When it comes to health and safety, you are already aware of the importance of cleanliness. Failing to wipe down surfaces, take out the trash, and keep things neat and tidy can become a potential health hazard, not just because of the bacteria and pathogens but also because the mess attracts pests such as rodents, insects, and even larger animals. The area that, without a doubt, requires some of the most assiduous cleaning in your entire home is the kitchen. Since meals and dining typically occur here, spills and stains are much more common, but leaving them in that state also has the potential to harm your health and the well-being of your family.
All your kitchen tools and utensils need to be cleaned regularly so that cooking and baking with them are also safe. On top of that, they also need to be replaced when they no longer look good. Plastic warps with repeated use, wooden utensils can end up harbouring bacteria, and when blades become dull, they can also become dangerous to use. If you’re planning a deep clean of your kitchen, here are a few areas you must ensure you scrub thoroughly.
The cabinets
Your kitchen cabinets are one of the most important parts of your kitchen, the area that provides you with practical storage, but which also serves as an aesthetic centrepiece for the entire look of the room. When you have visitors, the cabinets are probably the first thing they’ll notice when it comes to your kitchen design, and when you start decorating, you’ll most likely start with the units and then build the rest of the ensemble around them. You can find a wide range of designs at Kitchen Warehouse Ltd, allowing you to select the perfect pieces for your preferences. The cabinets are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the test of time, but only if you’re willing to provide them with the proper maintenance.
Start by emptying the contents of your units, including the shelf liners. All the dust and debris can be easily vacuumed, but if you want to be extra thorough or have to remove peskier dirt, you should wipe down the interiors with a damp cloth dipped in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap or vinegar. Rinse with a different damp cloth and dry thoroughly. If the exteriors are grimy, you can simply spray the same solution on, let it sit for a minute or so, and then wipe away the residue with a microfiber cloth. For areas that require extra attention, grab a toothbrush, as it allows for a more thorough and detailed approach.
Plastic utensils and cutting boards
Plastic is known as a major threat to the environment due to its incredibly long lifespan, with many items often exceeding the lives of the humans using them. After disposal, these items degrade into microplastics, tiny materials that are dangerous for human health and environmental well-being. Plastic cutting boards are common in kitchens, but they can become quite dirty due to the knife marks left on them. These areas are quite challenging to clean and need a lot of scrubbing to be truly clean. Repeated use chips away at the material anyway, leading to more microplastics finding their way into your food.
If the cutting board you use is very stained or scarred, it is better to replace it. The same applies to all the plastic tools you use in the kitchen. Check them regularly for signs of warping, discoloration, or other issues, and get replacements if you notice any.
Kitchen sponges
Some people wrongfully believe that since kitchen sponges are used for washing, there’s no need for any extra cleaning when it comes to them. In fact, since they’re pretty much always damp and come in contact with food residue, they are actually a breeding ground for bacteria. Replacing your kitchen sponge every one to two weeks (or sooner if it starts to smell, is visibly soiled, or begins to disintegrate) is essential, but how do you clean them in the meantime? A popular method is to put the damp sponge in the microwave for about a minute to kill the bacteria. However, be careful as the sponge will most likely be very hot afterwards.
Soaking in white vinegar, a bleach solution, boiling water, or placing the sponge on the top rack of the dishwasher (choose a normal cycle with a hot drying option) are some of the other options, but remember that if a sponge looks beyond saving, it is time for it to be replaced.
Read Also: Kitchen Hacks for Fast Cooking: Mastering the Art of Quick & Easy Meals
Wooden spoons
Wooden spoons and kitchen utensils provide an endless number of benefits. They don’t scratch cookware, are resistant to heat, perfectly safe to utilise with all types of foods, including acidic ones, don’t melt, and don’t leach microplastics into your food. They also have a lot more aesthetic appeal since they bring a natural, rustic charm to any kitchen. With proper care, these utensils can last for a very long time. All you need to do is keep them as dry as possible and use beeswax or mineral oil regularly to prevent splintering or cracking. Harsh detergents should be avoided at all costs, and they should never be placed in the dishwasher either.
On top of that, wooden spoons and cutting boards are also the more sustainable choice since they are biodegradable. If you notice them starting to look worn or they have an unpleasant smell, it is time to get new ones. Ideally, you should replace all wooden utensils at least once a year and always after intensive use.
Non-stick pans
The coating on non-stick pans is what makes them ideal for low-fat cooking, but it is also one of the main culprits of forever chemicals finding their way into the human body. Over time, scratching and regular wear-and-tear decrease the effectiveness of these pots and pans, and the materials end up in your food. Flaking and sticking are the clearest signs that you need to get new ones. Even if you don’t notice anything like that, you should still replace your pans after three to five years.
Keeping things clean around the kitchen can be a struggle, but the truth is that following the basic rules can help quite a lot. Wash your hands before and after cooking, store raw foods separately from cooked ones, pay attention to the shelf life of all food products, and don’t interrupt the cold chain of frozen ingredients. Add regular cleaning (including the areas you might not consider a priority, such as the kitchen sponge), and you’ve already made your kitchen a lot safer.
