How should you clean dishes after dealing with rats? - briefly
Discard any dishes that may have contact with rodents, then wash all remaining items in hot, soapy water, apply a disinfectant (e.g., a 1 : 10 bleach solution) and rinse thoroughly. Dry with a clean towel or allow air‑drying to avoid recontamination.
How should you clean dishes after dealing with rats? - in detail
After a rodent encounter, dishes must be treated as potentially contaminated. Begin by removing all visible debris with disposable gloves. Rinse each item under hot running water to dislodge loose particles.
Cleaning protocol
- Soak dishes in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for at least ten minutes. Bleach concentration of 5 % sodium hypochlorite ensures effective pathogen inactivation.
- Scrub surfaces with a non‑abrasive sponge, applying sufficient pressure to reach crevices and seams.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water exceeding 60 °C to eliminate residual disinfectant.
- Place items in a dishwasher set to a high‑temperature cycle (≥70 °C) with a standard detergent. If a dishwasher is unavailable, hand‑wash using a detergent formulated for grease removal, then rinse with boiling water.
- Dry dishes with a clean, disposable towel or allow air‑dry in a sanitized area.
Additional precautions
- Discard any dish showing signs of damage, deep scratches, or porous material that may retain contaminants.
- Sanitize the sink, countertop, and surrounding surfaces with the same bleach solution after handling the dishes.
- Dispose of gloves, sponges, and towels in a sealed bag; treat them as biohazard waste according to local regulations.
- Perform hand hygiene with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after completing the process, followed by an alcohol‑based hand rub.
Following this sequence eliminates bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents introduced by rodent activity, ensuring that reusable kitchenware becomes safe for subsequent use.