b. If Hot Water Is Not Available.
(1) Scrape utensils free of food particles and wash the utensils in water
containing soap or detergent.
(2)
Rinse in clear, potable water.
(3) Immerse for not less than 30 seconds in a chlorine solution. This
solution is prepared by using "Disinfectant, Food Service" (NSN 6840-00-810-6396) as
specified on the container. One package of disinfectant is dissolved in 25 gallons of
water. When this material is not available, immerse for not less than 30 seconds in a
chlorine solution containing at least one level messkit spoonful of high-test calcium
hypochlorite (water treatment powder) in 10 gallons of water. If liquid chlorine bleach is
available, it may be used. About one-third canteen cup of 5-percent chlorine bleach
(NSN-6810-00-598-7316) to each 10 gallons of water will provide the same disinfecting
strength. These quantities of disinfectant will ordinarily suffice for disinfecting the
personal messkits of approximately 100 men. For greater numbers, fresh chlorine
solution should be made up. The solution should be made up fresh for each period and
should not be reused.
(4)
Dry in the open air and place them as previously indicated (para a(4)
above).
6-25. INDIVIDUAL CLEANING OF MESSKIT
a. Equipment. In the field, each individual ordinarily cares for his own messkit.
Proper washing is important; otherwise, food particles will remain and become breeding
places for disease germs. Three corrugated (G1) cans or other similar containers,
placed in a row, are used for this purpose. Enough water is placed in each can to allow
at least one quart of water per man or one wash line of three cans is provided for every
80 men. Large food service facilities may require several washing lines. The first G1
can contains hot, soapy water (150F); the second and third cans contain clear water
which is kept boiling throughout the washing period. A long-handled washbrush, a
garbage can, or pit is also needed.
b. Procedure.
(1) Scrape the food scraps remaining in the messkit into the garbage pit or
the garbage can.
(2) Wash the kit in the first container of hot, soapy water using a long-
handled brush.
(3) Rinse the kit in the second can of clear, boiling water by dipping it up
and down several times.
MD0008
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