Why does the Kitchen Need to be Clean?
Have you ever helped your Mom or Dad cook a big dinner? The kitchen is where all the magic happens! But the kitchen is also where invisible “Germs” love to hide. Germs are tiny bugs that can make your tummy hurt if they get into your food.
“Hygienic” is just a long name for “Healthy and Clean.” Keeping your kitchen hygienic means you are protecting your family from getting sick. It’s like being a doctor for your own house!
In this guide, I will show you how to keep your kitchen clean and hygienic. We will use very simple steps that anyone can follow. Let’s make your kitchen sparkle!
1. Wash Your Hands First!
Before you even touch a spoon or a plate, you must wash your hands. Your hands have been touching doorknobs, pets, and your phone all day.
Use warm, soapy water
Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while you rub your hands together. Don’t forget between your fingers and under your nails! Washing your hands is the most important rule in the kitchen.
2. Wipe the Counters Every Time
Every time you finish making a sandwich or a bowl of cereal, wipe the counter. Even tiny drops of milk or juice can bring in Ants.
Use a “Clean” cloth
Don’t use a dirty sponge that has been sitting for a week! Use a fresh cloth with a little bit of kitchen soap.A clean counter is a happy place to cook!
3. Keep “Raw Meat” Away from Everything Else
Raw chicken and raw meat have special germs that can be very mean. You don’t want these germs to touch your bread or your lettuce!
Use separate “Cutting Boards”
Use a red board for meat and a green board for vegetables. If they touch, the germs can jump like tiny invisible frogs!Keeping things separate is a great kitchen habit.
4. Wash Your Dishes Right Away
If you leave dirty plates in the sink for two days, they will start to smell bad and the food will get stuck on them like glue.
Don’t let them sit
Try to wash your bowl as soon as you are finished eating. Or, put it straight into the dishwasher. A clean sink makes the whole kitchen look better!
5. Clean Your “Sponge” or Change it Often
Did you know that a dirty sponge can have more germs than a toilet seat? Gross!
The microwave trick
Ask a grown-up to put the wet sponge in the microwave for 1 minute. The heat will kill all the mean germs! Or, just buy a new sponge every 2 weeks. A fresh sponge makes cleaning much faster.
6. Take Out the Trash Daily
Old food in the trash can start to rot and smell like a swamp. This is also how Ants and Bugs find their way into your house.
Tie a tight knot
Take the trash out to the big bin outside every single night before you go to sleep. This keeps your kitchen smelling like fresh cookies instead of old trash! one of then best kitchen cleaning company in chicago.
7. Clean the Inside of Your “Fridge”
Once a month, look inside your refrigerator. Throw away any old milk or fuzzy-looking fruit that has been in the back for a long time.
Wipe the shelves
Take everything out and wipe the glass shelves with warm water. A clean fridge keeps your food cold and fresh!
8. Don’t Let Your Pet on the Counter
I know you love your cat or your dog, but their paws are very dirty! They walk on the floor and in the dirt outside.
Keep the paws on the floor
Tell your pets “No!” if they try to jump on the kitchen table. This keeps the cooking surface safe for your dinner plates.
9. Sweep the Floor Every Night
Crumbs on the floor are like a “Free Food” sign for bugs. A quick sweep takes only 2 minutes but makes a big difference.
Use a “Swiffer” or a Broom
Get under the table and near the trash can. A clean floor feels nice under your bare feet!
10. Wash Your “Hand Towels” Twice a Week
The towel you use to dry your hands can get wet and soggy. Germs love to grow in wet places!
Put them in the laundry
Throw your kitchen towels into the washing machine every few days. Using a fresh, dry towel is a great feeling!
Conclusion
Keeping your kitchen clean and hygienic is easy if you do a little bit every day. Wash your hands, wipe your counters, and take out the trash. If you follow these “Clean Chef” rules, your family will stay healthy and your kitchen will be a wonderful place to make yummy treats!
Happy cooking!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is “Bleach” safe for kitchen counters?
Only if you use a very tiny bit mixed with water! It’s better to use “Kitchen Safe” cleaner that doesn’t smell too strong.
2. How long can I keep “Leftovers” in the fridge?
Usually, 3 or 4 days is the rule. If it looks or smells “weird,” throw it away!
3. Does hot water kill more germs?
Yes! Hot, soapy water is much better at cleaning grease and germs than cold water.
4. Why is my sink drain smelly?
Sometimes food gets stuck in the pipe. Ask a grown-up to pour some Baking Soda and Vinegar down the drain!
5. How often should I clean the oven?
Once every 3 months is usually enough unless you spill something big inside.
