Kitchen Cleanliness Basics

It’s no surprise that germs thrive in kitchens. We kid you not: the kitchen is where germs have the easiest access to your bodies next to the bathroom. All it takes is for you to prepare a meal, open your mouth, and take a bite you may regret.

Hepatitis, Amoebiasis, Listeriosis, and Salmonella are just some of the few diseases you can catch from eating bacteria-ridden food. If left unchecked, some of these can be fatal.

Here are 5 kitchen hygiene tips you should practice every time you put on that apron.

#1 Make sure the cook is clean

Remove all your jewelry, wash your hands thoroughly with soap, and please wear a hairnet. It may not be the most flattering accessory, but the last thing you want in your food is a stray hair. A single strand can carry loads of bacteria.

#2 Paper towels are your best friend

Use paper towels to wipe up spills to protect food from bacteria-ridden surfaces. Hand towels may work just as well, but the problem is you can’t use them and chuck them after. Plus, because they’re made of cloth, they’re a breeding ground for bacteria. Think of it this way: what you save on not buying paper towels, you’ll be spending on water and detergent. Go for the recycled kind too. It’s a good way to keep both your kitchen and the environment clean.

#3 Constantly clean kitchen surfaces and utensils while cooking

It may sound O.C., but it’s actually a very sensible practice. Think of all the bacteria that reside in raw food (i.e. the fish or slab of raw meat you just bought from the market). Remember, food can cross-contaminate. If you’re going to be using the same utensils to handle other ingredients, make sure that you wash your hands and utensils in between each step of food preparation. While you’re at it, make sure your kitchen counters have been wiped down and disinfected.

#4 The enemy fears hot water

This is related to #3. Not only do you need to wash your utensils with soap and water, it is advised that the water you use is hot. Hot water kills bacteria, especially if someone in the household is down with the flu. The little details really count when it comes to keeping your entire house germ free.

#5 Throw out the trash

Don’t wait until your garbage can is full to the brim before throwing out the trash. We know it’s an unpleasant chore, but it has to be done. Being complacent here is tantamount to giving disease carrying rodents and insects the perfect home. We know it’s been several centuries since the bubonic plague, but let’s not forget leptospirosis is alive and well in this era, people!

We at The Maya Kitchen believe it is absolutely essential to practice a rigorous cleanliness routine every time you’re cooking in the kitchen. Don’t let germs to win the battle in our own homes and affect our loved ones.