If you see mouse droppings around your home, there's nothing to worry about, as it is a common issue that many homeowners face. These droppings are generally found in the most unexpected places, like inside kitchen cabinets, under furniture, on the carpet, and in the attic. At first, they may look like harmless small, dark grains of black or brown color. But these little droppings can be dangerous as they carry bacteria that cause diseases like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Salmonella.
Therefore, it is important to properly clean and disinfect these mouse droppings as soon as you notice them. One of the easiest ways is to use household items like vinegar to disinfect the place. Read the article to know if vinegar disinfects mouse droppings.
Precautionary Steps Before Cleaning Mouse Droppings
Here are some steps you should follow to prevent infection while cleaning mouse droppings:
1. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Remember to ventilate the room by opening all the windows and doors at least thirty minutes before cleaning. The ventilation will reduce the harmful effects and density of the particles that arise during cleaning.
2. Always Wear Gloves
It is important to protect your hands from bacteria during the cleaning process, especially if you have a cut from where the bacteria can enter your body. You can wear rubber, latex, or vinyl gloves.
3. Don't Disturb the Rat Urine and Droppings
Sweeping or vacuuming the rat urine or droppings will spread the hantavirus and also contaminate other surfaces. To safely clean the mouse droppings, first spray a disinfectant, wait for at least 5 minutes to let it soak in, and then carefully wipe with a paper towel.
4. Use a Plastic Bag to Seal the Droppings
Throw any dead rodent waste, like mouse droppings, urine, and rodent feces, into a plastic bag, sealed properly to prevent the contaminated air from escaping the bag. Throw the plastic bag in a trash can with a lid.
5. Disinfect Carpet and Upholstery, and Wash Beddings/Clothes
Clean and disinfect your carpet and upholstery in case there are settled particles, because the hantavirus is airborne. Also, wash any exposed bedding and clothes.
6. Wash the Gloves First
Before disposing of the gloves or removing them from the hands, wash them thoroughly. After disposing of the gloves, wash your hands again and pat them dry.
7. Double the Bag for Dead Mice
If you find dead mice, spray the disinfectant and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Pick it up using a stick and dustpan and dispose of it in a trash bag. Use another bag to double the protection from any bacteria or viruses.
Using White Vinegar to Clean and Disinfect Mouse Droppings
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that also acts as a disinfectant when needed. But before using the vinegar to clean mouse droppings, open the doors and windows and wear safety gears. This will protect you from dangerous bacteria. Once you are ready, follow these steps for cleaning and disinfecting the mouse droppings:
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Mix 1 1⁄2 cups of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. You can adjust the amount, but remember to maintain the ratio of vinegar to water as 1:9.
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Next, pour the mixture into a spray bottle for ease.
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Spray the droppings with the vinegar solution and let it sit undisturbed for at least five minutes to make it soak completely.
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After the droppings loosen up, use a paper towel to pick them.
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Put the paper towel inside a sealable plastic bag and instantly throw the bag in a covered trash can outside your home.
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Then, go back to the area and respray the disinfecting vinegar solution and wipe it clean, to ensure the surface has no germs.
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After cleaning, wash your gloves thoroughly with soap and water or a disinfectant. Finally, wash your hands after disposing of the gloves.
| Warning | Don't use this solution on natural stones, as vinegar is acidic in nature. It can damage the stones. |
How to Use Vinegar on Carpets?
You can clean the carpet after removing the mouse droppings using vinegar in combination with steam:
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Mix three parts of water with one part of vinegar.
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Steam clean normally with a steam cleaner. As the machine heats up, it will create a mist of steam from the vinegar solution that will clean the carpet.
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Air-dry the carpet.
The heat from steam will also kill bacteria, mold, and fungus present in the carpet's fiber.
Other Alternatives to Cleaning Mouse Droppings
1. Pathogen Control Disinfectants
It's a good idea to use disinfectants that are specifically made to control a wide range of pathogens, including those found in rodent droppings and urine. These are designed to work effectively against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms found in rodent waste. Check the product label to see if it indicates protection against rodent-related germs or diseases.
2. Bleach Solutions
Bleach is a strong disinfectant that is effective in killing many pathogens. It is especially good for getting rid of strong odors that come from mouse urine and droppings. To use bleach solution, mix one part bleach with nine parts water.
Be cautious while using the bleach, as it can cause discoloration and damage to certain surfaces. It's better to test it on some other area before using it on a larger surface.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another useful and effective disinfectant to kill pathogens. You can apply it directly on the surface or dilute it with water, depending on its concentration. Though hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on most surfaces, it's always better to do a spot test beforehand.
4. Commercial Disinfectant Sprays
There are some commercial disinfectant sprays that are specially designed for rodent-related issues. They contain very powerful active materials that target the pathogens of rodent waste. For proper and safe use, follow the instructions given on the label or the manual.
Disinfecting Different Areas
Items like bedding, clothing, or stuffed toys, if contaminated, can simply be cleaned in a washing machine. After cleaning, let the machine dry these items at a high setting or hang the items to air dry in the sun.
For objects like books, papers, or any other item that cannot be washed or cleaned with a liquid disinfectant, leave them outside in the sunlight. You can also leave them indoors in a rodent-free area for at least three weeks. It is recommended to leave them for about six weeks.
Does Vinegar Have Limitations?
Vinegar is a good disinfecting agent, but it has some limitations. It can kill viruses like E. Coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, but there's no evidence that it can kill viruses that are spread by mouse droppings. Therefore, vinegar is not the best option for severe mouse infestation or health risks. It is recommended to use commercial disinfectants specially designed to get rid of mouse droppings.
