPA-registered efficacy against C. diff spores on hard, non-porous surfaces when used at the label-specified concentration and contact time. C. diff is a spore-former, so pre-cleaning to remove visible soil is required before disinfection.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for C. diff
OxiTab is EPA-registered for C. diff spore disinfection. Follow label directions precisely.
- Concentration: 2153 ppm — Minimum Contact Time: 10 minutes
- Concentration: 4306 ppm — Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
- EPA List: EPA List K
- Does OxiTab kill C. diff? Yes, when used as directed on the label.
EPA label and method guidance: EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab | EPA C. diff Spore Efficacy Guidance
How to Sanitize Against C. diff Using OxiTab
- Pre-clean visible soil: For C. diff spores, perform a thorough clean first. Remove fecal matter and organic debris. Use friction on high-touch surfaces. See EPA guidance for special pre-cleaning instructions.
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Prepare the solution: Dissolve OxiTab tablets in water to reach the required strength for C. diff:
- 2153 ppm for 10 minutes, or
- 4306 ppm for 4 minutes
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Apply generously:
- Spray bottle: bed rails, door handles, call buttons, restroom fixtures
- Mop bucket: floors in patient rooms, restrooms, corridors
- Wipes or cloths: small fixtures, electronics exteriors, shared devices
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage for large rooms and high-traffic zones
- Maintain wet contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for the full 10 minutes at 2153 ppm or 4 minutes at 4306 ppm.
- Allow to air dry: Wipe only if needed for appearance after contact time is met.
- Solution management: Prepared solution remains effective for up to 24 hours. Store sealed and prepare fresh daily.
- PPE and waste: Wear appropriate PPE for cleanup. Dispose of contaminated materials per local regulations.
References: CDC - Environmental Cleaning Procedures | CDC - Clinical Guidance for C. diff Prevention
How C. diff Spreads and How Long It Survives
C. diff spreads via the fecal-oral route. Spores contaminate surfaces and equipment, then transfer to hands, which can transfer to other people or objects. Spores are resilient and can persist in the environment for long periods.
C. diff Survival Times by Surface
1. Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Plastic and stainless steel: Persistent survival from weeks to months without disinfection.
- Ceramic and sealed stone: Multiple weeks depending on humidity and organic load.
- Glass and laminate: Days to weeks, making counters and tables potential reservoirs.
2. Porous and softer surfaces
- Wood: Days to weeks with spores protected in pores or cracks.
- Fabric and upholstery: Days, especially when damp or soiled.
- Paper products: Hours to days, shorter when clean and dry.
3. Extended persistence
- General environments: Spores can survive for months and even longer under favorable conditions.
- Moist areas and bathrooms: Frequent recontamination requires daily cleaning and sporicidal disinfection.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | C. diff Survival Time |
|---|---|
| Plastic and Stainless Steel | Weeks to months |
| Glass and Laminate | Days to weeks |
| Ceramic and Sealed Stone | Weeks |
| Wood | Days to weeks |
| Fabric and Upholstery | Days |
| Paper Products | Hours to days |
References: CDC - About C. diff | ASM - Activity of Hospital Disinfectants vs C. diff Spores
Why Does C. diff Live So Long?
C. diff forms dormant spores with a protective outer coat. This tough structure resists drying and many cleaners. Non-enveloped spores are more tolerant of environmental stress than typical bacteria and viruses, which is why EPA-registered sporicidal disinfection and proper pre-cleaning are required for reliable control.
References: CDC - Facts for Clinicians | EPA - C. diff Spore Efficacy Guidance
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Use a two-step process: thorough pre-cleaning then EPA-registered sporicidal disinfection.
- Disinfect high-touch points on a schedule: rails, switches, remotes, faucets, toilet seats, and flush handles.
- Practice soap-and-water hand hygiene, which is preferred for spores.
- Launder contaminated linens hot and dry thoroughly.
- Exclude ill staff or residents per facility policy and public health guidance.
References: CDC - Environmental Cleaning Procedures | CDC - Preventing C. diff
Symptoms of C. diff Infections
- Mild to moderate: watery diarrhea, stomach pain, tenderness, low-grade fever, nausea
- Severe or complicated: dehydration, colitis, toxic megacolon, sepsis
Reference: Mayo Clinic - C. diff Symptoms and Causes
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Older adults and long-term care residents
- Recent antibiotic exposure or hospitalization
- Immunocompromised patients
- People with prior C. diff infection or known exposure
References: CDC - About C. diff | MedlinePlus - C. diff Infections
Prevention Best Practices
- Healthcare: daily and terminal cleaning with a List K sporicidal agent, isolate symptomatic patients, disinfect shared equipment between uses
- Long-term care: dedicated bathrooms when possible, routine disinfection of bathrooms and dining areas
- Education and childcare: frequent restroom and classroom disinfection, reinforce handwashing
- Hospitality and travel: disinfect guest bathrooms, remotes, handles, elevator buttons
- Gyms and fitness: clean and disinfect locker rooms, benches, and restroom fixtures regularly
Why OxiTab is the Safer Choice
- Non-hazardous: safer to handle than bleach or Quats
- No residue: leaves a clean finish without sticky films
- Simple and affordable: tablet dosing makes mixing easy and consistent
FAQs About C. diff
Q: What disinfectant kills C. diff?
A: OxiTab kills C. diff with EPA-registered efficacy at 4306 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.
Q: Can C. diff live on clothing or towels?
A: Yes. Spores can persist for days. Wash hot and dry fully, and handle soiled laundry carefully.
Q: Are alcohol hand sanitizers effective against C. diff?
A: Soap and water is preferred for spores. Use sanitizers as a supplement but not as a replacement for handwashing.
Q: How long does C. diff survive on surfaces?
A: From weeks to months depending on conditions. Routine pre-cleaning and sporicidal disinfection are essential.
Related Pathogen Guides
References
- CDC - About C. diff
- CDC - Preventing C. diff
- CDC - Environmental Cleaning Procedures
- CDC - Clinical Guidance for C. diff Prevention
- EPA - List K
- EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
Call to Action
Protect your environment against C. diff using OxiTab, an EPA-registered sporicidal disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
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