15: Cleaning and Disinfecting Kitchen

-
Q: How can I clean and disinfect kitchen?

 💁Tracy: 

Cleaning
You must choose a kitchenware cleaner to clean dishes, cups or cutting boards. Glass cleaners, metal cleaners, and most bathroom cleaners are not suitable for cleaning the kitchen.

If you use dish detergent, dilute it with a small amount of water for better results. Some scrubbing agents also have a disinfecting function. After applying degreasing or scrubbing agents, wait for 5-10 minutes before cleaning.

Disinfection
Physical Disinfection:

  • High temperature: Steaming and boiling water disinfection is simple and effective. You can put kitchenware in boiling water for 1 minute. Alternatively, you can use a disinfection cabinet and follow the manual instruction.



  • 254nm UVC household ultraviolet lamp: The required irradiation time is determined by the power of the lamp and other parameters. Please follow the user’s manual to select appropriate radiation time.
Please note: Do not enter the room during UV disinfection, as it can cause damage to eyes and skin.

  • Ozone generator.

Please note: Ozone can cause damage to the human respiratory system, and irritates the mucous membranes and trachea of the respiratory tract. Keep the area closed during ozone disinfection. Ventilate for at least 60 minutes after use before anybody can enter the area. Ozone generation is prohibited in some states, but the laws of each state are different.  Permission must be confirmed before use ozone.

Chemical Disinfection:

  • Kitchenware can be disinfected with chlorine and alcohol, see Tool Box for details

Tips and Precautions for Kitchen Cleaning and Disinfection:

  • Start cleaning from the dirtiest place, back to the stovetop, and then the tabletop; it is best to use the dishwasher to wash the dishes.



  • After washing and disinfecting the cutting board, put it in a well ventilated place



  • Discard chipped or cracked cookware, as cracks can be hard to disinfect.



  • Pay more attention to cleaning and disinfecting the corners of the floor and tabletops.
  • Do not mix various disinfectants, a neutralization reaction may occur and reduce the effect. Please select a suitable disinfectant and follow the instructions.



  • Do not use food containers to hold disinfectants to avoid potential misuse of containers for food.
  • Wear gloves when cleaning to reduce skin irritation.



  • Be careful. Turn off the fire when cleaning to avoid burning. If the cleaner gets in your eyes accidentally, rinse immediately with tap water and seek medical treatment if necessary.



  • The elderly, the sick and the disabled should leave the kitchen before cleaning.



Tracy’s Toolbox

Items effective in sanitization commonly found at home:
ü  Rubbing alcohol (70% -75% alcohol). If you can only buy higher concentrations, you must dilute to 70% -75% to achieve the best results.
ü  Bleach (hydrogen peroxide or chlorine disinfectant). Disinfectants written "bleach" usually kill coronavirus.
ü  Hot water or disinfection cabinet at above 133 ° F for more than half an hour.
ü  Dish soup to clean vegetables and fruits.
ü  Disinfecting wipes. For example, alcohol prep pads, something that has "kills viruses" written on it, or other disinfecting wipes with phrases similar to "combating the flu” written on it.
ü  Other types of disinfectants. They will have "kills viruses" written on them or other disinfecting liquids/sprays for combating the flu.

Reference
[1] Card, Crozier, Dhawan, et al, UV Sterilization of Personal Protective Equipment with Idle Laboratory Biosafety Cabinets During the COVID-19 Pandemic; https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.25.20043489v2
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html

Writing: Vicki Cheng, Mingdi Yang, Jingyi Xi; Translation: Chaoyu Xie; Proofreading: Xiao Luo, Suzheng Jiang, Helen Shih; Artwork: Henry Yuanheng Hu

Disclaimer and Copyright © 2020 United Chinese Americans


Popular posts from this blog

1: What to do if you are sick?

-
Image
Q: What can I do if I am sick? 💁 Tracy:  If you have mild symptoms, such as  low-grade fever, mild dry cough and mild fatigue , don’t panic! It might be COVID-19 or just an ordinary cold! Considering the following to help yourself and protect other people around you. Check CDC's "Self Checker" on symptoms and guidance. Stay home and remain in self quarantine. Wear a mask if you have to interact with others in the family, and keep yourself separated from them. Call your doctor for medical advice. Get a test for COVID-19, if available, check your county's public health website to get the most updated testing instruction. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately!   Emergency warning signs include*: •     Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath •     Persistent pain or pressure in the chest •     New confusion or inability to arouse Including neurological disorders that prevent you from function
Read more

"Creativity against COVID-19" Young Creative Artists Contest Winner Announcement

-
Image
We want to send a big thank you to all of the participants, parents and volunteers who have contributed so much to the success of our contest! Many thanks to our judges for your great work and valuable time on reviewing and rating 117 pieces of artwork submitted by our participants! It took a lot of time and effort! Thank you to everyone for making this contest a great success!  And a special congratulations to  9 year-old   Justin Koo (Castlebay Lane Charter, CA), the winner of the $1,500 Grand Prize and the most talented young creative artist in our contest! His video received the highest score from our judges. Congratulations to the following 8 winners of the $500 Second Prize: Kevin Lou, 14,  click here to view the artwork  Vanessa Lin, 7,  click here to view the artwork  Anda Xie, 12,  click here to view the artwork Ziyao Zhuo, 16,  click here to view the artwork Rachel Liang, 17,  click here to view the artwork Justin Goh, 16,  click here to view the artwork Adam Yeung, 18,  cli
Read more

3: Disinfecting Takeout and Deliveries

-
Image
Q: How do you disinfect takeout and deliveries? 💁 Tracy: Try to choose “no-touch” food and delivery services. Wait for the delivery person to leave before opening the door to get your package. The virus can survive on plastic and paper for three to four days, so the surface of  the packages and takeout containers should be wiped with disinfectant. Afterwards, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. You can also wear disposable gloves when picking up the packages– discard the gloves and packaging when finished. For take-out food, put them in separate clean containers before bring them inside the house. Discard the package and take-out containers outside the house. Always disinfect food and drink before you eat, even if they have been cooked (see guide on how to disinfect food and drink). If you are required to provide a signature and have to interact with the delivery person within 6 feet, please wear a mask or cloth covering. Wash hands after you sign the paperwork.
Read more