May 5, 2020
Use as Directed
That three-word sentence carries a lot of impact. You see it written on a wide variety of products. Bottom line, it is for your safety.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released data showing an alarming 20.4% increase in calls to the nation's poison control centers from January-March 2020 compared to the same period last year. In Kansas, that number is even higher. The increase is due to improper use of cleaners and disinfectants at home. This data covers all age groups.
These products should never be mixed together thinking that it will make a more effective cleaner. In fact, it is dangerous and deadly. Keep these points in mind for safe cleaning and disinfecting.
- Use plain water to wash fresh produce.
- Clean surfaces with soap and water, then disinfect per label usage guidelines.
- A simple bleach disinfectant is 5 tablespoons bleach per gallon water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart water.
- Launder items according to manufacturer's recommendations, using the warmest appropriate water temperature.
- Wash your hands frequently, for 20 seconds, with soap and water.
If a poisoning has occurred, get medical attention, and contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
More information on cleaning, disinfecting and more can be found at the KSRE Food Safety and COVID-19 website.