A method to inhibit the production of exoproteins from Gram positive bacteria, such as harmful proteins produced by Staphylococcus species, is described. The method is particularly useful to inhibit the production of TSST-1, alpha-toxin and/or enterotoxins A, B and C from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The method is based on exposing Gram positive bacteria to alkyl polyglycoside incorporated into an absorbent product. Alternate methods include bringing Gram positive bacteria into contact with the alkyl polyglycoside in other forms, e.g., when formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or incorporated in or on a non-absorbent substrate. Typically, the alkyl polyglycoside has a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) of at least about 10 and an alkyl group with an average of 8 to 14 carbon atoms.