How do you clean MRSA from your house?
Cleaning your house to remove MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) involves thorough disinfection and proper hygiene practices. Here are steps to clean MRSA from your house:
1. Identify Contaminated Areas:
- Use gloves to avoid direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Check areas frequently touched by people, like door handles, light switches, countertops, bathroom fixtures, and shared electronic devices.
2. Prepare Cleaning Solution:
- Mix a bleach and water solution. Bleach is most effective against bacteria.
- Use 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
3. Cleaning:
- Wear disposable gloves and avoid touching your face or eyes during the process.
- Dip a clean cloth or disposable wipe in the bleach solution.
- Wipe down all identified contaminated surfaces.
- Be thorough, covering every inch of the surface.
- Let the bleach solution sit for at least 5-10 minutes to kill bacteria.
- Rinse the surfaces with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
4. Clean Electronics:
- Unplug electronic devices before cleaning.
- Use a disinfection wipe containing 70% alcohol to wipe the surfaces of electronic devices.
5. Wash Fabrics and Bedding:
- Wash all bed sheets, towels, clothes, and other fabric items that may be contaminated in a hot water cycle (minimum 140°F/60°C) with regular laundry detergent.
- Dry them thoroughly on a high heat setting in a dryer.
6. Cleaning Common Items:
- Clean items such as keys, wallets, phones, and frequently used objects with a disinfectant wipe or a bleach solution.
7. Avoid Cross-contamination:
- Keep cleaning tools, such as cloths and wipes, separate from non-contaminated items.
- Rinse or disinfect cloths and wipes after each use.
8. Regular Cleaning:
- Maintain regular cleaning practices, especially of high-touch surfaces, to prevent future MRSA contamination.
9. Proper Hand Hygiene:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not immediately accessible.
10. Seek Professional Help:
- If you have a persistent MRSA infection or suspect a widespread contamination in your house, consider seeking professional cleaning services that specialize in biohazard removal.
Remember, the key to preventing MRSA transmission is maintaining good hygiene and thorough disinfection practices in your household. If you have any concerns about MRSA contamination or your health, consult a healthcare professional.