Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria resistant to several common antibiotics. Although often associated with healthcare environments, MRSA can survive for hours or weeks on household surfaces, allowing transmission in community settings. Because MRSA persists on inanimate objects, specific surface disinfection protocols are necessary to limit its spread. This guide provides information on selecting disinfectants and executing the correct procedures to eliminate MRSA from surfaces.
Selecting the Right Disinfectant
Choosing an effective product requires looking for specific certifications and active ingredients to ensure the disinfectant can neutralize drug-resistant bacteria. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a public list of registered antimicrobial products proven effective against MRSA, identified as EPA List H. Checking a product’s EPA registration number against this list confirms its efficacy for use in both institutional and residential settings.
Effective products contain one of several active chemical ingredients that disrupt the bacterial cell structure. Quaternary ammonium compounds, often listed as “Quats,” are a common ingredient in many household and commercial disinfectants effective against Staphylococcus aureus. Hydrogen peroxide-based formulas are also effective, often offering faster disinfection times. Additionally, a freshly prepared solution of household bleach, properly diluted, is a reliable disinfectant.
When selecting a disinfectant, always check the product label for an explicit claim against Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA, as general cleaners are often insufficient to kill this resilient bacterium. The concentration of the active ingredient and the required time the surface must remain wet are determined during the EPA registration process. Using a product at an incorrect concentration or insufficient contact time will compromise its ability to eliminate the target pathogen.
The Step-by-Step Disinfection Process
Effective disinfection is a two-step process that begins with cleaning, as disinfectants cannot properly work through layers of grime or organic matter. Before applying any chemical product, surfaces must first be cleaned with soap and water to remove visible dirt, debris, or oils, which can inactivate the disinfectant or shield the bacteria. Failure to pre-clean means the product will function as a sanitizer or cleaner, not a true disinfectant.
The next step involves the precise application of the chosen product, paying close attention to the manufacturer’s dilution instructions if a concentrate is used. Disinfectants are chemically formulated to be effective at a specific concentration; improper dilution can reduce efficacy or damage surfaces. The most important detail on the label is the required contact time, which is the duration the surface must remain visibly wet with the disinfectant solution.
Contact times for MRSA can range from as little as one minute up to ten minutes, depending on the specific product and its active ingredient. The surface must not be wiped dry or allowed to air dry before this period is complete, as the chemical reaction needed to kill the bacteria will be interrupted. After the required contact time has passed, some products, particularly those containing bleach or strong chemicals, may require a final rinse with clean water to prevent residue buildup or surface corrosion.
High-Risk Surfaces Requiring Attention
Concentrating cleaning efforts on surfaces that are frequently touched by hands is an efficient strategy for reducing the risk of indirect transmission. These high-touch surfaces are the most likely to harbor bacteria like MRSA, which can survive on hard, non-porous materials for days to weeks. Smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect generally pose a lower risk than porous surfaces that are difficult to treat.
Common high-risk areas facilitate the transfer of microorganisms from hands to the environment. Focusing cleaning efforts on these high-contact items yields the greatest reduction in the environmental reservoir of MRSA. These items include:
Doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
Personal electronics such as cell phones, keyboards, and tablets.
Bathroom fixtures, including faucet handles and toilet flushers.
Shared equipment in gyms or schools, such as athletic gear and locker handles.
Ongoing Prevention Strategies
Maintaining a routine of proactive habits is important in preventing the long-term spread of MRSA beyond surface disinfection. Hand hygiene remains the most effective measure, requiring frequent washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after touching wounds or before preparing food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can supplement handwashing when soap and water are not immediately available.
Proper laundering procedures are also a factor in minimizing environmental contamination, as MRSA can persist on fabrics, towels, and bedding. Washing clothes and linens with detergent in the warmest water setting recommended for the fabric and drying them thoroughly helps eliminate the bacteria. For potentially contaminated items, the addition of bleach or an approved laundry disinfectant can provide extra assurance.
A final prevention strategy involves strictly avoiding the sharing of personal items that contact skin or body fluids. This includes towels, washcloths, razors, bar soap, and any athletic gear that cannot be easily disinfected. Consistently covering any open cuts or scrapes with a clean, dry bandage prevents the bacteria from entering the body and from contaminating surfaces.