Compositions comprising a germinant and an antimicrobial agent

A method of sterilising or disinfecting an abiotic surface such that it is essentially free of pathogens, the method comprising:

• contacting the abiotic surface with an antiseptic composition comprising a germinant and an antimicrobial agent, wherein the germinant comprises sodium taurocholate and at least two amino acids selected from the group consisting of histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, glycine and valine, and wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises benzalkonium chloride and benzyl alcohol;
• wherein the abiotic surface is contacted for a sufficient time for the pathogens to germinate and be killed;
• wherein the antimicrobial agent is provided in an amount of from 0.01% to 2%;
• wherein the amino acids are in an amount of from about 10 to about 100 mM based on the final composition;
• wherein the antiseptic composition prevents sporulation of vegetative cells.