In Canada, workplaces under federal jurisdiction with 20 or more employees must create workplace health and safety committees.
Even if you’re a home-based business owner, it doesn’t mean you’re exempt from needing to clean your kitchen. To keep yourself and your employees safe, you’ll want to avoid certain cleaning mistakes at all costs.
How do you do that? By learning about cleaning in the kitchen and the cleaning mistakes you must avoid.
When it comes to kitchen cleaning, there are certain mistakes that you don’t want to make. That’s why we put together this complete guide on the ways you can avoid making harmful cleaning mistakes and the mistakes you should stay away from.
Read on and keep reading to learn about the seven kitchen cleaning mistakes that can lead to disaster.
1. Neglecting Regular Appliance Maintenance
Not cleaning and maintaining appliances regularly can lead to serious issues over time. For example, clogged lint filters can cause dryers to break down or even start a fire.
Cleaning off stove tops and ovens can also help reduce bacteria and improve the air quality in the kitchen. Failing to empty refrigerators of old food could result in an unpleasant smell and may even promote the growth of bacteria.
One of the kitchen cleaning tips to reduce these risks is to review and follow the instructions on the appliance label as the manufacturer recommended. Schedule regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen appliances. The extra effort can help minimize the risk of damage or personal injury from dirt, dust, and bacteria buildup.
2. Improper Cutting Board Care
Cutting boards are exposed to bacteria from raw meat, vegetables, fruits, and other foods. To clean and disinfect a cutting board, use a warm, soapy solution with antibacterial ingredients, then rinse with warm water. Not sanitizing the board can lead to cross-contamination and illness.
Additionally, failing to clean and dry the board can lead to rot and warping. Without proper cleaning, a cutting board may also take on a nasty odor that can transfer to food items.
As an extra precaution, it’s recommended to sanitize cutting boards regularly with a solution such as white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Replacing the board is also important, as repeated use can lead to cuts and a decrease in the board’s efficacy.
3. Ignoring Grease Buildup
Grease buildup traps bacteria and dirt, creating a filthy mess that can be a breeding ground for mold and other bacteria. Over time, this can loosen and wear away important fixtures. It can cause structural damage to appliances, especially when combined with steam and excessive heat.
Additionally, cooking surfaces can become sticky and difficult to clean. This puts family members and eaters at risk of potential food-borne illnesses.
Scrubbing and degreasing kitchen surfaces with a powerful cleaner can mitigate the issues of grease buildup. It’s important to use the right type of product to ensure safety and cleanliness.
4. Neglecting Refrigerator Maintenance
Food not stored at the correct temperatures can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. This can result in food-borne illnesses that can make you and your family very sick.
It is important to check the seals and clean the coils regularly, as well as the temperature settings. These simple steps will help ensure your refrigerator works at peak performance to keep your food safe and your energy costs low.
5. Misusing Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are powerful and can cause serious harm to both humans and the environment if not used correctly. For example, chlorine bleach should not be mixed with other cleaning products.
Doing so can create hazardous gases and fumes that can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs. It can also cause skin irritation and even burns.
Additionally, product labels recommend wearing protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, and masks to avoid harm to the users. Therefore, it’s important to read the label before using any product in the kitchen to avoid any dangerous results.
6. Poorly Maintained Sink and Drain
Poorly maintained drains or sinks can lead to kitchen cleaning mistakes. If the sink or drain is not cleaned regularly, grease and food particles can build up, creating an unpleasant smell and a messy kitchen.
Dirty drains can also lead to pests like cockroaches and flies and bacteria breeding in the area, which can be a health hazard. Furthermore, poorly-maintained sinks or drains can lead to water damage, such as mold or rot.
To maintain a clean and healthy kitchen, it is important to keep sinks and drains regularly cleaned and maintained. Scrape off greasy residue after every use, and use a suitable cleaner like Goodbye Drain Flies to remove kitchen pests and bacteria. Deep cleaning and sanitizing every few months is also recommended.
7. Inadequate Ventilation
Poor ventilation can lead to higher moisture levels, which can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria in the kitchen. Also, it can lead buildup of fumes and odors.
In this situation, pollutants become trapped in the air, leading to poor air quality and health risks. This can hurt kitchen cleanliness and hygiene, as well as the safety of those consuming food prepared in the space.
To avoid this mistake, owners should regularly check their ventilation system and ensure proper flow of air. This includes kitchen windows, venting ducts, fans, and other systems. Regular air exchange will reduce humidity levels which can result in preventing mold and bacteria from surviving.
Additionally, monthly filter changes can help keep the ventilation system working efficiently to provide adequate air exchange. Ensuring proper ventilation is a must for a clean and safe kitchen.
Ensure Proper Kitchen Cleaning for a Better Living
In conclusion, kitchen cleaning is not only about aesthetics but also about ensuring the health and safety of your household. By avoiding these seven critical kitchen cleaning mistakes, you can prevent disasters.
Prioritize cleanliness and safety in your kitchen by monitoring kitchen habits regularly. Start today and keep disaster from befalling your kitchen.
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