Every season has its pros and cons, and monsoon is no exception. While rains, chilly weather, and lush greenery bring respite from months of summer, this season also comes with its share of health issues. That's right; humidity in the air rises during this time, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to multiply rapidly. Unfortunately, one of the most affected areas in the home is the kitchen. Continuous cooking, heat and moisture in the air increase the risk of health issues like food contamination and food poisoning. Hence, we all need to take special care to keep our kitchen area as clean, fresh and germ-free as possible.
In this article, we have listed out some important kitchen habits that you must follow during the monsoon season.
Read also: Kitchen Tips: How to properly clean your knives – Steps, tips and tricks
Here are 9 essential tips to follow in your monsoon kitchen.
1. Practice basic hygiene:
When entering the kitchen, it is important to maintain basic hygiene habits. From washing your hands properly before starting to work to not entering the kitchen in dirty clothes, making some basic changes to your daily habits can go a long way in keeping you safe.
2. Clean your cookware regularly:
Do not leave used dishes and pans lying around. Food left on cookware will absorb moisture from the air and become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. We recommend washing cookware immediately after you finish cooking and eating.
3. Always use dry spoons and spatulas when preparing food.
During this time of year, there is an increased risk of food spoiling due to excess moisture in the air. Proper storage of cooked and uncooked foods is important, but special care should also be taken with spoons and ladles that come into contact with food. Use clean, dry spatulas to avoid excess moisture.
4. Use an airtight container:
This is perhaps the easiest way to store food and keep it safe during the monsoon season. Replace your regular containers with airtight glass boxes that instantly lock in the moisture. This not only keeps your food fresh for longer but also prevents the risk of bacterial attack.
5. Clean your sink regularly:
Did you know that the most contaminated place in the kitchen is the sink? The hidden corners of the pipes become an ideal place for bacteria to grow and spread, further spreading the infection throughout the kitchen. Therefore, to maintain basic hygiene, we recommend that you regularly clean your kitchen sink and pipes.
6. Dispose of trash regularly:
Another place where bacteria can grow easily is in garbage bags, so make sure you empty them regularly to prevent the spread of any infections in your kitchen area.
7. Don’t store water
Many people tend to store water for later use. We understand that this is a preferred way to combat water scarcity. However, following this habit can have the exact opposite effect on your health. Stored water can breed mosquitoes and flies, further increasing the risk of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, food poisoning, etc.
8. Provide adequate ventilation:
Regular cooking will inevitably make the air in your kitchen humid, so for proper ventilation, it is advisable to allow air and sunlight to pass through your kitchen, and also use your extractor fan and chimney every time you cook.
Read also: Kitchen Tips: 4 Easy Tips to Clean a Greasy Exhaust Fan
9. Deep clean every week:
Even if you think you keep your kitchen clean, there are always hidden corners where food scraps, dirt, and grime can be found. Bacteria and viruses can thrive in such places and spread throughout your kitchen. Hence, to stay safe and hygienic, make sure you give your kitchen a thorough clean at least once a week.
Follow these simple steps to make your kitchen germ-free this season: Enjoy the monsoon everyone!
