What disinfectant is recommended for cleaning vomit or diarrhea contamination?

• A. Hydrogen peroxide
• B. Bleach
• C. Ammonia
• D. Soap and water

Answer: (B)

Disinfecting vomit or diarrhea spills requires a cleaner that can inactivate a broad range of pathogens on surfaces. Chlorine bleach provides strong, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is widely recommended for these situations. When used with proper dilution and sufficient contact time, it remains effective even in the presence of organic matter like bodily fluids, making it reliable for quickly reducing the risk of transmission. Other options either don’t disinfect as reliably in the presence of organic material (ammonia isn’t a true disinfectant against many pathogens) or mainly clean without killing germs (soap and water). Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant too, but bleach is typically preferred for this type of cleanup due to its proven broad efficacy and practicality.