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What to Use to Disinfect for Mrsa

Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a variety "staph" bacteria. It resists penicillin and many other common antibiotics. MRSA presents as a virulent skin infection, boils, abscesses or bug bites. Like impetigo, MRSA spreads by touching an infected sore or touching a contaminated surface. MRSA is hardy and can survive on hard, soft and smooth and rough surfaces for days. To clean those surfaces requires the application of things which will thoroughly kill and remove the bacteria.

  1. Basics

    • The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) warned that MRSA infections now kill more people than HIV-AIDS and has become a major problem that extends far beyond hospitals and medical facilities. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) cites what it calls the "Five C's" as risk factors that encourage the spread of MRSA: contact, crowding, contaminated items, compromised skin integrity and cleanliness. Because the development of vaccines for MRSA has fallen far behind the threat posed by the disease, JAMA and the CDC say that hand washing and proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated surfaces play a key role in preventing the spread of this very dangerous disease.

    Disinfectants

    • Commercial disinfectants do not guarantee proper sterilization on porous surfaces, clothing, linens and curtains. Anything that can be washed that has been exposed to MRSA infection should be washed in hot water above 160 degrees Fahrenheit with bleach. Dry on high heat to finish off killing any bacteria in the clothing or linens.

      Look for EPA-registered disinfectants for porous surfaces like wood, upholstery, as well as hard, non-porous surfaces. Cleaning and disinfecting products such as Lysol and Pine-Sol may be effective, but make sure to leave them in contact with the surface for as long as the label instructions recommend.

    Cleaning

    • Disinfectants alone will not adequately clean contaminated surfaces. You should treat potentially infected surfaces with hot soapy water with bleach that is above 160 degrees. Wear gloves, eye protection and removable clothing coverings. Clean high traffic areas, desk, tables, lockers, chairs and office furniture. Clean all public seating areas, any lockers, door knobs, light switches or objects in the environment that is repeatedly touched by passers-by or workers. In children's rooms, periodically wash all toys and all surfaces touched by the children. In bathrooms, clean the sinks, toilets and showers. In the kitchen, clean cabinets, refrigerators, counter tops and all food preparation areas.

    Homemade Solution

    • Create a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts hot water. On surfaces that would be severely damaged by this concentration of bleach, try a 1 to 65 part solution. This will kill many, but not all bacteria and disease causing organisms. You may be able to use the 1 to 9 solution followed by an immediate thorough rinse with clear hot water to remove residual bleach and prevent damage to the surface. Don't use old solutions. Mix fresh bleach water every day.

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