How to disinfect dishes after rats? - briefly
Remove all food debris, wash the dishes in hot, soapy water, then soak them in a diluted bleach solution (approximately 1 Tbsp bleach per gallon of water) for several minutes; rinse thoroughly and let air‑dry. This eliminates rodent‑borne pathogens and ensures safe reuse.
How to disinfect dishes after rats? - in detail
After a rodent encounter, every utensil, plate, and glass must be rendered free of pathogens before reuse. Begin by removing visible debris with a disposable paper towel; discard the towel without reusing it. Rinse each item under hot running water to eliminate loose material.
Next, submerge the items in a solution of one part unscented bleach to nine parts water (approximately 5 % sodium hypochlorite). Ensure full contact for at least five minutes; longer exposure (10 minutes) provides extra safety against hardy organisms. Use gloves and eye protection while handling the solution.
After the soak, transfer the dishes to a second basin containing clean hot water (minimum 60 °C) and add a commercial dishwasher sanitizer or a cup of white vinegar per gallon. Agitate briefly to dislodge remaining residues. Rinse thoroughly with hot running water to remove any chemical traces.
Finally, place the cleaned items on a clean rack or disposable paper towels and allow them to air‑dry completely. Do not use cloth towels that may retain moisture. For high‑risk items such as cutting boards or child‑use dishes, repeat the bleach soak and sanitizer rinse.
Key points for effective decontamination: