Owner`s manual

Disinfecting Dishes, Cookware and Utensils
SAFETY GUIDELINES AFTER A DISASTER
During a disaster such as a
flood, tornado or fire, kitchen
items easily can become
contaminated. Floodwaters may
contain silt, raw sewage, oil or
chemical wastes, while fires may
leave residues from toxic fumes
or fire-fighting chemicals. Before
using any item that has come in
contact with these substances,
follow the guidelines at right.
Additional resources:
Your county family living agent, the
American Red Cross, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency
Related publications:
“Repairing Your Flooded Home,”
American Red Cross/Federal
Emergency Management Agency, 1992.
DISASSEMBLE, WASH AND DISINFECT
Take apart any item that can be cleaned in pieces. If possible, remove
handles from pots. If you have a dishwasher and the hot water temperature
is at least 140 degrees F., use a long wash cycle and heated drying cycle to
clean and disinfect dishwasher-safe items. Regarding other items, or all
items if you don't have a dishwasher, follow these steps:
♦ Wash all items in a a strong detergent solution. Use a brush to
remove dirt. Rinse in hot water.
♦ Immerse glass, porcelain, china, plastic dinnerware and enamelware
for 10 minutes in a disinfecting solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine
bleach per gallon of hot water.
♦ Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, and pots and pans by boiling in
water for 10 minutes. Chlorine bleach should not be used in this case
because it reacts with many metals and causes them to darken.
♦ Air-dry dishes. Do not use a towel.
♦ Discard and replace soft, porous plastic or wood items saturated by
floodwater, since they cannot be sanitized. These include baby bottles,
nipples and pacifiers.
♦ If cupboards and counters come in contact with floodwater, clean and
rinse them with a chlorine bleach solution before storing dishes.
Information from: University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service, Illinois Cooperative
Extension Service, University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension FLOOD-SANITATION