Every season brings with it a variety of pros and cons and monsoon is no different. Rain, cool weather and lush green nature offer respite from the months-long heat, but the season also brings health issues. You read that right. The humidity level in the air increases during this time, making it an ideal condition for germs to grow rapidly. Sadly, one of the most affected areas in your home is the kitchen. Constant cooking, heat and humidity in the air increase the risk of health issues including food contamination and food poisoning. Hence, each one of us must take utmost care of our kitchen area to keep it as clean, fresh and germ-free as possible.
In this article, we have listed some essential kitchen practices that must be followed during the monsoon season. Let us tell you.
Also read: Kitchen Tips: How to Clean Kitchen Knives Properly – Procedure, Tips and Tricks
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Here are 9 essential monsoon kitchen tips that you must follow:
1. Maintain basic hygiene:
It is important to maintain basic hygiene practices when entering the kitchen. From cleaning your hands thoroughly before starting work to avoiding entering the kitchen in dirty clothes – some basic changes in your everyday habits can help you maintain protection in the long run.
2. Clean utensils regularly:
Never keep used plates and pans unattended. Food left on utensils attracts moisture from the air and becomes a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. We recommend cleaning utensils immediately after cooking and eating.
3. Always use a dry spoon/spatula while eating:
The risk of food spoilage increases during this season due to the high humidity in the air. While it is important to store both cooked and uncooked food items properly, you should also take special care of the spoons and ladles that come in contact with the food. Make sure you use clean and dry spatulas to avoid excess moisture.
4. Use airtight containers:
This is possibly the easiest way to store and preserve food during monsoons. Replace your regular containers with air-tight glass boxes and lock in the moisture instantly. This will not only keep the food fresh for a longer period but also prevent the risk of bacterial attack.
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5. Clean the sink regularly:
Did you know that the sink is the most affected area in your kitchen? The hidden corners of the pipes become the ideal place for germs to grow and spread, infecting the entire kitchen. Hence, we suggest cleaning the kitchen sink and pipes regularly to maintain basic hygiene.
6. Dispose of waste regularly:
Another place for bacteria to breed is your garbage bags. Throw them away regularly to avoid the spread of any kind of infection in your kitchen area.
7. Avoid storing water:
Many people have a habit of storing water for later use. We understand that this is a friendly way to deal with water scarcity. But following this practice can have the exact opposite effect on your health. Mosquitoes and flies breed in these stored water, leading to malaria, dengue, food poisoning and other risks.
8. Allow proper ventilation:
Regular cooking inevitably makes the air in the kitchen humid. So we recommend allowing air and sunlight to pass through the kitchen for proper ventilation. Also, use an exhaust fan and chimney whenever you cook.
Also read: Kitchen Tips: Follow these 4 easy tips to clean your sticky exhaust fan
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9. Do a deep cleaning every week:
You may think you are keeping the kitchen clean, but there are always some hidden corners where you will find leftover food, dirt, and grime. Germs and viruses thrive in such areas, which further infect the entire kitchen. So, clean your kitchen thoroughly at least once a week to maintain safety and hygiene.
Follow these simple steps and make your kitchen germ-free this season. Happy monsoon everyone!
