In fact, we spend most of our time in the kitchen when we're at home. Then, in December, with the Christmas and New Year holidays, all we need is a bed to rest for a few hours between preparing one dish and the next. In these times, we might forget to take some key precautions for successful lunches and dinners: too many people, and too many they neglect safety in this very important place. Nothing should be left to chance when handling food and sharp objects, but There are many more rules that should be followed than one might think . In this article we have collected at least Ten tips to keep in mind and put into practice to work safely in the kitchen .
Don't underestimate the risks in the kitchen
First of all, Keep every corner of the kitchen well lit. You can use LED lights or even portable lamps to illuminate the darkest corners: in the kitchen, details make a difference, and not just in terms of ingredients. Dim lighting while you're slicing carrots, for example, could lead to cuts and bleeding. Don't underestimate this aspect.
If you are not working alone, please notify others by voice. This rule is mostly used in restaurant kitchens, but it's also very useful to apply at home when you're cooking with family or friends. Whenever you're behind someone and carrying heavy, hot objects (like pots (by the way, wear gloves when doing this) or sharp knives, it's a good idea to give a vocal warning of your passage. This way, you'll avoid disasters waiting in the wings.
Do not keep dishcloths near heat sources. It's convenient to let them dry while you use them, but you can never give enough attention to objects like these. Along with paper towels, ribbons, and even the sleeves of your clothes, they should be kept away from sources of ignition that can cause blazes and other fires. The same goes for loose electrical wires, those coming from above, from the kitchen, or from electric shoes: they can easily catch fire.
Kitchen safety tips: are you paying enough attention?
- Keep every corner lit and vocally warn others of your passage
- Avoid keeping dishcloths and paper towels near heat sources.
- Keep your utensils, stovetop, and refrigerator clean.
Find out all the other tips by reading the full article
Our tips for safe cooking
Dry any water that has fallen on the floor immediately. With water on the floor, you could slip and hit furniture or drop whatever you're carrying. But have you ever considered the risk of electrocution? That's why you should never have bare feet or wet feet before accessing appliances, including small kitchen appliances.
Pots should not be filled more than two-thirds of their capacity. Keep in mind that all it takes is a distraction—like leaving the stove unattended for five minutes—and all the water can spill out and extinguish the flame, leaving the gas free to circulate throughout your kitchen (and into your lungs).
Get to know your refrigerator better. Most people use their refrigerator a bit haphazardly: there are some rules to follow to optimize its operation. For example, keep cooked and raw foods separate, and use closed containers to preserve certain types of food. When you need to refill it after a large shopping trip, remember to remove all unnecessary packaging that could harbor dust and bacteria. By the way, you have two hours from the moment you leave the supermarket to put your new purchases in the refrigerator. If you want to clean it, you can do so with a sponge soaked in vinegar or hot water and baking soda.
Small essential precautions
Buy cut-resistant gloves if you have to slice vegetables or cured meats. Remember to let the oil cool in appropriate containers before disposing of it and make sure that the gas valves are turned off once you have finished processing. Last but not least , a rule that may seem trivial but which should instead be a natural behavior: Work in a clean and sanitized environment . Wash your hands frequently, alternately use clean dish towels (wash at 60°C), and frequently wash less frequently used utensils (potato peelers, scissors, corkscrews). Always wash fruits and vegetables, even when peeling them. Following these steps is essential to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria in the kitchen, which, in the most serious situations, can lead to food poisoning.
Remember to keep your work surface clean too: use hot water and detergent or white vinegar.
All these tips are very useful Always and on every occasion , especially if there are children around the kitchen who are unaware of the dangers around them. In this particular case, we've prepared a specific article just for you: you can read it in our blog section.
