Wash Hands and Surfaces Often

Disinfecting and Sanitizing Tips

Wash hands and work surfaces like counters before starting food preparation.

Wash hands, work surfaces, and utensils after touching raw meat, raw poultry, raw fish, or raw eggs.

Disinfecting refers to cleaning surfaces with the use of chemicals, virtually eliminating all germs. Diaper changing tables, for instance, always need to be disinfected. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the use of disinfectants.

Sanitizing is a less rigorous cleaning that removes filth or soil and small amounts of certain bacteria. Surfaces that come in contact with food, like counters and cutting boards, are sanitized. Soap, detergent, abrasive cleaners, or bleach solutions may be used to sanitize. The Food and Drug Administration regulates the use of sanitizer on surfaces that contact foods.

Use plastic or other non-porous cutting boards. These boards should be run through the dishwasher or washed in hot soapy water after use.

Consider using paper towels to clean kitchen surfaces. If you use cloth towels, wash them often with bleach. Use a clean towel every day.

When you are using a commercial disinfectant or a sanitizer, always follow label directions carefully. Note where and how the product can be used.

View the short video clip on disinfecting and sanitizing.

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How to make your own bleach solutions:

 
Disinfecting solution for diaper area:

• 1 Tablespoon household bleach in 1 quart water

Sanitizing solution for kitchen:

• 1 teaspoon household bleach in 1 quart water
  

Mix fresh daily, because once the bleach is mixed with water, it loses its strength easily and begins to evaporate. Any remaining solution at the end of the day must be discarded.

How to use these solutions:

Spray the appropriate solution on surfaces that need disinfecting or sanitizing. Allow one minute of contact time before wiping dry with a clean paper towel.

View the short video clip about using these solutions.

 

	CAUTION Never mix bleach with anything other than water. A poisonous gas can result. Only use disinfecting solution for non-food areas. More is not better when preparing these solutions. Use only the recommended amount of bleach.