Spray Nine Corporation Explains Recommended Cleaning & Disinfecting Techniques

(Johnstown, NY) – The Journal of the American Medical Association suggests in its newly released report that an antibiotic-resistant staph infection is responsible for more yearly deaths than AIDS. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the bacterium responsible for these infections, is no longer a problem limited to hospitals.

Schools, prisons and other community areas are making national news with reported cases.

MRSA, which is spread through skin contact or through contact with contaminated objects and environmental surfaces, is forcing a closer look at cleaning and disinfecting regimens. Spray Nine Corporation, manufacturer of an EPA-registered (#6659-3) cleaner/degreaser/disinfectant that kills MRSA in 45 seconds, has released information pertinent to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to help prevent MRSA’s spread.

“The CDC has identified five C’s associated with the spread of MRSA – Contact, Crowding, Contaminated items, Compromised skin integrity and Cleanliness” explains Regulatory and Safety Manager, Marjorie Derrico. “Since there are no vaccines in place at this time, proper hand washing and proper techniques for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces play an important role at preventing MRSA’s spread.”

According to Derrico, many factors play into proper hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting:

·        Hand washing should be done frequently to reduce the risk of infection. Alcohol based hand cleaners are effective when hands are not visibly dirty. Otherwise, hand washing should be performed with antibacterial soap and warm water.

·        Commercial disinfectants cannot guarantee results on porous surfaces including clothing, sheets, and blankets. These surfaces should be washed in hot water above 160 ^◦F using bleach. Use a commercial drying machine on high heat to help kill the bacteria.

·        An EPA-registered disinfectant proven effective against MRSA should be used to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces. Look for a registration number on the label.

·        A product that kills Staphylococcus aureus does not necessarily kill MRSA, which is an antibiotic-resistant variant. Make sure the label specifically lists Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a germ killed, or call the manufacturer to obtain proof.

·        To ensure complete disinfection, each product will list a “contact time” on the label. Surfaces must be wet with disinfectant for the duration of this contact time. Disinfectants with longer contact times can require up to 10 minutes, meaning surfaces must be kept wet with disinfectant for 10 minutes. Maintenance staff must be properly trained in this concept to ensure effective application, especially since long contact time often means re-applying disinfectant to the surface once or more.

·        When quaternary disinfectants are used on surfaces that may come into contact with food, a thorough rinsing with water is necessary to remove the thin coating they form.

·        Do not dilute a ready-to-use disinfectant, as doing so may weaken the product’s ability to kill germs.

·        A cleaner/disinfectant can clean and kill germs on hard, non-porous surfaces in areas such as locker rooms, classrooms, cafeterias, bathrooms, lockers and other high-traffic areas.

·        Suggested high-traffic surfaces considered critical for regular cleaning and disinfecting include desks, tables, chairs, benches, lockers, toys, door knobs, light switches, telephones, sinks, toilets, showers, refrigerator exteriors and more.

More information on cleaning surfaces and disinfecting against MRSA is available by visiting www.spraynine.com/MRSA. Questions can also be answered by calling 1-800-477-7299. Interviews available, contact extension 116.

   
ABOUT SPRAY NINE – Spray Nine is an EPA-Registered (#6659-3) Cleaner / Disinfectant that kills MRSA in 45 seconds and helps prevent the spread of germs through cross contamination of surfaces. For over 50 years, millions of customers worldwide have trusted Spray Nine to clean tough soils, disinfect against germs, and help prevent mold growth.