Cleaning Up The Kitchen After A Natural Disaster
When floodwaters start rising, the first thing people should do is get to safety.
Once the waters recede, it’s time to go in and assess the damage.
Floodwaters can contain an array of contaminants, including germs, debris, toxic chemicals, pesticides, gasoline or other household chemicals. That is why in the aftermath of a flood, kitchen equipment and surfaces require special attention, said Gina Peek, interim associate dean and Oklahoma State University Extension housing and consumer specialist.
“First things first – contact your insurance company. If your home was flooded by a burst pipe or a broken water heater, some of the following procedures may not be necessary. However, for your safety and the safety of your family, it’s important to thoroughly clean, or in some cases throw away, kitchen items and equipment exposed to floodwaters from a natural disaster,” Peek said.
Before tackling the task of cleaning and disinfecting your kitchen, homeowners need to protect themselves by wearing gloves and other protective clothing to prevent skin contact, irritation or infection.
Peek said any wooden and plastic dishes or utensils, along with plastic baby bottles/nipples and pacifiers should be discarded if they have come into contact with flood waters because they can’t safely be cleaned.
However, metal or glass pans, along with ceramic dishes and utensils, including can openers, can be cleaned with soap and hot water. These items should be rinsed with clean water, then sanitized by boiling in clean water or by immersing for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of clean water.
“If the dishwasher is operational, run one or more complete cycles while it is empty to completely flush the water lines before washing any dishes or utensils in it,” she said. “Be sure to clean cracks, crevices, handles and door seals of the dishwasher, and all other kitchen appliances.”
Also, carefully sanitize countertops with soap and hot water. After rinsing the surface, apply a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of drinking water (or cleanest, clearest water available) and allow the surface to air dry.
For more information about disinfecting dishes after a disaster, contact the local OSU Extension office.