How to Disinfect and Kill MRSA – OxiTab’s EPA-Registered Claims

Summary: OxiTab kills MRSA safely and effectively.

• EPA-verified kill claims at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes
• MRSA survival times on common surfaces
• How MRSA spreads in hospitals, gyms, salons, schools
• Step-by-step disinfection with OxiTab
• Prevention strategies and FAQs

What is MRSA?

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of staph bacteria resistant to antibiotics such as methicillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. While many people carry staph bacteria harmlessly on their skin or in their noses, MRSA can cause serious infections when it enters the body through cuts, wounds, or invasive devices.

MRSA infections can range from skin infections like boils and abscesses to life-threatening illnesses including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and sepsis. Because of its antibiotic resistance, MRSA is considered a “superbug.” Preventing its spread requires careful hygiene and effective disinfection of contaminated surfaces.

Authoritative Source: CDC – MRSA Overview

Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill MRSA?

Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes MRSA. It is proven to kill MRSA on hard, non-porous surfaces when used at the proper concentration and contact time.

EPA-Registered Kill Claims for MRSA

• Concentration: 1076 ppm
• Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
• EPA Registration: 71847-6
• EPA List: Not applicable (EPA Lists such as N and Q apply to viral pathogens; MRSA is a bacterium covered directly on the OxiTab EPA label).
• Does OxiTab kill MRSA? Yes, when used as directed.

EPA Label Reference: EPA Product Registration – OxiTab

How to Sanitize Against MRSA Using OxiTab

Follow these steps to disinfect surfaces contaminated with MRSA:

1. Prepare: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) per 1 gallon of water.
2. Mix: Allow to fully dissolve, stir gently if needed.
3. Apply:
   • Spray bottle: chairs, handles, stations, bed rails.
   • Mop bucket: floors, restrooms, waiting rooms.
   • Cloths/wipes: tools, gym equipment, counters.
   • Electrostatic sprayer: wide-area coverage in hospitals, gyms, classrooms.
4. Contact Time: Keep surfaces wet for at least 4 minutes.
5. Dispose: Solution remains effective for 24 hours. Store sealed and discard at end of day.

How MRSA Spreads and How Long It Survives

MRSA spreads through direct contact with infected wounds and indirectly via contaminated surfaces. Because MRSA survives for days to weeks on common materials, it is a persistent risk in shared environments.

MRSA Survival Times by Surface

1. Hard, Non-Porous Surfaces

• Plastic & Stainless Steel: Days to weeks depending on environment.
• Glass & Formica: Several days.
• Ceramic: Multiple days.

2. Porous Surfaces

• Wood: Typically 1–2 days.
• Fabrics: Hours to 2 days, especially when damp.
• Paper: Less than 1 day.

3. Extended Persistence

• General surfaces: Days to weeks without cleaning.
• Athletic equipment/clothing: Remains until properly laundered.

Surface Survival Times Chart

Surface Type	MRSA Survival Time
Plastic & Stainless Steel	Several days to weeks
Glass & Formica	Several days
Ceramic	Several days
Wood	1–2 days
Fabrics (Towels, Linens)	Hours to 2 days
Paper	< 1 day

Why Does MRSA Survive So Long?

MRSA has a thick cell wall and forms protective biofilms that shield it from environmental stress. These defenses help MRSA resist drying and basic cleaning, making EPA-registered disinfection essential.

Reference: NIH – MRSA Persistence

Preventing Surface Transmission

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily with OxiTab.
• Launder linens and uniforms in hot water, dry thoroughly.
• Practice handwashing with soap and water.
• Wear PPE in healthcare or outbreak settings.

Reference: CDC – MRSA Prevention

Symptoms of MRSA Infections

• Mild: Red, swollen, painful bumps, sometimes with pus.
• Moderate: Abscesses, fever, localized pain.
• Severe: Pneumonia, bloodstream infections, sepsis, surgical site infections.

Reference: Mayo Clinic – MRSA Symptoms

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Elderly & Hospital Patients: Wounds, catheters, and surgeries increase risk.
• Children: Schools, daycares, sports activities.
• Athletes: Wrestling, football, shared gym gear.
• Salon Clients: Exposure to razors, clippers, and tools if not disinfected.
• Immunocompromised: Cancer patients, transplant recipients, chronic illness.

Reference: MedlinePlus – MRSA

Prevention Best Practices

• Healthcare: Isolate MRSA-positive patients, use PPE, terminal room cleaning.
• Gyms: Disinfect mats and equipment, require showers, wash uniforms daily.
• Salons: Disinfect clippers, chairs, tools between clients. Use disposables.
• Schools: Clean desks, lockers, and sports gear regularly.
• Hospitality: Wash linens hot, disinfect remotes, switches, handles.

Why OxiTab is the Safer Choice

• Non-Hazardous: Safer than bleach and Quats.
• No Residue: Leaves surfaces clean without sticky films.
• Simple & Affordable: 1 tablet per gallon of water.

FAQs About MRSA

Q: What disinfectant kills MRSA?
A: OxiTab kills MRSA with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.

Q: Can MRSA live on clothing or towels?
A: Yes. It can persist on fabrics, especially when damp. Wash hot and dry fully.

Q: Does hand sanitizer kill MRSA?
A: Alcohol sanitizers help but are less effective on soiled hands. Soap and water is best.

Q: Is MRSA only a hospital problem?
A: No. It also spreads in gyms, schools, salons, and hospitality settings.

Q: How long does MRSA survive on surfaces?
A: From hours on paper to weeks on plastics and stainless steel.

Related Pathogen Guides

• C. diff
• Norovirus
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Full Pathogen List

References

• CDC – MRSA Overview
• CDC – MRSA in Healthcare Settings
• Mayo Clinic – MRSA Symptoms
• MedlinePlus – MRSA
• NIH – MRSA Persistence
• EPA Product Label Portal – OxiTab

Call to Action

Protect your environment against MRSA with OxiTab, the EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.

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