I am the world’s biggest klutz in the kitchen. If I am lucky, the worst thing that happens to me is something soaks my clothes, but I usually end up with a little knife cut here or a small burn there. Here is a list of safety tips that should help us all in the kitchen:
1. Wash your sponges and dishtowels in hot water to remove bacteria. The moisture makes these great breeding grounds for germs. Remember if you use a sponge or a sponge tipped dish wand to wash dishes, replace it often (as frequently as ever week if possible).
2. Keep children and pets away from the kitchen when cooking, if possible. I have an 18 month old and four cats, so I know this tip is almost impossible. My baby wants to help and every time I enter the kitchen, the cats want a treat. So if you have a kitchen full, see some of the other tips to help keep them – and you – protected.
3. Turn the handles of your pots and pans inward, so they are not sticking out. Little hands like to grab handles, so keep them away from the edge of the stove to prevent burns. You can also buy plastic stovetop protectors to keep babies from touching the stovetop.
4. To prevent burns for you, avoid reaching over the stovetop. Watch your sleeves – especially if you have a gas stove with open flames.
5. Keeping along those lines, keep other things, such as towels, potholders, and curtains, away from the stovetop as well. Cooking is hard enough sometimes – you do not want to have to worry about a fire on top of it!
6. Carefully put away dirty knives. Do not leave them on the counter top where small hands can get to them or where you can accidentally knock it off and stab yourself in the foot. Place them in the sink or dishwasher after use.
7. We are all busy, but avoid leaving food that is cooking unattended for too long. Food can burn or boil over, causing a mess and ruining your dinner. If you have to go do something, ask someone else to watch the food or set your timer for a few minutes after checking to make sure the burners are not too high.
8. When processing food items in a blender or food processor, make sure the lid is good and secure. You do not want to have to repaint your kitchen because you forgot to check the lid of the blender.
I hope that these tips will help you in the kitchen. Now go forth and cook!