A clean work centre is important to ensure safe food preparation and storage. Cleaning a kitchen ensures reduced incidences of food-borne illnesses and food spoilage, and less waste. Moreover, you will have more room to work with ,and easily access what you are looking for.
Harmful micro-organisms , particularly bacteria can be found on surfaces, cooking appliances and counter tops. Therefore thorough cleaning followed by sanitization is critical.
When cleaning, use paper towels or dishcloths. Discard paper towels after use and wash dishcloths after cleaning. Do not use abrasives when cleaning, but instead opt for mild detergents. Prevent chemical contamination by putting away the cleaning detergents away for foods.
To maintain a clean kitchen , you should ensure the following;
- Constantly, clean surfaces with spilled foods or juices, as they may attract flies or ants. If you spill food, it is best to clean instantly to avoid causing a mess , or attracting insects.
- Always ensure that work surfaces remain clean. Once you’re done using a particular surface clean it immediately to ensure tidiness.
- Ensure the work centre is well-lit to maintain good organization and cleanliness. Good lighting allows you to ensure that you notice any dirt on work surfaces or clothing items i.e. curtains.
- Dispose off kitchen waste in a water-tight dust bin that is preferably on a raised surface. Frequently empty the dustbin to avoid spillage or odours.
- Disinfect towels with hot soapy water, rinse them well and allow them to dry.
- Wipe the outside of the refrigerator regularly to remove dust. Also clean its interior to remove any spills.
- After cooking each meal , clean your cooker efficiently with warm soapy water. Preferably clean the cooker when it is still warm to easily remove stains.
- Curtains and table cloths should also be cleaned regularly. Aim to clean table cloths after use, with hot soapy water after allowing them to soak for about 15-20 minutes. The curtains can be washed at least weekly or twice a month.
- Regularly wipe the kitchen cabinets outside and inside. Remove all items and clean shelves with a clean cloth.
- Scrub walls and floors with detergents and water to remove dirt and spills.
- Clean dishes once you’re done eating .Use warm soapy water to clean utensils. Avoid piling utensils in the sink to prevent attracting insects such as cockroaches and odours when left for long i.e. some days.
- You should also ensure that you frequently wash your dish rack to prevent water from collecting or dust build-up. Wash the dish rack with warm soapy water, rinse well and allow to dry before putting utensils on it.
- Clean the sink with warm soapy water and scrub well around its corners. Pour hot water to remove fats that may have collected in the sink hole. When washing utensils, use a sink sieve to prevent food materials from accumulating in the sink hole.
When you clean your kitchen regularly it becomes easier to undertake the various tasks i.e. food preparation. You are able to prepare safe food and maintain cleanliness and proper organization.