Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500025
06/24/03

Cleaning Dishes and Pans After A Flood


Before using any dishes, pots, pans or cooking
utensils that were in contact with flood water, wash and
sterilize them.

1. Any piece of equipment that can be taken apart should
be cleaned in pieces. Remove plastic and wooden handles
from frying pans and saucepans. Clean parts separately.

2. Wash dishes, pots, pans and utensils in hot, sudsy
water. Use a brush, if necessary, to remove dirt.

3. After sudsing and brushing, rinse in clear water. Place
dishes in a wire basket or other container and dip them in
a sanitizing solution. Use a solution recommended by local
health authorities or use 1 1/2 tablespoons sodium
hypochlorite bleach to a gallon of water. Or immerse
dishes in boiling water for at least two minutes. An
alternative method is to boil dishes for a half minute.

4. Air-dry dishes. Do not dry them with a dish towel. If
cupboards and food preparation surfaces were in contact
with flood water, clean and sterilize them before
storing dishes and utensils.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the USDA
Disaster Handbook.

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