The new year is here, so it’s the perfect time to give your kitchen a cleansing makeover. Before creating your next culinary masterpiece, start by deep cleaning your kitchen — everything from the refrigerator to countertops to knives.
Stocking up
If you’re running low on your favorite cleaning and sanitizing products, it’s time to replenish them. And don’t forget to pick up a few rolls of paper towels. According to the Partnership for Food Safety Education, paper towels can be used instead of cloth dish towels to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs.
Scrub away
Start by using hot, soapy water to wash your countertops, cutting boards, cooking utensils, knives and anything else you use when preparing food. Cleaning helps remove food residue and impurities.
Sanitizing
After cleaning, sanitize the surfaces to reduce the presence of germs. Allow the sanitizer to remain on the surface and dry according to the label instructions.
What’s next?
When did you last check your refrigerator thermometer? What about the batteries in the one you use to check the temperature of the meat or veggies you just cooked? If you can’t remember, now’s the time to do it. Make it a habit, just like changing the batteries in your smoke detector every year.
Keep it going
Always have hand soap in the kitchen. And wash your hands often, especially when preparing food. Don’t forget to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
