I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that we should sanitize our groceries before putting them away.
😳
This can be so time-consuming, and even a little overwhelming.
Although it seems to me to be a little bit of an overkill (since we’ve never done that before and more people die of common flu complications). Still….just in case there’s some validity to the precautions, and for those who would rather to err on the side of caution, here are some quick and easy tips to help bring you peace of mind.
In a nutshell, what I’ll be going over step-by-step for your grocery items is simply this…
- Wash
- Rinse
- Dry
Materials Needed
First, let’s gather up what you’ll need to get the job done.
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Dish soap (use one that is relatively non-toxic, without harsh chemicals)
- Garden hose
- Adjustable sprayer (optional)
- Patio furniture
- Dry non-muddy surface (carport, driveway, deck or patio)
1. Get a spray bottle…
It doesn’t matter what kind. Any spray bottle will do. Put water in the bottle until almost full. Squirt some dish soap into the bottle. Twist the cap.squirt head onto the bottle. Shake to mix. Voila! Disinfectant in a bottle.
2. Envision Your New Pre-Sanitizing Station Holding Station – Outside
Whether you have a carport, driveway, deck or patio, these surfaces can be used as a holding station for the “unsanitary” groceries you just brought home. While you still will have to wipe down With soapy water or sanitizer the items whose primary coverings are paper-based, items that are packaged in plastic can be set onto the holding station of your choice to await “decontamination”.
3. Grab the Spray Bottle
Remember the DIY disinfectant you just made in your spray bottle? Well, it’s time to use it. Pick up one at a time each plastic-packaged or glass Item and spray every inch of its exterior so that it’s all covered with your soap solution. Now it’s time to rinse.
4. Shower Anyone?
Once you’ve sprayed the item with soapy water, it’s time to rinse. I like to have an adjustable spray nozzle on my hose to control the amount of water. Hold your. Item in one hand while rinsing it off with the water from the garden hose in the other hand.
once rinsed, it helps to give the item a little shake to remove excess water and help speed along the drying process.
5. Repurposing Your Outdoor Furniture
if you have a patio with lawn furniture on it, now’s the time to make it work for you…as a food drying rack.
Once the item has been sprayed thoroughly with the soapy solutions and rinsed, it’s time to set it where it can drain. That’s where your outdoor furniture come in.
(For me it comes in the form of a wooden picnic table with benches.)
Place your rinsed grocery items on the table to wait until you can wipe them down with a towel, or just let them drip-dry.
NOTE: If you choose to drip dry, just be sure the item does not need refrigeration, and that it’s not sitting in the sun where it may spoil or become rancid.
(Optional) If Needed, Towel Dry
If you want to speed up the relocation process from outside sanitizing station to indoor cupboards and pantry, just take a hand towel and wipe off the excess water.
All Done! Safe and Sanitized
So there you go! All done and your house has remained relatively uncontaminated with new germs.
Alternative Solution for Plastic-packaged or Glass Items
if you have a utility sink, you can always fill with water and add dish soap, dip these items into the soapy solution, and rinse. In the beginning, I did this in my kitchen sink, but you have to do cleanup afterward and hope you didn’t leave any germs from the new groceries on your counter, etc., so outside processing whenever possible is better.
What About Produce?
I use either method above for produce with minimal risk of contamination.
Sometimes I use the spray bottle method…
And sometimes I use the alternative method.
As I buy my produce, I place them in a bag from the store. The bag is relatively clean because it’s been unused and usually comes off of a roll. Or i might grab several plastic shopping bags on my way in, before I start shopping, into which to put my produce.
When I get home, I put water with a little dish soap in one side of my divided sink. Then I put my produce directly from bag into soapy water for a quick dip. While in the soapy water, I quickly rub the outside of each piece with my hands, then rinse on the empty side of my sink, and place in the drainer or on a towel.
In Closing…
Whichever method you choose, they are both relatively simple and don’t take much time.
Have peace. Live well. But most of all…LIVE.
Jesus said,”…I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10b