The kitchen is the heart of a home. It is where families congregate to begin their day and where they share conversation over a meal. Since the kitchen is a highly trafficked part of the home, it is important to keep it clean and healthy. LifeStyle Homes is dedicated to this mission.
With a little organization and know-how, you can make keeping your kitchen safe and healthy a regular part of your daily routine.
Counters and Surfaces
Always practice due diligence with countertops and cutting boards. They are the prime culprits for cross-contamination, especially if you’re cutting any type of raw meat.
Make sure you know how to properly clean your countertops. Countertop surfaces come in a multitude of materials, and some of them have specific needs when it comes to cleaning. For instance, wood countertops have a different cleaning process than marble or granite countertops.
Another common area to find bacteria is the refrigerator. The refrigerator is often overlooked as a source of contamination. One way to avoid bacteria from flourishing in the fridge is to remember to wipe down the inside at least once per month. Also, it is important to empty your fridge of old food every so often, so you can cut down on mold growth.
Food Storage and Preparation
Regarding food storage, there are some key rules to help your fridge and your food stay healthy. According to the FDA, your refrigerator should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Make sure to keep meats in the coolest area of the fridge and store your produce in drawers.
Also, be sure to avoid overcrowding your fridge. Packing it can interfere with the air circulation inside the refrigerator. This may cause the appliance to not operate at its optimum efficiency.
Kitchen Must Haves
To help create a well-fortified, healthy and safe kitchen, make a note of these essential tools:
- Fire extinguisher
- Slip resistant kitchen rug
- Splatter guards
- Food thermometer
- Appliance locks
- Knife sheaths
These are just a few of the practices you can implement in your home to make sure you have a healthy kitchen for the whole family.
For more information on healthy and sustainable homes contact us at LifeStyle Homes. Creating a healthy and beautiful home is easily attainable, and we are here to help.