Clean and safe kitchens reduce the risk of food poisoning and accidents in the home. Proper cleanliness must be maintained at all ages.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Take Precautions in the Kitchen
Step 1. Disinfect your bin
Wash and disinfect it once a week. This will help remove any unpleasant odor that may be coming from the trash can and will also stop the growth of bacteria.
Buy a bucket lid if possible. The lid retains odors that attract flies and other insects. Release it as soon as it starts to smell, even if it's not quite full yet. Ideally, this should be done every day
Step 2. Clean surfaces that people touch
Periodically clean doorknobs, handles, buttons and controls and switches in the kitchen with cleaning products. Even if they appear clean to the naked eye, bacteria can already accumulate on them.
Step 3. Keep your kitchen floors clean
Sweep and wash them regularly to keep debris and grease free. If you spill something, wipe it up right away. Don't leave dirt.
Washing the floors right away will help prevent unwanted accidents and also prevent bacteria from growing
Step 4. Maintain personal hygiene
Wash your hands before and after meals (20 seconds each time).
Part 2 of 4: Improving Food Sanitation
Step 1. Immediately freeze the meat in large pieces
To prevent bacterial growth and spoilage of bulk purchased meats, place them in ziplock bags. Before placing in the freezer, mark the current date and type of meat on the bags.
Step 2. Wash food before slicing
Brush the rind or skins of fruits and vegetables before slicing.
Step 3. Use multiple cutting boards
Cook meat on one board and other foods on another to avoid the spread of bacteria.
Wash the board after you cut up the chicken, as raw food is full of bacteria
Step 4. Divide the refrigerator into food groups
Use different zones and compartments.
- Refrigerator door: Place juices and other large items that don't need much refrigeration there. The door has handy compartments for oil.
- Top shelf: Eggs and milk should be in the coldest area of the refrigerator. Place coffee creamer and other essentials that need a cool temperature on the top shelf.
- Drawers: There are 2 removable drawers in a modern refrigerator. One drawer for meat and another for food. All compartments should be cleaned regularly.
Part 3 of 4: Make your kitchen kid-friendly and safe
Step 1. Install the latches on the cabinets
Be careful where chemicals and other dangerous items are located.
Step 2. Use stacked countertop brackets
On most countertops, the edges tend to protrude above the drawers below them. Plastic guard rails can improve protection against accidental collision.
Step 3. Encourage the use of the microwave
If there are preschoolers in the family, try to dispense with the stove and teach them new motor skills. Find a suitable place for your microwave, such as under the kitchen table or on top of your countertop, which can be easily reached with a stool.
- Let children open the microwave door.
- Adults should put food in the microwave.
- Teach your child to press buttons (and he will learn the time at the same time).
- Adults should also remove food from the microwave.
Step 4. Establish collaboration between you and your child
Increase your child's participation and cook meals together.
Monitor when your child cuts something. You need to start learning to cut with plastic knives or butter knives with blunt edges. For safety's sake, have them copy your actions, including how to get your hands off sharp objects
Step 5. Assign them a compartment in the refrigerator
Place drinks and nutritious snacks where they can easily get them when the refrigerator is opened.
Part 4 of 4: Organizing your kitchen to keep it clean
Step 1. Always focus on one area
Divide the kitchen into sections and choose one of them. This will help you focus better and make your work more efficient.
- Cabinets: glassware, plates and china
- Countertops: electrical appliances and cooking area
- Under countertops: pots, pans and other containers
- Pantry: Long-term storage products, spices and large storage bags
- Refrigerator and freezer
- Under the sink: chemicals, sponges and cleaning materials
Step 2. Free the entire section
Wash the area thoroughly with a solution of warm water and dish soap. Wipe with a damp cloth and then wipe with a dry cloth.
Step 3. Decide which things to keep and which to throw away
Be mindful of organization when replacing electrical appliances or food. Examine each item and decide if you put it back in place or throw it away.
- "When was the last time you used this?" Porcelain or antiques should have their own special place in the kitchen, such as a separate cabinet or the topmost shelf.
- "What is the expiration date?" Throw away all expired shelf life products; never put them back. Spices have their own rules; they can still be used after the expiration date, but their strength will diminish over time. Many spices have a shelf life of one to four years. All products stored in the refrigerator and freezer must be dated unless they are in their original packaging. This applies, for example, to food and food leftovers in the freezer.
- "How often is it used?" Many working adults use coffee makers more often than any other kitchen appliance. Place frequently used electrical appliances in an easily accessible area and store the rest in a closet. If you rarely use this appliance, then it may be better to sell it online, for example, on the eBay website.
Step 4. Buy and use bulk containers
Place bulk foods such as pet food, rice, beans, pasta, and cereals in labeled containers.
Step 5. Distribute the dishes according to their importance
Take the bottom cabinet or bottom shelf with children's plates and cups, put the main items in the middle, and put expensive or glassware on the top shelf.
Advice
- Do not keep trash containers in the kitchen. Place them in a more suitable location, such as a bathtub, garage, or laundry room.
- If you have pets, do not leave their dishes dirty after they have eaten. This can attract flies and rodents. Make sure that the kitchen is wool-free, as this can lead to allergies and asthma.
- Wear gloves and suitable clothing when cleaning the kitchen.
- Always wipe clean immediately if something is spilled in the microwave. Scraping a hardened piece of cheese off a microwave-safe dish can be tricky, while melted cheese can be easily removed with a paper towel.