How Safe is the Kitchen in Your Apartment? Part Two

In part one we learned four important kitchen safety tips. Now let us continue on with other things you can do to keep a safe kitchen in your home.

1. Canned food sits in warehouses for months at a time and you never know what it might have come in contact with. To be as safe as possible, always wash the lids of canned foods before you open them (this includes the canned foods you give your cats and dogs as well). This helps prevent any type of dirt or bacteria from getting into the food unknowingly. Always clean the blade of your electric or manual can opener after you have finished using it.
   
   
2. Small appliances such as blenders, mixers, food processors and meat grinders can trap food particles that can lead to health problems down the line. To prevent this from happening, always take apart all of your small appliances after you have used them and make sure to clean and sanitize them properly.
   
   
3. Whenever possible air-dry your dishes, utensils and pots and pans. When you cannot do this then make sure you use clean kitchen towels to dry them thoroughly. Make it a habit of yours to wash and sanitize dishcloths, towels and sponges on a regular basis to discourage the growth of bacteria.
   
   
4. Do not store food on your kitchen floor if you can help it. Clean out your kitchen cupboards and/or your pantry where you store your canned and boxed foods on a consistent basis. Always store food in sealed containers.
   
   
5. Any containers or utensils that come into contact with raw food should be thoroughly washed and sanitized before they are used for food again.
   
   
6. Get into a habit of using a thermometer especially designed for food to test the internal temperature of it.
   
   
7. Any time you have a cut, sore or infection of any kind on your hand or one of your fingers always cover it with a bandage and then wear disposable gloves when you are preparing a meal or working with food in any capacity. Keep in mind however that bacteria can stay on gloves. Always wear a new pair of gloves as often as possible and make sure that your gloved hands are washed as thoroughly before and after food preparation as you would your bare hands.
   

~Anika Logan

Anika Logan has lived in her share of apartments over the years and has plenty of decorating ideas, not to mention pearls of wisdom to pass on to you. If you have an apartment question/dilemma, look no further-Anika will provide the answers!