How do you disinfect dishes from mice? - briefly
Wash the dishes in hot, soapy water, rinse with a 1:9 bleach‑to‑water solution, and allow them to air‑dry. Eliminate contaminated food and seal any rodent entry points to prevent re‑contamination.
How do you disinfect dishes from mice? - in detail
Rodent contamination on kitchenware requires immediate removal of visible debris, thorough washing, and proper disinfection.
First, discard any food residue and scrape off droppings with a disposable brush or paper towel. Wear disposable gloves to avoid direct contact with potential pathogens.
Second, wash the items with hot, soapy water. Use water at least 60 °C (140 °F) and a detergent that cuts grease. Scrub all surfaces, paying special attention to crevices, handles, and the undersides of plates and bowls. Rinse thoroughly to eliminate soap traces.
Third, apply a chemical disinfectant approved for food-contact surfaces. Common options include:
- Diluted bleach solution (5 % household bleach mixed with 4 % water, yielding a 1 % sodium hypochlorite concentration). Immerse dishes for 2 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds formulated for kitchenware. Follow the manufacturer’s contact time, typically 1–5 minutes, then rinse.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3 % solution) applied as a spray, left for 5 minutes, then rinsed.
Fourth, consider heat sterilization. Place dishes in a dishwasher set to a high‑temperature cycle (≥70 °C/158 °F) with a sanitizing rinse option, or use a boiling water bath for at least 10 minutes if the material tolerates it.
Finally, dry items with a clean, disposable towel or allow them to air‑dry on a sanitized rack. Store the cleanedware in a sealed container or cabinet to prevent re‑contamination.
Regular inspection of the kitchen environment, sealing entry points, and maintaining proper waste management reduce the likelihood of future rodent contact with dishes.