10 Essential Kitchen Hygiene Tips for a Clean, Safe Kitchen

The kitchen is not just a cooking space. It is a happy place where families share meals and memories. These spaces are adored by kids who sneak into the room for cookies and treats and adults who need snacks to satisfy their hunger. It is a satisfying space for moms who whip up delicious dishes for their families and a comfort zone for dads who want to show off their culinary skills. Kitchens are the heart and soul of a house.

They must be cleaned effectively and should be germ and dirt-free. However, daily simmering, sautéing, boiling, frying, and grilling of food leads to a greasy build-up on the countertops, stovetops, range hood filters, ovens, cabinets, etc. Dirty dishes in the sink also add to the mess. Thus, kitchen cleaning becomes a hassle. So, here is a list of ten essential kitchen hygiene tips for a clean and safe kitchen. These must be followed for disease-free living.

1. Clean the Cooking Area Everyday

The cooking area includes the stovetop, range hood and backsplashes. All of them must be cleaned perfectly to ensure hygienic cooking. The stovetop usually has burnt carbon, splatters, oil spots and grime. It must be cleaned by removing the grates and burner caps for thorough cleaning.

The range hood filters must be soaked in hot water and dishwashing soap solution for 15-20 minutes and then scrubbed to remove the grunge. Mix white vinegar and water and spray the solution on the dirty backsplashes. Finally, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth for sparkling results.

2. Wash Your Hands Before Cooking

Hands should be washed adequately before touching food items and cooking them since germs can spread through touch easily. End of lease cleaning Adelaide companies recommend rubbing hands with soap for 20 seconds. It is vital to clean between the fingers, on the wrists, under the fingernails and over the knuckles for appropriate cleaning. Next, hands must be washed under running water and dried with a clean towel. Also, avoid touching your face or nose while cooking.

3. Wipe Surfaces After You Finish

One of the best ways to maintain kitchen hygiene is to clean as you go. It helps to maintain cleanliness. Make it a habit to wipe surfaces like the countertop, tables, appliances, and the fridge before switching the lights off. Do not forget to sanitise the doorknobs, faucets, and cabinet handles, which can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Keep everything organised and clutter-free to clean effectively and maintain a mess-free kitchen.

4. Dispose of Waste Correctly

Separate dry and wet waste and compost the organic waste to ensure sustainability. If something oily or wet needs to be disposed of, it must be poured into biodegradable plastic bags. The garbage container must be cleaned once a week to remove odours and stains. Put garbage in the kerbside bins and recycle as much as possible. Waste management reduces the risk of pests and roaches in the kitchen.

5. Prevent Cross Contamination

Cross-contamination is a significant cause of ailments. It results from the movement of microorganisms from raw food into cooked food. This is why end-of-lease cleaning Adelaide professionals suggest using different cutting boards for vegetables and meat to maintain food safety. These boards must be cleaned after every use with dish soap or baking soda or lemon. Also, raw and cooked foods should not be placed together in the fridge or utensils.

6. Clear Drains and Sink

The kitchen sink must bear the brunt of dirty and burnt dishes that pile up daily after cooking and meals. These dishes are layered with oily gravies and food particles that dirty the sink and drain. Thus, scrubbing the stainless steel sink every day with dish soap and scrubber is vital to remove all the grease and food debris. To clean the drain, pour a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar mixed in equal parts and let it dwell for an hour. It will eliminate the entire gunk.

7. Clean the Fridge Regularly

Fridges get dirty because they are constantly opened and closed with dirty hands. Finger marks, food spills, and stains can make them look shabby and affect the quality of your food. End of lease cleaning Adelaide experts suggest using vinegar to remove the marks from the surfaces and wiping the door gaskets and seals with warm soapy water. The condenser coils should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner every six months to improve efficiency and longevity of the appliance.

8. Degrease the Oven and BBQ

Baking soda is a potent tool for removing grease and baked-on carbon from ovens and BBQ. Sprinkle baking soda over the appliances and scrub the grills and interiors with a wet brush. The removable parts must be rinsed with dish soap and warm water to remove the grease. The exterior can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth and vinegar to prevent any streaks on the surfaces.

9. Sanitise the Cleaning Sponges

The cleaning sponges and cloths used for wiping different surfaces can spread a lot of germs if they are not cleaned properly. They must be soaked in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice for disinfection. The sponges can also be placed in the dishwasher for a drying cycle to kill all the microorganisms present on them. They can also be soaked in a solution of vinegar and water to remove all the impurities.

10. Clean the Floors and Tiles for Hygiene

After cleaning the entire kitchen, it is time to focus on the tiles and floors, which should be squeaky clean for hygienic and safe cooking. End of lease cleaning Adelaide service providers scrub the tiles with warm soapy water. They use a paste made of baking soda, white vinegar and water to clean the grout and remove mould and dirt. Finally, they vacuum and mop the floors to disinfect the entire area.

Kitchen Cleaning Hacks for Hygienic Living

Wrapping up

Kitchen cleaning should be a part of your daily rituals because it directly impacts your health and living conditions. Follow the tips mentioned above to keep your cooking space safe and clean at all times.