margarita25
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I started out doing the spray it and leave it method. Can of Lysol at the front door.
(Southern Hospitality Covid style)
I am very sensitive to aerosols, Lysol, chemicals, so I have a diluted bleach water bucket assembly line thing going in the hallway for cold items that have to come in immediately. I made the mistake very early on of getting bleach water inside my frozen vegetables, so everything varies on the type of packaging or surface as to how I approach it. Paper wrapped meat immediately goes into a container or ziplock and paper thrown away. Frozen vegetables get transferred into a ziplock. Beer cans go right in the bleach bucket, carried to the sink, rinsed and put away. This is also efficient for items which are completely airsealed in plastic like cheese blocks. I may also wash it with soap or transfer packaging. You don’t need a lot bleach for the bleach bucket which is good, a dilution with some water, and you’re good to go. One bucket can take care of multiple items as well, as opposed to using wipes, which I can’t say I’ve seen since March anyway. And next to the bleach bucket is one kitty litter sized tray where the clean items go, I carry them into the kitchen. I may even wipe down/rinse again to get the bleach chemical off the package before I put it away. Very often I transfer the contents into my own packaging if it does not compromise freshness. And this way it’s not a big deal if I accidentally touch my face. Dry goods stay at the door and get put away a few days later.
Are all these extreme measures? Absolutely. But it makes being in my kitchen, cooking and handling items much more comfortable/enjoyable. And there is less need for washing your hands every time you touch or grab something, say when you’re cooking stuff that is delivered the same day. Yes, it’s a lot of time, work and effort, and can take some time especially with larger deliveries of cold items. Again, for me, it’s about peace of mind.
Eta: I also prefer produce which is not “openly and loosely exposed to the elements”, for example cilantro, when possible. This has been quite a trial and error process and experience, which I may expound on further in the grocery thread. I have copied over this morning’s discussion on grocery stores, grocery delivery, surfaces, packages, etc. to continue here.
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