AimsThe effects of a new glutaraldehyde-didecyldimethylammonium bromide combination disinfectant (GD) on the cell surface of Staphylococcus aureus, a representative Gram-positive bacterium, were investigated in this study. Methods and ResultsResults of bacterial surface structural analysis showed that GD significantly changed the bacterial morphology. The membrane fluidity decreased and outer membrane permeabilization increased after contact with GD. Furthermore, the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane was destroyed by over 99% after exposure to GD for a short time. Bacterial ATPase activity correlated negatively with the treatment of GD over time, and proteins were degraded. Assays of intracellular component leakage indicated that GD caused the rapid leakage of K+, Mg2+, ATP molecules, and proteins into the extracellular environment. ConclusionsThe effects of GD against S. aureus are probably attributable to the removal of the permeability barrier, changes in the S. aureus morphology, changes in the structures and functions of the cell membrane, leakage of intracellular substances and disturbance of the intracellular homeostasis. As a result, this irreversible damage accelerated the death of S. aureus. Significance and Impact of the StudyIn an earlier study, the bactericidal mechanism of GD against Escherichia coli was investigated. Hence, this study focused on the action of mechanism of GD against S. aureus. It is important to clarify the disinfectant bactericidal mechanisms of GD against bacterium, in general, and this study provides theoretical support to the prevention of bacterial resistance.