A composition and method are used to treat articles suspected of contamination with bacterial spores. The composition and method are effective against bacterial spores selected from C. diff., C. botulinum, C. sporogenes, B. cereus, and B. subtilis. The article can be a textile or a hard surface. The method includes preparing a first use solution by mixing ether amine in water and a second use solution by mixing percarboxylic acid in water; applying the first use solution to the article; and applying the second use solution to the article. An alternative method includes preparing a mixture of ether amine, percarboxylic acid, and water, and applying the mixture to the article.