Question

How can I disinfect dishes, pots, silverware, and plastic that mice have pooped on? I see plenty of info on how to clean counters with bleach or disinfecting cleaners. I can't handle bleach. Will a disinfectant cleaner damage dishes?

Answer 1

If you need to disinfect dishes, pots, silverware, and plastic that mice have pooped on, it's essential to follow a thorough cleaning process to ensure they are safe to use again. While bleach is a potent disinfectant, there are alternative methods that do not involve using bleach.

Here's a step-by-step guide to disinfecting these items without using bleach:

1. Preparation: Put on disposable gloves to protect your hands from any potential contamination.

2. Remove Solid Waste: Use paper towels or disposable cloths to carefully remove any visible feces or debris from the dishes and utensils. Discard the paper towels and gloves in a sealed plastic bag.

3. Pre-wash: Rinse the items thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining residues or particles.

4. Hot Water Wash: Fill a basin or sink with hot water and add some dish soap. Submerge the items in the soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes.

5. Scrubbing: Use a dish brush or sponge to scrub the items thoroughly, paying extra attention to any grooves or crevices.

6. Rinse: Rinse the dishes, pots, silverware, and plastic thoroughly under hot running water to remove all soap residues.

7. Disinfection: To disinfect the items, you have a few options:

   • Vinegar: Fill a clean basin or sink with equal parts of water and white vinegar. Submerge the items in the vinegar solution and let them soak for at least 5 minutes.
   • Hydrogen Peroxide: You can use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution as an alternative disinfectant. Submerge the items and let them soak for at least 5 minutes.
   • Boiling Water: Boil a large pot of water and carefully submerge the items in the boiling water for a few minutes.

8. Air Dry: After disinfection, allow the items to air dry completely. Avoid using a dish towel that may have come into contact with the contaminated items.

Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations on cleaning and maintenance for specific dishes and utensils, especially for delicate or valuable items. While disinfectant cleaners should be safe for most dishes and utensils, it's best to avoid using harsh chemicals on plastics or other sensitive materials that may be damaged by them.

Additionally, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling any potentially contaminated items and disposing of the cleaning materials properly to avoid spreading any germs.