Kitchen Germ: 5 Tips for a Bacteria-Free Kitchen
By TOI Desk Report March 3, 2024 Update on : March 3, 2024
When there is contamination in food, it can lead to various internal and digestive problems. How to keep the kitchen free of germs?
During COVID times, many became extra cautious about washing vegetables. Although the anxiety about COVID has reduced, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen remains crucial. Even if COVID decreases, there should be no compromise in keeping the kitchen clean, as food contamination can still pose various health issues.
How to keep the kitchen germ-free?
To maintain a germ-free kitchen, follow these 5 practical tips:
- Regular Cleaning
There is no alternative to regular cleaning to keep the kitchen tidy. Take a small bowl, soak a cloth in soapy water, and wipe the surfaces like slabs and gas. In modern modular kitchens, there are various racks and drawers; clean them regularly too. Grease tends to accumulate on the walls, so regular cleaning is essential.
- Toilet Cleaning Area
Even if the toilet is washed, it’s good to wash it again before use. Neglecting the cleanliness of the basin or sink is not good. It’s advisable to be cautious in this regard. For steel basins, you can pre-soak them in warm water. When cleaning wooden utensils, you can use baking soda, salt, and lemon. After washing, do not put the basin back without drying it thoroughly.
- Non-stick Cookware
Many now use non-stick cookware for daily cooking. However, these pans often have a coating of a substance called Teflon. If this coating comes off, it can lead to food contamination. So, be cautious when cleaning such cookware to avoid any scratches.
- Vegetable Cutting
Using a knife or chopping board to cut vegetables or meat can introduce germs. So, keeping them germ-free is crucial. Even when cutting fish or meat, there might be disease-causing bacteria on the board. Therefore, it’s good to clean cutting boards thoroughly after use.
- Electronic Appliance Cleaning
In modern kitchens, electronic appliances like microwaves, blenders, and mixers are essential. However, cleaning them regularly is also vital. Some people use kerosene to clean appliances like mixers, but for electrical appliances, it’s better to seek professional advice for proper cleaning.