Alcohol does not kill C. difficile spores (1). In addition, several studies have found hand washing with soap and water, or with an antimicrobial soap and water, to be more effective at removing C.

Is alcohol effective against Clostridium difficile?

Background: Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) are an effective means of decreasing the transmission of bacterial pathogens. Alcohol is not effective against Clostridium difficile spores.

Does alcohol hand sanitizer kill C diff?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are highly effective against non–spore-forming organisms, but they do not kill C. difficile spores or remove C. difficile from the hands [7, 19].