Jake Harper
Raw chicken can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria such as salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses. It is important to clean and sanitise any surfaces, utensils, and containers that have come into contact with raw chicken or its juices to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria. Here are some ways to effectively clean and sanitise containers that have been used to store raw chicken, so they can be safely reused.
How to clean raw chicken container for reuse
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds |
| Step 2 | Clean the container with hot soapy water |
| Step 3 | Sanitize the container with disinfectant, vinegar, or bleach |
| Step 4 | Wash hands again with soap and water for 20 seconds |
| Additional Information | Do not wash raw chicken before cooking; it can increase the risk of foodborne illness |
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What You'll Learn
Use hot water and soap
When cleaning containers that have been used to store raw chicken, it is important to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and germs. While some people opt for chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or bleach, a simple and effective method is to use hot water and soap.
First, ensure you have protected your hands with gloves or a barrier, such as latex gloves, to prevent direct contact with raw chicken. After handling raw chicken, it is essential to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Next, gather all the containers and items that touched the raw chicken and place them in the sink. Run the hottest water you can from the tap, being careful not to burn yourself, and add soap. Submerge the containers and items in this hot, soapy water for as long as possible. The heat from the water and the soap will effectively kill bacteria and germs. Scrub any particularly dirty dishes before submerging them to ensure the water remains as clean as possible.
After submerging the containers, use a rag or cloth to wipe down the preparation area, such as counters or any other surfaces that may have been splashed. You can use the same rag to wash cooking utensils, knives, cutting boards, and other items that came into contact with the raw chicken with hot water and soap.
Finally, dry all the containers and items with a clean towel or air-dry them. You can also use disinfectant as an additional step after washing with hot water and soap if you prefer.
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Bleach solutions are effective
To effectively use a bleach solution for cleaning, follow these steps:
- First, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Put on a pair of latex gloves to protect your skin from the bleach solution.
- Prepare the bleach solution by diluting a tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water. This creates a food-grade disinfectant that is safe and effective.
- Using a clean rag or sponge, wipe down all surfaces and utensils that came into contact with raw chicken. Ensure you cover all areas, including counters, faucets, and the inside of the sink.
- After wiping, let the bleach solution sit on the surfaces for about 10 minutes. This allows the bleach to effectively disinfect and kill any bacteria.
- Finally, thoroughly rinse the surfaces and utensils with hot water.
By following these steps and utilising the disinfecting power of bleach solutions, you can effectively clean and sanitise surfaces that have touched raw chicken. Bleach solutions are a simple and effective way to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.
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Vinegar and alcohol sprays are alternatives
When it comes to cleaning containers that have held raw chicken, it's important to prioritize food safety and prevent cross-contamination. Here's where vinegar and alcohol sprays come in as effective alternatives to regular disinfectants:
Vinegar and Alcohol Sprays:
Vinegar and alcohol sprays are effective alternatives for cleaning raw chicken containers. The combination of vinegar and alcohol has antibacterial properties, making it a great option for sanitizing surfaces. The acidity in vinegar helps to break down dirt, grime, and bacteria, while alcohol, particularly ethanol or isopropanol, denatures the proteins in bacteria, killing them.
Steps for Using Vinegar and Alcohol Sprays:
- Prepare a solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and alcohol in a spray bottle. You can use distilled white vinegar and rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) for this purpose.
- Spray the surface: Generously spray the solution onto the raw chicken container and other surfaces that may have come into contact with raw chicken, such as countertops, cutting boards, and utensils.
- Let it sit: Allow the solution to remain on the surfaces for several minutes. This contact time is crucial for the vinegar and alcohol to effectively break down bacteria and grime.
- Wipe down: Use a clean, reusable cloth or washable fabric towel to wipe down the surfaces. You can also use paper towels if you prefer to discard them after each use.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the surfaces with clean water, especially if they come into direct contact with food, like plates or containers. Finally, allow them to air dry or use a clean towel to dry them thoroughly.
Additional Tips:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw chicken or cleaning surfaces to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Keep raw chicken separate from other foods, especially ready-to-eat produce, to avoid cross-contamination.
- Avoid using sponges as they can harbour bacteria. Opt for reusable, washable towels or paper towels instead.
- For surfaces that cannot be easily washed, such as countertops and butcher blocks, use a disinfectant spray like hydrogen peroxide, following the instructions on the product.
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Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds
When handling raw chicken, it is important to clean the containers and surfaces thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of harmful bacteria. After cleaning, it is essential to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. This step should not be overlooked, as hands can easily transfer germs to other objects and surfaces, ultimately leading to illness.
Washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds is a widely recommended practice by organizations such as the CDC and the World Health Organization. This duration provides enough time for soap and friction to effectively lift and remove dirt, grease, and microbes, including disease-causing germs, from the skin. These germs can include bacteria and viruses, and they are present all around us—on surfaces, in the air, and on our skin.
By washing your hands for 20 seconds, you significantly reduce the risk of transferring these germs to your eyes, nose, or mouth, which can lead to infections and illnesses. Proper handwashing also helps prevent the spread of germs to other objects and people, reducing the likelihood of contaminating commonly touched surfaces like handrails and tabletops.
In addition to washing your hands for the recommended duration, it is important to use clean, running water. Rinsing your hands under running water helps minimize skin irritation and ensures that your hands are not re-contaminated by standing water, which may contain germs from previous use.
Handwashing with soap for 20 seconds is a simple yet powerful tool to protect yourself and others from illness. It is an essential step in maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.
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Clean and sanitise surfaces and utensils
Firstly, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Leave everything that has touched the chicken in the sink and wash your hands first. Use hot water and soap, and don't forget to rinse and dry your hands.
Next, fill the sink with hot, soapy water. Submerge all the utensils and containers that touched the raw chicken in the water. Leave them there for as long as possible to put your mind at ease.
Then, take a rag and wipe down the whole area that was used to prepare the chicken. This includes the counters and any other areas that the chicken or its juices may have splashed onto. You can use disinfectant spray for this step if you wish.
After that, use the same rag to wash all the utensils, knives, cutting boards, and anything else that was used with hot water. You can also use disinfectant spray or diluted vinegar to wipe down these items. If you used a wooden cutting board, scrub it lightly with salt and lemon, then rinse and dry.
Finally, sanitise your sink and any surfaces that came into contact with the chicken or its juices. You can use a bleach solution (a tablespoon of bleach diluted in a gallon of water) or disinfectant spray for this step. Leave the disinfectant on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
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Frequently asked questions
Use hot water and soap. Bacteria generally don't last long on surfaces that have been thoroughly cleaned with soap and dried. You can also use a disinfectant.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends against washing raw chicken as it can spread bacteria, increasing the risk of food poisoning.
A little vinegar diluted with water in a spray bottle is a simple natural alternative to disinfectant.
A bleach solution of a tablespoon of bleach diluted in a gallon of water is a good choice if you want a strong cleaner.
Clean and sanitise any surfaces or utensils that might have come in contact with raw chicken or its juices. Wash your hands immediately after handling chicken and before touching other foods.
