Safe Cleaning
Methods For:

Rugs, Carpet
and Upholstery

Floors

Other Hard
Surfaces

Toys

Linens and
Clothes

Food Items

Heating and
Air Conditioning

Removing Dust
Homepage

Safe Cleaning Methods For: Food Items

If possible, throw out any food items that were directly exposed to dust (i.e., fruit left out on tables or counters, dog or cat food left in bowls).

Food items that were in sealed containers, i.e., jars, boxes, and not directly exposed to dust are fine. Be sure to follow the steps below for the outside of the sealed containers.

CLEANING METHOD:

1. WEAR a dust mask and gloves.
2. WET WIPE the outside of all the containers using water or a cleaner appropriate for the surface. Be sure to continually rinse your cloth/rag. If using a bucket, do not rinse your cloth/rag in the cleaning solution; either rinse in a separate bucket or a sink.
3. When dry, WIPE the surface with an electrostatic cloth, such as a Grab-It or a Swiffer.

Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Phone: 732-445-0200 For additional information contact webmaster@eohsi.rutgers.edu