MRSA Home Decontamination: Step-by-Step Disinfection & Prevention Guide

Understanding MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium resistant to many antibiotics. It survives on surfaces for days to weeks. Household decontamination reduces transmission risk, especially with active infections or colonization.

Supplies Needed

• EPA-registered disinfectant effective against MRSA (bleach solution, quaternary ammonium, accelerated hydrogen peroxide).
• Disposable gloves, masks, eye protection.
• Disposable microfiber cloths or paper towels.
• Laundry detergent, hot water (≥140°F/60°C), dryer.
• Biohazard bags for heavily contaminated items.

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. High-Touch Surfaces (Daily During Active Infection)

• Doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, toilet flush, remote controls, phones, keyboards, countertops, bedside tables.
• Clean visible soil first (detergent + water), then apply disinfectant per label contact time (usually 1–10 min).
• Bleach recipe: 1:9 dilution (½ cup 8.25% bleach per 4.5 cups water); make fresh daily.

2. Bathroom & Kitchen

• Disinfect sinks, shower/tub, toilet bowl, toothbrush holders.
• Replace toothbrushes after infection clears.
• Wash dishes in dishwasher (sanitize cycle) or hot soapy water.

3. Fabrics & Linens

• Sheets, towels, clothes, pajamas: wash hot (≥140°F/60°C) + detergent; dry on high heat ≥30 min.
• Non-washable items: steam clean or discard.

4. Electronics

• Unplug; use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes (not bleach).
• Follow manufacturer guidelines.

5. Floors & Carpets

• Hard floors: mop with disinfectant.
• Carpets: vacuum with HEPA filter; consider steam cleaning.

6. Personal Items

• Razors, nail clippers, towels—do not share.
• Bar soap → switch to liquid pump soap.

Preventing Recontamination

1. Hand hygiene: Soap + water 20 sec or 60%+ alcohol gel after touching wounds, bandages, contaminated surfaces.
2. Wound care: Keep covered with clean, dry dressings; change per clinician instructions.
3. Decolonization (if recurrent): Mupirocin nasal ointment 2×/day ×5 days + chlorhexidine body washes ×5–14 days (household contacts too).
4. Pet screening: Pets can be reservoirs; veterinary consultation if recurrent human infections.

When to Call Professionals

• Widespread environmental contamination (e.g., hoarding, sewage backup).
• Immunocompromised household members.
• Recurrent infections despite diligent cleaning.