The activity of a number of detergents and disinfectants against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was evaluated in an in vitro assay system. Equal volumes of RSV and serial 10-fold dilutions of the test agents were mixed at 4 degrees C for 5 minutes. The RSV titer in each mixture was compared with that of untreated RSV alone. In 14 experiments with input RSV titers ranging from 2.6 x 10(3) to 2 x 10(7) plaque-forming units/ml, a 10-fold dilution of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (generic bleach) inactivated (> or = 3-log reduction in titer) the virus. With lower RSV titers inactivation was also observed at a 100-fold dilution of bleach. Fetal calf serum concentrations up to 50% as an organic load did not diminish the bleach effect. The degree of RSV inactivation was also defined for Lysol, povidone-iodine, Amphyl, Hibiclens, Osyl, ethanol and Listermint. The short contact time, the reproducible nature of the findings and the continued effectiveness with increasing organic loads all suggest that detergents and disinfectants can potentially play an important role in decreasing the spread of RSV infection.