Germs in the kitchen are a total no-no, but how do you keep your family healthy from nasty bacteria and microbes that are lurking everywhere? There are 5 key areas in the kitchen that are at risk of contamination. Buy being vigilant and meticulous with your hygiene routine, germs won’t get a chance to harm you or your family.
1 – Wash your hands
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after every visit to the loo, after touching pets, handling foodstuff or any surfaces that may be contaminated. Dry your hands on a towel that’s washed daily, or ideally use disposable paper towels. For extra protection after handwashing, you can also use an alcohol based hand sanitiser.
2 -Disinfect food contact points
Everything that comes into contact with food – both raw foods and ready-to-eat foods – should be disinfected. This includes your kitchen worktop and all food contact surfaces, as well as your kitchen utensils and cloths. Choose a commercial disinfectant spray and use it to protect you and your loved ones from harmful germs.
3 – Raw and cooked foods
Particularly in a kitchen environment, it is essential that you keep raw and cooked foods separate from each other. Did you know that food poisoning organisms can easily be transferred by direct contact from one to the other? Have separate, dedicated shelves in your fridge to keep everything organised and hygienic.
4 – Keep dishcloths clean
Dishcloths and washing up sponges are among the worst offenders for spreading germs in your kitchen. Change them often and throw out any that look less than appealing. Kitchen cloths should be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Soak in detergent and water, then rinse and immerse in disinfectant or boiling water for 20 minutes, or simply machine wash at a minimum of 60C.
5 – Be careful with chopping boards
Make sure you have separate chopping boards for cutting meat and fruit/vegetables. Did you know that bacteria can survive on a surface for hours? After every use, scrub your chopping board with hot soapy water, then rinse under very hot water and dry with a paper towel. Plastic or glass are much easier to keep hygienically clean than wood.
