- The 1:10 dilution of household bleach (0.5%) is recommended for effective surface disinfection in clinical settings because it provides optimal antimicrobial efficacy while minimizing surface damage and toxicity.
- This concentration is proven to inactivate a broad range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, within a practical contact time.
- Stronger concentrations (e.g., undiluted bleach) are unnecessarily harsh, and weaker dilutions (e.g., 1:20) may be insufficient for reliable disinfection.

Thus, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite strikes the best balance for safety and efficacy.

Reference: Murray et al., Medical Microbiology, 9th Edition, Chapter 10, p. 215