How to disinfect the pantry to prevent coronavirus

Maintaining social distance, quarantining at home, washing hands with water and soap constantly, sneezing and coughing into the elbow, and using cloth masks are some of the habits that most people have changed to prevent Covid-19 infections. However, another important way to prevent the spread of the virus is to know how to clean your pantry to avoid coronavirus contamination. Although an article from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) revealed that there is still no scientific evidence to prove that food can transmit the coronavirus Covid-19, the packaging they come in may have been exposed. Since it is better to be cautious in any situation, we will show you how to disinfect your pantry to take care of your health. Wash your hands No matter how many times you read or hear this recommendation, knowing how to wash your hands continuously is a must during coronavirus times. Therefore, before disinfecting your pantry, you should wash them even if you have just gone shopping at the store or supermarket, or if you ordered home delivery. Remember that the correct way to wash your hands is to do it for at least 20 seconds with water and soap or by using a generous amount of hand sanitizer. Disinfect containers and packaging First of all, divide a wide space to separate your products. It could be on your dining table; on one side, place the items to be disinfected, and on the other, those that are already clean. Prepare the materials you will use to clean; these can be disinfectant wipes or a cloth and, on the side, soap with water or alcohol, and if you don't have that, you can also use vinegar to disinfect or a bleach solution to disinfect surfaces. If part of your daily pantry consists of canned or packaged foods like tuna, jam, cereal, or milk, first clean them with wipes, a sponge with water and soap, or a cloth with a bit of alcohol. Then, give them a wipe with water mixed with bleach to disinfect. Make sure that the products are well sealed; otherwise, store them in clean containers or bags. Wash fruits and vegetables On the other hand, if you bought loose fruits and vegetables, it is best to wash them individually with plenty of water and soap, scrubbing the surface several times with a sponge or brush, as according to information from the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), this is more effective in removing residues and other possible contaminants. Don't forget that to know how to disinfect broccoli, carrots, lettuce, and other vegetables, besides washing them as mentioned earlier, you should add a few drops of disinfectant, baking soda with vinegar, or iodine and let them sit for 20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with clean water. Be careful with takeout foodIf, on the other hand, you ordered takeout, wash your hands and carefully remove the food from the packaging, then wash your hands again. Place the food on clean plates or containers that you have at home, immediately throw away the packaging, and take the trash out of your house. Never consume dishes directly from the container they came in. Wash your hands againMake sure that no virus or bacteria is left on your hands and wash them once more after finishing your disinfection process, but not before disinfecting your cloth mask by washing it in a dilution of bleach with warm water for half an hour and then with water and soap until any trace of bleach is removed from the mask. Similarly, consider how to disinfect your phone, as this device is constantly in our hands. First, wipe it with a soft or lint-free cloth from top to bottom, and then use wet wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol. It may seem excessive, but these are the necessary precautions to disinfect your grocery purchases, disinfect food, and clean other objects that will help you prevent coronavirus Covid-19 in your home.