I have been staying safe with my family and practicing social distancing. Which has me questioning things like is ordering takeout safe and do I need to disinfect my groceries. When I started researching this topic, I have found that many others are asking similar questions.
Do I need to disinfect my groceries?
You should be extra cautious when bringing groceries and even take out into your home. Extra hand washing and sanitizing surfaces are so important. Here are my top tips to keep you safe not only when shopping, but also to disinfect your groceries once you get home.
The easiest solution is to simply leave your groceries outside for 3 days, but that might not be possible depending on your situation and what you have purchased.
Tips for staying safe at the grocery store:
- Use hand sanitizer before and after shopping. Either use hand sanitizer in your car before and after shopping, or utilize the hand sanitizer at your place of shopping.
- Clean your shopping cart – handle and basket. I know my local grocery has been doing a great job at sanitizing the carts, but I recommend doing this yourself too. A quick wipe of the handle, edges, and buggy where you will put your goods can help to keep you safe.
- Practice social distancing of 6 feet when shopping. Now this might be easier said than done, but try to shop at less busy times and avoid crowds. Also keep your distance from others when shopping.
- Don’t use reusable shopping bags. I don’t recommend using reusable shopping bags, unless you plan to wash them in hot water after every trip to the store. During this time it is best to use plastic bags and dispose of them when you get home.
- Prepare to wash produce extra good. I am all for still buying fresh produce, but you will need to plan to wash it as soon as you get home.
How to sanitize your groceries:
- Immediately wash your hands when you get home from the store.
- Wash your produce as soon as your get home. You can use your favorite solution, water, or just a little lemon juice and vinegar. Just be sure to give all of your produce a good scrub with friction for 20 seconds, before putting it away.
- Eliminate packaging if possible. Place your food into storage containers to help eliminate any extra packaging and germs.
- Wipe containers. Anything that is nonporous wipe down with a disinfecting wipe or soapy cloth – this includes cans, glass bottles, etc.
- Throw away plastic shopping bags or immediately wash reusable bags.
- Sanitize surfaces. Once all your groceries are put away you will want to sanitize your countertop, door handles, light switches, and sink (if you washed produce).
- Wash your hands again when finished.
Should I still use grocery delivery services?
Grocery delivery services area great option during this time to keep you safe at home. For grocery delivery I recommend avoiding direct contact with the delivery person and then following the steps to clean and sanitize as recommended above when you get your groceries.
Can I make my own cleaning products at home?
You can always make your Clorox wipes using this recipe. Or make your own vinegar spray using this recipe.
Can I make my own hand sanitizer at home?
Yes, find my three ingredient hand sanitizer recipe here.
What should I do if I run out of toilet paper?
Well hopefully you are able to find some toilet paper in stock, but here are some great options if you do run out.
The most important take away is to wash your hands and sanitize surfaces throughout your home to keep you and your family safe.
Here are more tips for safe grocery shopping:
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Karon says
Great advice. Thank you for the instructions.