Wash them in hot soapy water, and sanitize them by either boiling them in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of one teaspoon of chlorine bleach for every quart of clean water. If the item is porous, such as a wooden cutting board, pollutants will have soaked into the item. Verify that the sanitizing will make it safe. Generally, it is best to discard porous items.
FAQ #3747
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I have pots, pans, and dishes that came in contact with water when my house recently flooded. How is the best way to clean them so they will be safe to use?
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- Build a flood dike 4-minute demonstration by Dr. Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension Engineer.
- Coastal Hazards documents in the National Sea Grant Library.
- FloodSmart.gov is the official National Flood Insurance Program Web site. Can flooding affect your community?
- DisasterAssistance.gov consolidates disaster assistance information on one Web site.
- Snow/Ice preparedness information.
- Influenza preparedness information.