Clorox Healthcare Products Now EPA-Registered to Kill Pathogens on Hard-to-Treat Soft Surfaces

In the fight against healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), hard surface disinfection is not enough. Dangerous pathogens can lurk on all types of surfaces in healthcare environments, including soft surfaces like privacy curtains. Recent findings show that 92 percent of hospital privacy curtains are contaminated one week after laundering,(1) yet 37 percent of facilities report that they only launder privacy curtains when they are visibly soiled.(2) If left unattended, contaminated soft surfaces can undermine a healthcare facility's infection control protocols and pose infection risks for patients, staff and visitors. 

Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectants are U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered to kill microorganisms on hard and soft surfaces.* Healthcare facilities trust Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectants to disinfect hard surfaces quickly, and now they also kill bacteria on soft surfaces in 30 seconds. The products can be used on high-touch soft surfaces such as privacy curtains, chairs, couches, rugs, cushions and mattresses.

"Stopping the spread of infection-causing pathogens in the healthcare environment is a top priority for infection prevention professionals, but while hard surface disinfectants are widely available, no simple solution for soft surfaces has been introduced," says Lynda Lurie, marketing manager at Clorox Professional Products Company. "With the new soft surface EPA-registration of Clorox Healthcare® Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectants, healthcare professionals finally have a two-in-one solution for quickly killing microorganisms on both hard and soft surfaces to help stop the spread of infection-causing pathogens, wherever they may be."

In addition, Clorox Healthcare has introduced new and improved Citrace® Hospital Disinfectant & Deodorizer, which is also EPA registered to kill bacteria on soft surfaces in just 30 seconds. Citrace® Hospital Disinfectant & Deodorizer disinfects hard surfaces, deodorizes, and kills bacteria on high-touch, soft surfaces such as curtains, chairs, lab coats+, linens+ and mouse pads. 

"Studies have shown that soft surfaces are sources of microbial contamination which could aid in pathogen transmission," says Kelly Reynolds, MSPH, PhD, researcher and associate professor in the College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. "In my extensive research on the topic, I've found that regularly treating fabrics and upholstered furniture with a product that is EPA-registered to kill bacteria on soft surfaces can help to minimize patient and healthcare worker infection risks."

Source: Clorox Professional Products Company

1. Ohl, M., Schweizer, M., Graham, M., Heilmann, K., Boyken, L., Diekema, D. "Hospital privacy curtains are frequently and rapidly contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria." American Journal of Infection Control 40.10 (2012): 904-6.

2. DeAngelis, D. L., Khakoo, R.,  DeAngelis, D. L. "Hospital Privacy Curtains: Cleaning and Changing Policies - Are We Doing Enough?" American Journal of Infection Control 41.6 (2013): S33.

*100% polyester and 100% cotton. Soft surface claim has been registered by the Federal EPA and may not be available in all 50 states. Please check with your sales representative for updates in your state.

+ Allow to air dry before use.