How to treat dishes after mice? - briefly
Disinfect and wash all utensils with hot, soapy water, then rinse using a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach per quart of water and allow them to air‑dry. Discard any items that cannot be properly sanitized.
How to treat dishes after mice? - in detail
When a rodent problem has affected kitchenware, thorough sanitation is essential to eliminate health hazards. Begin by removing all visible debris with disposable gloves and a paper towel. Discard any items that show gnaw marks, stains, or odor, as they may retain contaminants that cannot be fully eradicated.
Next, soak the remaining dishes, pots, and utensils in a solution of hot water (at least 60 °C) and a strong degreaser or enzymatic cleaner. Allow the soak to last for 15–20 minutes to loosen organic residues and potential pathogens.
After soaking, wash each piece by hand or in a dishwasher set to the highest temperature cycle available. Use a stiff brush or scrub pad to scrub seams, corners, and textured surfaces where droppings might lodge. Rinse thoroughly with hot running water to flush out any remaining cleaning agents and debris.
Sanitize the cleaned items by immersing them in a solution of one tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per liter of water for at least five minutes. This step destroys bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may have survived the washing phase. Rinse again with clean water and allow the items to air‑dry on a clean rack.
Finally, inspect all cookware for residual damage or discoloration. Replace any items that show structural compromise or persistent odor. Store the sanitized dishes in a sealed container or cabinet to prevent re‑contamination until the rodent issue is fully resolved.