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How to Get Rid of Staph in Locker Rooms

Staphylococcus (staph) is a type of bacteria that presents a health risk when it enters a wound, possibly causing a serious infection requiring antibiotic treatment. New staph strains continue to develop, with many becoming resistant to antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) a serious health risk. MRSA spreads through skin-to-skin contact, sharing contaminated objects or contact with contaminated surfaces. Community-associated MRSA skin infections spread in crowded settings such as locker rooms, which present additional staph-infection risks because athletes frequently suffer sports-related cuts and scrapes.

Things You'll Need

  • Disinfecting spray
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Bleach
  • Ozone generator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use cleaning products that disinfect and kill bacteria. Non-disinfecting cleaning products will not eliminate germs. Check with the Environmental Protection Agency for a list of products proven effective against MRSA.

    • 2

      Spray disinfectant inside lockers, on benches and floors, and on all other plastic, hard and/or non-porous materials. Use plastic hampers instead of fabric, and spray hampers with disinfectant after removing all clothes.

    • 3

      Discard all soap bars and thoroughly clean soap holders with disinfectant. Consider using liquid body wash instead of bar soap, and purchase or encourage use of antimicrobial personal cleaning products whenever possible.

    • 4

      Wash clothing and towels daily with bleach or detergents containing bleach. Dirty clothes and wet towels left lying around provide a breeding ground for bacteria, including staph.

    • 5

      Steam clean carpet, upholstery and fabric window coverings with specially formulated cleaning solutions for eliminating germs. Make sure all surfaces in the room are cleaned with some sort of disinfectant.

    • 6

      Install an ozone generator. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, some studies revealed that low levels of ozone may inhibit the growth of bacteria while the ozone is present. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep ozone at a healthy level.

    • 7

      Hire a company specializing in biohazard cleanup to completely disinfect the locker room and all equipment if other methods do not eliminate staph.

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