Tips on Cleaning your Groceries during COVID-19 Pandemic

Groceries shopping remains a necessity during this Covid-19 pandemic, therefore, it is important to clean your groceries during these hard times. Food is a necessity and a source of nourishment for all individuals. It is essential to take extra care when handling the groceries which can reduce your risk of exposure. Recent studies reveal that Covid-19 virus is detectable on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours, and cardboard for up to 24 hours.

Shopping for groceries carries extra risk. While shopping not only are you close to other people, but many of the products bought have probably been handled by others, and possibly sneezed or coughed on. This doesn’t mean that you will stop visiting supermarkets. All you have to do is to take a little extra care when handling your groceries to avoid spreading the virus to other people and surfaces visited.

Experts reveal that the following simple tips that can keep you safe from this deadly pandemic.

· First and foremost thing before stepping out of the house is wearing a mask and carrying a sanitizer with you.

· Ensure that only one member of the house, preferably the healthiest, goes out to buy essentials.

· Try to make cashless payments as the exchange of currency can be a potential risk factor.

· It is advised to touch the items that you intend to buy, disinfectant the cart or basket handles using a disinfectant spray, sanitizer spray, and wash your hands frequently when you’re done.

· It is better to use cloth bags while shopping and wash them with laundry soap in a washing machine and dry them thoroughly before reusing them.

· Another feasible option is to leave your groceries in your garage or porch for at least 72 hours to allow the virus to become inactive.

· Organize a cleaning station to avoid contaminating your food or other surfaces in the house. It involves wiping down all packaging with a disinfectant before handling and storing groceries at home. It is better to discard the packaging and transfer the food to a clean bag or container.

· Fresh unwrapped goods, should be washed thoroughly under running water and leave to dry. It is advised not to wash fruits and vegetables with detergent or soap as this may lead to stomach infection. It is recommended to soak fruits, vegetables in diluted vinegar, lemon water, or salt for a few hours and then leave to dry. Bleach solution to wash fruits or vegetables is harmful to health, therefore, it should be avoided. Ozone-based fruits or vegetable cleansers can be used as a disinfectant.

From manufacturing to packaging, shipping, stocking, passes through many hands before it reaches the actual consumer. Sanitising your groceries equally important as sanitising your hands. Therefore, you should make sure to clean your groceries and essentials thoroughly.