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Summary: OxiTab kills Staphylococcus aureus on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA-registered bactericidal claim with exact ppm and contact time
- How S. aureus spreads and survives on common surfaces
- Step-by-step disinfection workflow with OxiTab
- Industry-specific prevention routines and FAQs
- References to CDC and MedlinePlus for verification
What is Staphylococcus aureus?
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found on human skin and in the nose. It can cause minor skin and soft tissue infections and, in some cases, serious illnesses like bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or surgical site infections. The organism spreads through contact with infected skin, contaminated hands, or contaminated surfaces and shared items. Because S. aureus can persist on high-touch materials in gyms, schools, salons, healthcare, and hospitality, routine cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection are essential.
Authoritative sources: CDC - About Staph and MRSA | MedlinePlus - Staph Infections
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill Staphylococcus aureus?
Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes bactericidal efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus on hard, non-porous surfaces when mixed and applied according to the label.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for Staphylococcus aureus
- Concentration: 1076 ppm
- Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
- Does OxiTab kill S. aureus? Yes, when used as directed.
EPA label reference: EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
How to Sanitize Against Staphylococcus aureus Using OxiTab
- Pre-clean visible soil: Remove sweat, body oils, cosmetics, and organic debris. Use friction on high-touch surfaces such as counters, treatment chairs, benches, mats, rails, and restroom fixtures.
- Prepare the solution: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) in 1 gallon of water to reach approximately 1076 ppm. Allow the tablet to fully dissolve. Stir gently if needed.
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Apply thoroughly:
- Spray bottle: door handles, counters, sink fixtures, chair arms, bed rails, payment terminals
- Mop bucket: floors in locker rooms, patient rooms, classrooms, and corridors
- Wipes or cloths: shared devices, touch screens exteriors, phones, light switches, elevator buttons
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage for waiting rooms, studios, gyms, and dining areas
- Maintain wet contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 4 minutes. Reapply solution as needed to prevent drying.
- After treatment: Air dry or wipe for appearance after the contact time is met.
- Solution management: Prepared solution remains effective for up to 24 hours. Store the container closed. Make fresh solution daily.
- PPE and waste: Wear appropriate PPE based on your facility protocols. Dispose of used materials per local regulations.
Disinfection fundamentals: CDC - Disinfection and Sterilization
How Staphylococcus aureus Spreads and How Long It Survives
S. aureus spreads primarily through direct person-to-person contact and by touching contaminated surfaces or shared items like towels, razors, or athletic equipment. In environments with frequent skin contact and shared spaces, such as gyms, salons, schools, and healthcare, targeted disinfection is key to reducing surface transmission.
S. aureus Survival Times by Surface
1) Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Plastic and stainless steel: Can persist from days to weeks if not disinfected, especially in humid locations.
- Glass and laminate: Days under favorable indoor conditions.
- Ceramic and sealed stone: Multi-day survival in bathrooms and sink areas without routine disinfection.
2) Porous and softer surfaces
- Wood, finished: Generally shorter survival than on smooth plastics, but cracks and moisture can extend persistence.
- Fabric and upholstery: Hours to days, particularly when damp or soiled.
- Paper products: Hours in typical indoor conditions.
3) Extended persistence drivers
- Moisture and organic soil: Sweat, skin oils, and cosmetics reduce disinfectant performance unless pre-cleaned.
- Frequent recontamination: High-traffic facilities benefit from increased disinfection frequency.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | S. aureus Survival Time |
|---|---|
| Plastic and Stainless Steel | Days to weeks |
| Glass and Laminate | Days |
| Ceramic and Sealed Stone | Multi-day |
| Wood, Finished | Hours to days |
| Fabric and Upholstery | Hours to days |
| Paper Products | Hours |
References: CDC - MRSA and the Environment | MedlinePlus - Staph Infections
Why Does Staphylococcus aureus Live So Long?
S. aureus tolerates periods of drying and can survive on inert materials. Residual organic soil or biofilm on damp surfaces can protect cells from routine cleaning. This is why a two-step process is critical: pre-clean to remove soil, then disinfect with an EPA-registered product at the correct concentration and contact time.
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Use a two-step protocol: pre-clean, then disinfect with OxiTab at 1076 ppm for 4 minutes.
- Increase frequency on shared touchpoints: benches, mats, counters, chair arms, door handles, faucet controls, and railings.
- Provide hand hygiene stations and encourage regular handwashing.
- Launder towels and linens hot and dry thoroughly. Avoid sharing personal items.
- Disinfect shared equipment between uses and label clean versus dirty storage.
Guidance: CDC - MRSA in the Community
Symptoms of Staph Infections
- Skin and soft tissue: red, swollen, painful bumps or pus-filled lesions
- Systemic or invasive: fever, chills, fatigue, pneumonia, bloodstream infections
Reference: MedlinePlus - Staph Infections
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Athletes and gym-goers: shared equipment and close contact
- Students and childcare settings: frequent hand-to-surface contact
- Healthcare and long-term care residents: wounds, devices, or recent procedures
- Salon and spa clients and staff: frequent skin contact and shared stations
Prevention Best Practices by Environment
- Healthcare: routine and terminal cleaning, disinfect shared equipment between uses, reinforce hand hygiene
- Education and childcare: daily disinfection of desks, restrooms, nurse stations, and shared devices
- Hospitality and travel: disinfect guest room touchpoints and public restrooms on a schedule
- Gyms and fitness: disinfect benches, mats, cardio interfaces, and locker rooms; provide wipes for patrons
- Salons and beauty: disinfect chairs, counters, bowls, and non-porous tools between clients
Why OxiTab is the Safer Choice
- Non-hazardous: safer to handle than bleach or Quats
- No residue: leaves a clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors
- Simple and affordable: tablet dosing delivers consistent ppm with 1 tablet per gallon
FAQs About Staphylococcus aureus
Q: What disinfectant kills Staphylococcus aureus?
A: OxiTab kills Staphylococcus aureus with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.
Q: Where does S. aureus most often linger in facilities?
A: Locker rooms, benches, counters, chair arms, faucet handles, door plates, shared touch screens, and bathroom fixtures.
Q: Does OxiTab have a strong chemical odor or leave residue?
A: No. OxiTab is non-hazardous and leaves a clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors.
Q: Is hand sanitizer enough?
A: Alcohol-based hand rubs help reduce risk. Wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled or after restroom use and before eating.
Related Pathogen Guides
References
- CDC - About Staph and MRSA
- CDC - MRSA and the Environment
- MedlinePlus - Staph Infections
- CDC - Disinfection and Sterilization
- EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
Call to Action
Protect your environment against Staphylococcus aureus with OxiTab. It is an EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
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