6 Ways to Maintain Hygiene in the Kitchen

In every home, the kitchen is the powerhouse. All you eat and drink comes from this space, and it is only wise that your kitchen is kept as clean as possible. This article expatiates on the different ways and steps to keep your kitchen clean at all times.

1. A Minimal Kitchen Is Best

When your space is clustered, maintaining cleanliness becomes an uphill task. The same is true for the kitchen. A cluttered kitchen is a breeding ground for all sorts of insects and germs. It is therefore necessary that your kitchen contains only essential items. Declutter your kitchen, and get rid of items and utensils that are unnecessary. Ensure that there is enough space to move around the kitchen, such that insects have no hiding space. Also, make sure that all you need are within reach so that insects do not go breeding in highly stacked plates and cups.

2. Empty Your Trash... Regularly

This point cannot be overstressed. Storing food items and leftovers in your bin is a recipe for disaster. As often as you can, empty your bin, the least of all being on a daily basis. Do not let your bin pile up till the next day, especially when food items are in it. This will help guard against a breeding place for germs and insects. Besides, it will also keep the odor in the kitchen fresh and clean, devoid of stale and bad smells.

3. Clean as Often as Possible

For a space where your meals are kept as prepared, there is no such thing as cleaning too much. Clean your kitchen as much as you can, as often as possible. If possible, clean as you go. This way, you can avoid having a stack of used, dirty, plates, and of course, a dirty space. Have a broom, a mop, and a dirt packer in your kitchen. Sweep the floor every day, and after every cooking. You may not have to mop as often, but ensure you mop your kitchen floors at least twice every week. When mopping, make use of detergent and disinfectants. This will not only help ensure your kitchen is sparkling clean, but will also help fight against germs and diseases.

4. Wipe Your Counters

Your counters hold much more than just food items and cookware. If there’s any part of the kitchen where germs may settle as they please, it is your counter. This is because all your meal preparations begin and end on the counter. This is what I mean: when you bring food items in, you place them on the counter. You do all your meal preparations on the counter, before transferring them to the pots and cooker for cooking. When meals are done, you once again place them on the counter to serve. Your counter is a non-negotiable part of your kitchen, and it, therefore, becomes important that you pay special attention to the space where most of your meals pass through. Ensure you clean your counter as much as possible. Wipe it clean with water and a disinfectant to get rid of bacteria and other germs that may be lurking.

5. Have Napkins and Tissue Paper Handy

When cooking, your hands get busy— a lot. Have napkins handy to clean your hands after washing them. These are not the only things napkins are useful for. After doing the dishes, dry them before placing them on the rack. This will help prevent stagnant water from forming, and insects and bacteria breeding in that space. More importantly, your space will be kept clean, helping you guard against infections and diseases.

6. Wash Your Walls

You will be shocked to find out just how many germs those walls harbor. Remember, everything in your kitchen— good or bad, will filter into your meals, and ultimately, your body. Protect yourself and others by ensuring your kitchen is kept as clean as possible, and this includes washing your walls to get rid of anything that might be stuck on it. Like your mop and countertops, wash your walls with detergents and disinfectants as regularly as possible. If you’re unable to give your wall a thorough wash for whatever reason, put some warm water in a bowl along with some disinfectant. Afterward, put a napkin in and quickly run through the wall areas within reach. Do this as often as possible.