How are you cleaning shopping that's delivered?

[peoniesarejustperfect]

We've just been talking about our food delivery which is coming tomorrow evening - can't wait as running quite low!

But, as we started to think through it, I 'm wondering what is the best way to make sure that we keep the virus out of the house? Thinking of wearing gloves to unpack. Washing hands and then wiping down everything with an antibac wipe before putting it away. Cleaning all surfaces and washing hands again. Does this sound nutty? What's everyone else doing?

And other deliveries - parcels, post etc.

Sounds sensible to me. Only other option is to quarantine the shopping for 72 hours!

Any measures you can take are better than nothing.
Washing hands between all stages of handling items is probably the most important step you could take.

Got my spray and marigolds out, 100% wiped everything down

Sprayed the cloth, not the time directly

Food directly*

Anti bac doesn’t work against a virus does it?

I’ve been using weak bleach. Even did my phone with it

Thank you - washing hands at each stage - think that's a good plan. We've got Dettol wipes which say they kill 99% of all germs - do you think that's not enough? With bleach - do you have a sink / bucket and use one cloth? Sorry for all the questions!

@TheEmojiFormerlyKnownAsPrince household detergents do the trick. This one I used did say it killed viruses.

www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/many-common-household-cleaning-products-can-kill-coronavirus-if-you-ncna1160271

Worth a read. My cloth was very wet, and left the product to dry naturally.

I just had to do this because the check out girl coughed into her hand as she scanned my stuff!

@JayDot500 which one is that?

Yes I am. Everything that come in the house gets the same treatment

Just saw your second message - oh no - eeks! Will have a read now, thank you.

CuppaZa - how are you cleaning it? What are you doing with cardboard?

Nitrile gloves. 5% bleach solution. Wipe everything down, and then put to the back of the shelves for a few days - barring fresh, which we cook. Wash hands all the time when touching it for the first 7 - 9 days. We are doing our level best to keep the house a zone where we can relax a little more, so anything that comes into it is, itself, regarded as a virus.

Any non-food items that are not used immediately are put in the conservatory for 10 days before we touch them again.

Thanks Berties. That is a great idea about putting stuff away for 10 days. With fruit and veg, I've just ordered some veg wash (may be too late for that..) and will just rinse, but hope that is enough. I agree, I really want to try and keep home as a place where we can relax a bit, especially the kids.

I use a diluted surgical spirit in a pump spray. I do this with the delivered carriers in the porch.

I take the bags into the kitchen but put them on the floor then spray each removed item, washing hands inbetween. I may use a wipe to go over the cans etc thoroughly.

I wash fruit and veg, I remove and throw away packaging when I can.

I throw bags away (sorry) and then quick mop of floor.

Any non-food items that are not used immediately are put in the conservatory for 10 days before we touch them again.

@BertiesLanding Why 10 days? The evidence suggests that coronavirus can live on plastic for up to 3 days (72 hours) and cardboard for 1 day (24 hours).

Middleager (great name) Brilliant idea, I will make up a sprtiz spray thing. What do you think is the best option?? I've got a big bottle of 70% hand santising gel, 70% rubbing alcohol, Ecover All Purpose Cleaner and bleach. Also got Dettol Antibac surface wipes. Not sure if these are ideal, but they are what we've got .

Does anyone know if fairy liquid lathered up is sufficient on work surfaces?

I have always done that OP but then I am a bit OCD crazy, even more so once they stopped carrier bags as the carts are usually not the cleanest. Don't forget the inside if the fridge and door handles and do not touch the thing you have to sign! 😉

I'm subjecting all our shopping to a sweep of Gamma rays.

What do you think is the best option??

Alcohol with washing up liquid in is your best bet.

Well now reading on here OP that anti bac may not do the trick, so surgical spirit won't then either.

I think diluted bleach might be best? Will wait for an expert.

I do have some Vodka (was planning on keeping that for a different type of emergency) and Dettol too.... How much do you add to washing up liquid?

Very tricky to know what to do. Hope an expert can shed light. Have just bought some vegetable wash.

I do have some Vodka

Vodka isn't concentrated enough, I meant the 70% stuff; but if you don't have loads then washing up liquid will work fine.

Well now reading on here OP that anti bac may not do the trick, so surgical spirit won't then either.

Anti bacterial agents are no use against viruses. 70% surgical spirit will destroy the virus (by breaking down its outer layer) but so will any surfactant like soap. That's why hand washing is better than hand gel.

I'm not an expert, I'm a biochemist who has read the guidance.

Would Milton work?