Why Kitchen Hygiene Matters for Your Family<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe kitchen can be a great place for bacteria. If you don\u2019t clean your kitchen properly for a few days then bacteria will happily move in. \u201cMany tummy problems, diarrhoea and food poisoning\u201d<\/strong> can be caused by food being stored and handled incorrectly. This may happen here at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChildren, elderly members of the family, pregnant women and those with a low immune system will feel this more. It can also be worse during summer\/monsoon as the bacteria will grow quicker in warm and humid weather. However, there is no need to purchase expensive products. Just a few routines done regularly will help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7 Common Kitchen Hygiene Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lifegracious.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/arranged-kitchen-appliances-1024x576.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Using one chopping board for everything<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nRaw chicken, fish and eggs can carry bacteria. If you then chop your salad on that same board, the germs move across with no trouble at all. The easy fix is to keep two boards, one for raw food and one for the rest. If you only own one, wash it and the knife well with hot water and dish soap before cutting anything that won\u2019t be cooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Keeping a damp dishcloth or sponge for weeks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nHave a look at the cloth beside your sink. It wipes the platform, then a plate, then your hands. Then it stays wet all night. That cloth is very likely the dirtiest thing in your kitchen. Keep one for hands and one for surfaces, wash both daily, and dry them in the sun when you can. A sponge that has started to smell is done. Just replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Washing hands too quickly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t just hold your hands under the tap for 2 seconds. Lather with soap and clean for around 20 seconds. This should be done before cooking, after handling raw meat, after using the washroom and after touching anything that has been in the bin or using your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Forgetting the small, hidden spots<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe wipe the counter and feel good about it. Meanwhile the tap, the fridge handle, the gas knob and the light switch get touched a hundred times a day and wiped almost never. Two minutes with a soapy cloth before bed takes care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Storing food the wrong way<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDal and rice sitting out all afternoon is a very familiar sight. In summer, it\u2019s also a risk. Try to put cooked food in the fridge within two hours. Keep raw meat in a closed box on the bottom shelf, so nothing drips onto other food. And go easy on packing the fridge. Cold air has to move around, or things don\u2019t stay cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Not washing fruits and vegetables properly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nCucumbers, oranges, anything you peel, still has dirt on the outside, and your knife carries it into the part you eat. Rinse everything under running water. Firm vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take a proper scrub with a clean brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Ignoring the sink and the dustbin<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nScraps collect in the sink and the bin. A day or two later, flies and cockroaches show up. Empty the bin every day, keep a lid on it, and wash the sink with soap and hot water after your last meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A realistic example.<\/strong> Say someone cuts raw chicken and then chops coriander on the same board, with a wet cloth lying nearby. The chicken gets cooked well, so everyone feels safe. A day later, the child has a stomach upset. Chances are it was the raw coriander or salad, not the chicken. A second board and a fresh cloth would have stopped it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Clean Kitchen Appliances the Right Way<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThey get as oily, splattered and wet as everything else. The best way to easily clean your kitchen appliances is to stick to an irregular cleaning schedule. The information below is general guidance, make sure you refer to your appliance manual for specific instructions for your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children, elderly members of the family, pregnant women and those with a low immune system will feel this more. It can also be worse during summer\/monsoon as the bacteria will grow quicker in warm and humid weather. However, there is no need to purchase expensive products. Just a few routines done regularly will help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7 Common Kitchen Hygiene Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Using one chopping board for everything<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nRaw chicken, fish and eggs can carry bacteria. If you then chop your salad on that same board, the germs move across with no trouble at all. The easy fix is to keep two boards, one for raw food and one for the rest. If you only own one, wash it and the knife well with hot water and dish soap before cutting anything that won\u2019t be cooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Keeping a damp dishcloth or sponge for weeks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nHave a look at the cloth beside your sink. It wipes the platform, then a plate, then your hands. Then it stays wet all night. That cloth is very likely the dirtiest thing in your kitchen. Keep one for hands and one for surfaces, wash both daily, and dry them in the sun when you can. A sponge that has started to smell is done. Just replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Washing hands too quickly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t just hold your hands under the tap for 2 seconds. Lather with soap and clean for around 20 seconds. This should be done before cooking, after handling raw meat, after using the washroom and after touching anything that has been in the bin or using your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Forgetting the small, hidden spots<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe wipe the counter and feel good about it. Meanwhile the tap, the fridge handle, the gas knob and the light switch get touched a hundred times a day and wiped almost never. Two minutes with a soapy cloth before bed takes care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Storing food the wrong way<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDal and rice sitting out all afternoon is a very familiar sight. In summer, it\u2019s also a risk. Try to put cooked food in the fridge within two hours. Keep raw meat in a closed box on the bottom shelf, so nothing drips onto other food. And go easy on packing the fridge. Cold air has to move around, or things don\u2019t stay cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Not washing fruits and vegetables properly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nCucumbers, oranges, anything you peel, still has dirt on the outside, and your knife carries it into the part you eat. Rinse everything under running water. Firm vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take a proper scrub with a clean brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Ignoring the sink and the dustbin<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nScraps collect in the sink and the bin. A day or two later, flies and cockroaches show up. Empty the bin every day, keep a lid on it, and wash the sink with soap and hot water after your last meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A realistic example.<\/strong> Say someone cuts raw chicken and then chops coriander on the same board, with a wet cloth lying nearby. The chicken gets cooked well, so everyone feels safe. A day later, the child has a stomach upset. Chances are it was the raw coriander or salad, not the chicken. A second board and a fresh cloth would have stopped it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Clean Kitchen Appliances the Right Way<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThey get as oily, splattered and wet as everything else. The best way to easily clean your kitchen appliances is to stick to an irregular cleaning schedule. The information below is general guidance, make sure you refer to your appliance manual for specific instructions for your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Using one chopping board for everything<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nRaw chicken, fish and eggs can carry bacteria. If you then chop your salad on that same board, the germs move across with no trouble at all. The easy fix is to keep two boards, one for raw food and one for the rest. If you only own one, wash it and the knife well with hot water and dish soap before cutting anything that won\u2019t be cooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Keeping a damp dishcloth or sponge for weeks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nHave a look at the cloth beside your sink. It wipes the platform, then a plate, then your hands. Then it stays wet all night. That cloth is very likely the dirtiest thing in your kitchen. Keep one for hands and one for surfaces, wash both daily, and dry them in the sun when you can. A sponge that has started to smell is done. Just replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Washing hands too quickly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t just hold your hands under the tap for 2 seconds. Lather with soap and clean for around 20 seconds. This should be done before cooking, after handling raw meat, after using the washroom and after touching anything that has been in the bin or using your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Forgetting the small, hidden spots<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe wipe the counter and feel good about it. Meanwhile the tap, the fridge handle, the gas knob and the light switch get touched a hundred times a day and wiped almost never. Two minutes with a soapy cloth before bed takes care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Storing food the wrong way<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDal and rice sitting out all afternoon is a very familiar sight. In summer, it\u2019s also a risk. Try to put cooked food in the fridge within two hours. Keep raw meat in a closed box on the bottom shelf, so nothing drips onto other food. And go easy on packing the fridge. Cold air has to move around, or things don\u2019t stay cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Not washing fruits and vegetables properly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nCucumbers, oranges, anything you peel, still has dirt on the outside, and your knife carries it into the part you eat. Rinse everything under running water. Firm vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take a proper scrub with a clean brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Ignoring the sink and the dustbin<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nScraps collect in the sink and the bin. A day or two later, flies and cockroaches show up. Empty the bin every day, keep a lid on it, and wash the sink with soap and hot water after your last meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A realistic example.<\/strong> Say someone cuts raw chicken and then chops coriander on the same board, with a wet cloth lying nearby. The chicken gets cooked well, so everyone feels safe. A day later, the child has a stomach upset. Chances are it was the raw coriander or salad, not the chicken. A second board and a fresh cloth would have stopped it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Clean Kitchen Appliances the Right Way<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThey get as oily, splattered and wet as everything else. The best way to easily clean your kitchen appliances is to stick to an irregular cleaning schedule. The information below is general guidance, make sure you refer to your appliance manual for specific instructions for your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have a look at the cloth beside your sink. It wipes the platform, then a plate, then your hands. Then it stays wet all night. That cloth is very likely the dirtiest thing in your kitchen. Keep one for hands and one for surfaces, wash both daily, and dry them in the sun when you can. A sponge that has started to smell is done. Just replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Washing hands too quickly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t just hold your hands under the tap for 2 seconds. Lather with soap and clean for around 20 seconds. This should be done before cooking, after handling raw meat, after using the washroom and after touching anything that has been in the bin or using your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Forgetting the small, hidden spots<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe wipe the counter and feel good about it. Meanwhile the tap, the fridge handle, the gas knob and the light switch get touched a hundred times a day and wiped almost never. Two minutes with a soapy cloth before bed takes care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Storing food the wrong way<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDal and rice sitting out all afternoon is a very familiar sight. In summer, it\u2019s also a risk. Try to put cooked food in the fridge within two hours. Keep raw meat in a closed box on the bottom shelf, so nothing drips onto other food. And go easy on packing the fridge. Cold air has to move around, or things don\u2019t stay cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Not washing fruits and vegetables properly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nCucumbers, oranges, anything you peel, still has dirt on the outside, and your knife carries it into the part you eat. Rinse everything under running water. Firm vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take a proper scrub with a clean brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Ignoring the sink and the dustbin<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nScraps collect in the sink and the bin. A day or two later, flies and cockroaches show up. Empty the bin every day, keep a lid on it, and wash the sink with soap and hot water after your last meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A realistic example.<\/strong> Say someone cuts raw chicken and then chops coriander on the same board, with a wet cloth lying nearby. The chicken gets cooked well, so everyone feels safe. A day later, the child has a stomach upset. Chances are it was the raw coriander or salad, not the chicken. A second board and a fresh cloth would have stopped it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Clean Kitchen Appliances the Right Way<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThey get as oily, splattered and wet as everything else. The best way to easily clean your kitchen appliances is to stick to an irregular cleaning schedule. The information below is general guidance, make sure you refer to your appliance manual for specific instructions for your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We wipe the counter and feel good about it. Meanwhile the tap, the fridge handle, the gas knob and the light switch get touched a hundred times a day and wiped almost never. Two minutes with a soapy cloth before bed takes care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Storing food the wrong way<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDal and rice sitting out all afternoon is a very familiar sight. In summer, it\u2019s also a risk. Try to put cooked food in the fridge within two hours. Keep raw meat in a closed box on the bottom shelf, so nothing drips onto other food. And go easy on packing the fridge. Cold air has to move around, or things don\u2019t stay cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Not washing fruits and vegetables properly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nCucumbers, oranges, anything you peel, still has dirt on the outside, and your knife carries it into the part you eat. Rinse everything under running water. Firm vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take a proper scrub with a clean brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Ignoring the sink and the dustbin<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nScraps collect in the sink and the bin. A day or two later, flies and cockroaches show up. Empty the bin every day, keep a lid on it, and wash the sink with soap and hot water after your last meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A realistic example.<\/strong> Say someone cuts raw chicken and then chops coriander on the same board, with a wet cloth lying nearby. The chicken gets cooked well, so everyone feels safe. A day later, the child has a stomach upset. Chances are it was the raw coriander or salad, not the chicken. A second board and a fresh cloth would have stopped it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Clean Kitchen Appliances the Right Way<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThey get as oily, splattered and wet as everything else. The best way to easily clean your kitchen appliances is to stick to an irregular cleaning schedule. The information below is general guidance, make sure you refer to your appliance manual for specific instructions for your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cucumbers, oranges, anything you peel, still has dirt on the outside, and your knife carries it into the part you eat. Rinse everything under running water. Firm vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take a proper scrub with a clean brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n