How to Keep Your Kitchen Hygienic
The kitchen is often the hub of the home, so it is important to keep it clean and hygienic at all times. From sterilising jars in the microwave to ensuring you keep on top of the cleaning, these top tips will help you keep your kitchen safe and ready to use.
Top 6 ways to keep your kitchen clean and hygienic:
Here are six of the most important things you can do to make sure your kitchen is clean and hygienic.
1. Keep on top of the regular cleaning
To avoid mess accumulating, make sure that you keep on top of the regular cleaning of your kitchen.
- Cleaning up after every meal. Ensure that you don’t allow pots, pans, utensils and more to pile up in between meals.
- Leftovers can be kept in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer. Consider sterilising jars in the microwave before using them for storage.
- Always wash, dry and put away the dishes after use. This will ensure there is less clutter and you don’t allow leftover food to become a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Don’t forget to empty the dishwasher as soon as the cycle finishes.
- Sweep the floor every day to ensure you pick up any crumbs, dust and more.
- Wash the floor at least once a week
2. Don’t forget to clean your sink as well as the kitchen sides
Your sink sees all sorts from bits of food to dirty water. Make sure that you remember to clean the sink, faucet and put a cleaner down the drain. A great homemade option is the following:
- ½ cup baking soda and ¼ cup salt poured down the sink.
- Follow this with 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Leave for 15 minutes.
- Pour at least one litre of boiling water to flush it out.
3. Always clean up any spills as soon as they happen
This will prevent stains, mould, and other issues happening in the areas where the spillage occurred. This is not only important to prevent staining, but if the spillage occurs on the floor it is especially key to clean it up immediately to ensure you reduce the chance of it becoming a slipping hazard.
4. Always empty your bin
This is particularly key to hygiene in your kitchen, especially during the summer months. Not only will this stop your kitchen developing unpleasant odours but also prevent flies and other pests setting up home in your kitchen. It is also important to remember to clean your bin, in case of any accidental spillages or holes in the bin bags.
5. Keep on top of your fridge and freezer cleaning
- Cleaning up any accidental spills.
- Checking the dates on the food and use by the dates specified to prevent food waste.
- Wipe the surfaces of shelves, drawers, doors and more, regularly. The best time for this is before your weekly shop refills them!
- Want to prevent odours? Add an open bowl of baking soda or even coffee beans in the fridge.
6. Ensure that you always practice safe food handling from the time you bring your food home to the time you prepare your meals
- Keep meat, fish and dairy products in the fridge and use them by the date on the packaging.
- Always wash your hands before preparing food.
- Disinfect the sides where you prepare food after you have finished.
- If you want to keep leftovers, make sure you refrigerate them straight away to prevent bacteria growth.
- Make sure you reheat food properly (to at least 74 degrees Celsius) before eating them.
- Defrost food safely by leaving it in the fridge for around 24 hours or using the defrost setting of your microwave.
- Use different chopping boards and knives for the preparation of vegetables and meat.
