What to wash after mice? - briefly
All work surfaces, cages, and equipment should be decontaminated with an approved disinfectant. Hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
What to wash after mice? - in detail
After handling a rodent problem, every item that may have contacted urine, droppings, saliva, or fur should be cleaned thoroughly. The cleaning process must eliminate pathogens such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospira, which can survive on surfaces for days.
First, remove visible debris with disposable gloves. Then, apply a disinfectant that is EPA‑registered for rodent‑borne disease control. Follow the product’s contact time before wiping or rinsing.
Items to clean include:
- Kitchenware: plates, bowls, glasses, utensils, cutting boards, and food‑storage containers. Soak in hot, soapy water, scrub, then rinse with water heated to at least 70 °C. Apply disinfectant after washing.
- Cooking surfaces: countertops, stovetops, microwave interiors, and oven racks. Wipe with detergent, rinse, then spray with disinfectant.
- Small appliances: blenders, food processors, and coffee makers. Disassemble removable parts, wash, and disinfect all components.
- Clothing and fabrics: shirts, pants, socks, and work aprons. Launder in hot water (≥ 60 °C) with detergent, add a suitable disinfectant or bleach, and dry on high heat.
- Personal protective equipment: gloves, masks, and reusable shoe covers. Wash according to manufacturer instructions or dispose of single‑use items safely.
- Pet supplies: bowls, toys, cages, and bedding. Clean with detergent, rinse, and disinfect. Replace bedding after thorough washing.
- Household textiles: curtains, towels, and bed linens that may have been exposed. Launder in hot water with detergent and a disinfectant additive.
- Hard surfaces: floors, baseboards, cabinets, and walls. Sweep or vacuum to remove dry material, mop with detergent solution, then apply disinfectant.
- Trash containers: lids and interiors. Empty contents, wash with detergent, rinse, and disinfect before replacing liners.
After cleaning, allow surfaces to air‑dry completely. Dispose of all disposable cleaning materials in sealed bags. Hand hygiene is essential; wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after completing the process, then apply an alcohol‑based hand sanitizer.
Following these steps ensures that all potentially contaminated objects are rendered safe, reducing the risk of disease transmission after a mouse encounter.