While Sodium Hypochlorite (the active ingredient in a legitimate bleach product) might be effective at killing Candida albicans, it is NOT safe to assume that store-bought bleach is going to to be able to kill the very different, very resilient, rapidly increasing: Candida auris.
In order to confidently kill Candida auris (or any pest), an EPA registered product should be pursued and substitutes should never be accepted unless specifically allowed by an authority such as the CDC (Center for Disease Control).
So What Kills Candida auris?
Fellow researchers; the list is SHORT. But short is better than none. In fact not too long ago there were ZERO pesticides approved for killing Candida auris and the CDC recommended to use those capable of killing Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) spores.
But now, there are at least a few disinfectants that have been tested and proven effective to kill Candida auris and readily available options from online sources like amazon and walmart. For your convenience, we’ve included affiliate links so you can check pricing and availability. You can also click any product image and be taken to pricing and availability options.
We cannot guarantee availability or if products can be shipped to your location. If you have to go to a medical supplier, be sure to use the appropriate EPA Registration Number for an exact match. We’ve included them all below in the appropriate section.
These are the products registered with the EPA for their ability to kill not just Candida albicans, but specifically: Candida auris.
Sani-Prime Spray & Sani-Prime Wipes Kill Candida auris
Made by PDI Sani-Prime Spray (link to pricing) and Sani-Prime wipes Kill (link to pricing) Candida albicans and specifically rated to also kill Candida auris. EPA Reg. No 9480-12 (wipes) and 9480-10 (spray)
Micro-Kill Bleach Germicidal Wipes: Kills Candida auris
Made by Medline, these Micro-Kill wipes (link to product) are EPA Registered for their efficacy (ability) to KILL Candida albicans AND more importantly Candida auris. EPA Reg.No 37549-1
Follow instructions EXACTLY as written on the package.
Avert Sporicidal Disinfectant Cleaner – Spray Kills Candida auris
Made by Diversey, the spray disinfectant called: Avert Sporicidal Disinfectant Cleaner (link to product) is registered with the EPA for the ability to kill Candida auris. EPA Reg. No 70627-72
Does Hand Sanitizer Kill Candida auris?
Hand sanitizers sold throughout the US are FDA regulated and considered OTC drugs. So, technically, you won’t find a hand sanitizer marketed for the purposes of killing Candida auris.
However, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) highly recommends alcohol based hand sanitizers when dealing with Candida auris.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) is effective against C. auris and is the preferred method for cleaning hands when they are not visibly soiled. If hands are visibly soiled, wash with soap and water. Wearing gloves is not a substitute for hand hygiene. CDC on Hand Hygiene
Here are some alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 70% ethyl alcohol as their active ingredient.
Solimo Hand Sanitizer– an amazon brand
Purell Advanced – must be “advanced”
Summary
Candida auris is becoming more and more of a threat in health-care facilities, especially long-term care establishments. You can stay updated on the threats by using the CDC update page or for tracking cases, you can view the CDC monthly tracking map here.
More often than not, we have dozens of options when it comes to disinfecting a fungal threat. But Candida auris is different and is not responding to many disinfectants that are capable of killing Candida albicans.
Therefore, disinfectant choices should be limited to those proven to kill Candida auris and that are EPA registered .