16 Common Kitchen Hazards

16 Common Kitchen Hazards Usually, the kitchen is, without a doubt, the most hazardous space in a home. Hot surfaces, sharp utensils, powerful appliances and heavy pots are all found in the kitchen. If you don’t take the right safety measures when working around these items, then hazards are prone to take place. Good sense is often enough for protecting homeowners, their kids and their visitors from any hazard that might arise in the kitchen. By keeping counters and sinks clean, safe storage of items, keeping an eye on hot surfaces, and turning cookware handles inward when preparing food, you will prevent kitchen hazards. Common Kitchen Hazards Here are some common kitchen hazards you most likely have in your house right now: Overloading circuits Plugging lots of kitchen appliances into a single outlet will result in a catastrophe. Overloaded electric circuits can cause an inferno and also destroy your appliances. Small kitchen appliances like toasters, blenders, crock pots and food processors may be fire hazards if you leave them plugged in. Make sure you unplug the appliances when you’re not using them. Loose hair and clothes Long hair, long sleeves and loose clothing can be hazardous in your kitchen. Tie up long hair, tie the apron tight, and roll up sleeves before you cook. Also be careful with other loose clothes like curtains, sheers and draperies within your kitchen. These can easily catch fire, especially if are usually blown by the wind and are situated near a source of fire. Flammable materials near the stove tops Don’t place flammables near your stove top; even if it is on. You should place food boxes, pot holders, dishcloths, wooden utensils, even paper towels away from your stove top. Be careful with dishcloths during the cooking process as these can catch fire as you are holding your pots and pans. The resulting fire may cause burns or even extend to an even bigger fire depending on the fuels around. Kids in your kitchen Most of the time, babysitters and mothers will often work in the kitchen and keep an eye on their kids at the same time. In this situation, negligence can result in a disaster. One great safety measure you can apply is install a close by playpen where the kids stay within your eyesight, but far from kitchen hazards. Do not over rely on your ability to multitask; it only requires taking your attention from your baby for a few seconds for hazards to kick in. If setting up a playpen isn’t your choice, then safeguard your children by getting rid of tablecloths, storing heavy things securely and keeping knives and other sharp items away. Use child locks to secure cabinets and unplug kitchen appliances when not using. Block your sockets to ensure children do not insert sharp objects into them. Household chemicals Most families keep cleaning products and household chemicals beneath the sink. This is hazardous, as kids may easily reach these household chemicals. Most of these chemicals can be …

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How to Reduce Electricity Accidents in the Kitchen

How to Reduce Electricity Accidents in the Kitchen

A fatal electric shock in the kitchen is a real possibility. It’s essential to take safety measures to avoid electric accidents. This is particularly true in an environment where electricity and water are present. Thankfully, you can prevent an electric accident in the kitchen in number of different ways. You may prevent electric accidents by following a few basic safety rules, such as using caution when handling plugs and wires and keeping appliances dry. By keeping these things in mind, you can keep your kitchen where you and your loved ones feel comfortable cooking and chatting. You should be familiar with the possible risks. Then, protect yourself and the people around you, whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice. What kinds of faults can lead to electricity accidents in your kitchen? Old wiring Another major source of electrical accidents is old wiring. It’s possible that your home’s wiring is too old to support the load of the electrical appliances safely. This will result in the wires overheating, increasing the risk of catching fire. Call an electrician to update your home’s wiring if it is old. Remember that upgrading your electrical system is not something you should try to tackle on your own. Only a trained professional should attempt this. Damaged electrical cords Damaged electrical wires are another major source of electricity accidents. A gap might appear in the insulation if the cords are broken or frayed. If you put your hand in this gap, you’ll feel the jolt of electricity as it flows through you. If an electrical cord is damaged, you should replace or repair it immediately to prevent a fire or shock. You should hire an electrician if the cords have any damage. Faulty home appliances Appliances that are not functioning properly are another typical source of electric accidents. In the event that a piece of kitchen equipment is not functioning as it should, it may put users in jeopardy. Because of this, it is essential to have a qualified technician do routine maintenance on all of your kitchen appliances. Faulty wiring Faulty wiring is a leading cause of electric accidents. These wires present a significant threat if they get exposed. Electric accidents are possible if electricity leaks from faulty wiring. Because of this, it is important to routinely inspect your home’s electrical outlets and appliances for signs of frayed or damaged wire. You should hire an electrician if there is any suspicion of faulty wiring on the property. Ungrounded plumbing An electrical shock can be due to improperly grounded plumbing. Ungrounded plumbing can induce an electrical short and shock if a dangling wire from an appliance makes contact with it. Because of this, it’s important to have a professional examine your plumbing regularly. If you feel tingling when touching kitchen fixtures, like the faucets, the fault may lie in your ungrounded plumbing. How to Prevent Electric Accidents in the Kitchen Don’t use wet hands to handle electrical plugs and wires Although this advice may appear simple, …

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How to Sanitize your Kitchen with Different Types Disinfectants

One of the many lifestyle changes that the COVID-19 pandemic brought into our lives and homes, is the need for increased hygiene, whether body or physical environment hygiene. We all found ourselves increasing the need for hygiene either through regular handwashing or sanitizing, coupled with regular cleaning of our homes and other environments such as our offices, cars etc. The kitchen is one of the main rooms in our homes that benefitted from the increased hygiene awareness. This includes not just more regular cleaning of utensils, appliances and surfaces like floors or countertops, but more thorough cleaning The thorough cleaning for most homes now includes use of a disinfectant to ensure that the surfaces and appliances are not only clean, but also sanitized to get rid of disease-causing germs. In as much as the world is learning to live with COVID-19, we must still not lower our guard or those almost paranoid hygiene levels we had adopted. It is still an appropriate time to look into different types of disinfectants, natural and commercial and steps to follow in disinfecting your kitchen. Types of disinfectants Kitchen disinfectants For convenience and ease, most homeowners like purchasing cleaners from the local store, and these cleaners are usually the best at what they do. You should adhere to the guidelines on the labels when you use these cleaners. Additionally, ensure you use the right cleaners for various surfaces. Think about buying top rated no-rinse kitchen cleaner disinfectants you can use in your kitchen. Here’s a list of popular disinfectants: Floor cleaners: Remember to clean your kitchen floor. You can use warm water to dilute the best floor disinfectant or bleach. This will help create floor cleaning solutions that can cut through all the dirt and dust, greasy stains, and residue of food items build up from foot traffic. Surface wipes: These disinfectant wipes usually have a similar type of ingredients as the sprays. However, because of their disposable and convenient nature, wipes are popularly used to clean small spills and maintenance of countertops instead of full cleaning up. Disinfectant sprays: Sprays in the form of liquid are quite handy when it comes to kitchen clean up. A kitchen disinfectant spray is usually multipurpose. This means you can use it on a range of surfaces, from cooker tops to cabinet handles. Just spray, give it time to soak, and then use a clean cloth to wipe. Bleach: This is an amazing disinfectant and one you can use in different kitchen areas. You can use it to disinfect the kitchen sink, countertops, or the floor. Bleach is very effective at eliminating germs, such as the ones present in raw meats. But when you use this cleaner, you should ensure you adhere to the instructions on the product’s label. Additionally, you should work in an airy room, since bleach is a strong substance. How to clean utensils with vinegar Using vinegar to wash dishes will make them very clean with a shiny finish. To use your hands, …

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How to Store Kitchen Appliances to Save Space in your Kitchen

Keeping your kitchen neat and organized is just as important as preparing a mouthwatering meal for your family. Although it may seem like a tedious task, do your best to keep your kitchen neat. One of the ways you can do this is by storing your kitchen appliances correctly. If you have a small kitchen space, you need not worry. General kitchen appliance storage tips When organizing the kitchen, ensure that you know which appliances you regularly use and when you usually use them. Regularly used items must be kept within easy reach. On the other hand, you should put those items you use on special events in your house, such as large utensils and appliances used when you have many guests, above your kitchen cabinets or on the upper shelves since you will not need them daily. Additionally, you can keep the ones you don’t often use in the attic or garage. You can also store the appliances in a storage cupboard if you have one. Ensure you keep items that you regularly in easy-to-reach areas. For example, if you like baking, it will be convenient to put broiling pans, measuring cups, mixing bowls and other appliances you require for baking on the upper or lower shelves. In addition, it is essential that you group items that go together. This saves you time and adds convenience since you do not have to cover all four corners of your kitchen to reach items that you need for one cooking task like baking. Make sure that cooking appliances such as spoons, pans, stove, pot holders, and pots have their storage space. Luckily, there are numerous techniques for storing kitchen appliances that help you save space in your kitchen. Nonetheless, regardless of the storage space, you have to ensure that your kitchen appliances are safe to maximize their efficiency. Proper storage of your appliances will also ensure your kitchen looks neat and clutter free. An organized and clutter free kitchen saves you time, adds convenience and also prevents commonly occurring kitchen hazards since you will not have items falling over as you try to access the appliances that you need. Kitchen appliance storage tips In this article, we discuss some of the ways you can store your kitchen appliances to ensure a user friendly and clutter free kitchen. Cabinet and shelf space For small kitchen appliances, consider using the small cabinet and shelf space. Some of the appliances that can get stored here are blenders and heaters. A narrow shelf space that cannot fit your kitchen plates is ideal for keeping small kitchen appliances. Use the area under the kitchen counter Consider storing your kitchen appliances beneath your kitchen counter. Doing this enables you to save on space and access your kitchen appliances without difficulty. Children and older adults will also find it easy to access kitchen appliances that get kept beneath the kitchen counter. Most kitchen counters have cabinet space underneath them, so this should work perfectly for you. This space …

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How to Best Clean your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the commonly used areas in the house; hence you should keep it clean. It is home to many appliances and other items. Dusty refrigerator, smoky oven, cluttered cabinets, and dirty countertops are what you have from the kitchen’s regular use. Cleaning the kitchen may seem to be a tedious task. Every area in your kitchen has its own cleanup rules that introduce the things you should prepare and also the step-by-step directions. An intense kitchen clean up requires use of this methodical step by step approach. It is important that you clean the kitchen thoroughly to achieve the best results. This will provide your whole kitchen with a refreshing ambiance. This article counters the belief keeping your kitchen clean is a tedious or impossible task by providing a step by step guideline on how to clean your kitchen effectively. There needs to be some organization before commencing the cleaning process to minimize frustrations. Steps on kitchen cleaning First, collect all materials and equipment necessary for the cleaning process. These are: Materials Rugs A bucket Sponge Mild soap/ cleaner or your preferred cleaning agent Vacuum cleaner Broom Dry towel Step ladder Oven cleaner Clear the sink The sink should be clear before beginning the cleaning process. Clean all the dirty dishes and clear the trash bin. This creates more room for the intended thorough cleaning of the kitchen area. It will be tiring to have a glittering clean sink only to recall you still have lots of soiled dishes to do. To prevent any stains or mold: Use warm water and a bit of dish soap on a sponge to wash your sink’s basin. Ensure that you rinse along the basin’s sides too. Don’t forget to clean the basin to get rid of any water stains. After that, you should clean the difficult to get to faucet crannies and nooks. Dipping a toothbrush in a mixture of warm water and some dish soap will work best. You can use a dry cloth to clean out any left behind water spots. If the water has a high mineral content, you might see a mineral deposit formation. To remove these deposits, mix white vinegar and water. Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture, and then gently scrub away the foreign matter. You should rinse this area and allow it to dry. You might see the sink taking some time to drain. If you experience this, you need to run the garbage disposal to remove anything that may be stuck down there. It’s best to clean the disposal every so often too. You can use an ice tray to make frozen cubes of vinegar, and then drop them down your disposal. Next, pour boiling water into it while running the disposal. This can also keep the blades of the disposal sharp and nice. Clean the walls Ceilings and walls accumulate dirt and grease from the kitchen smoke and other foodstuffs such as spatters from the blender. For any …

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How to Make Slippery Kitchen Tiles Safe

  Most modern houses have floor tiles in areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room, etc. These tiles have both advantages and disadvantages. Floor tiles hold water better compared to other floor materials. At the same time, floor tiles can get very slippery and, as a result, hazardous. It is important to make your tile floors safe by minimizing slipperiness and improving traction. This article features ways you can make your tile floor safe without having to break the bank. Use of Anti-Slip Solution to make tiles less slippery Anti-slip solutions add texture to your tiles to make them less slippery instead of smooth. They increase traction by introducing micro treads. With this, you need not worry about falling and slipping on the slippery tiles. Benefits of Anti-slip solutions Creates a highly- resistant anti-slip coating on the tiles Increases traction Makes the tile floor safe Easy to use Does not affect the floor’s visual appearance; however, it depends on the type of anti-slip coat you apply It is a fast process that takes about half an hour How to clean tiles with an Anti-Slip Solution Pour the anti-slip solution in a spray bottle. Apply the tile solution by spreading with a mop, ensuring to cover all the tiles with the anti-slip solution. Allow the solution to settle for 15 minutes. Don’t let it stay for longer as it will cause damage to the tiles. Rinse the mixture off the floor with clean water and a clean mop. Dry with a clean towel. Anti-slip treads They are also known as grip treads. It is not only a simple method but also cost-friendly. Another advantage of the treads is that they aren’t permanent. You can stick them on the surface when needed and remove them at your own will without altering or damaging the surface. Disadvantage: Anti-slip treads aren’t as durable as non-slip solutions. Most are of poor quality that doesn’t attach well to the surface or chip off after a short while. They also alter the original appearance of the tiles. 3. Non-Slip Rugs Non-slip rugs are most likely the fastest and easiest method to make your tiles safe. Rugs generally make the floor cozy and also brighten the room with its color and material. Not all rugs are secure, as some can cause tripping. There are rugs with non-slip backing to prevent slipping on a slippery floor. Instead of getting one from the shop, you can customize one on your own. Draw criss-cross lines using hot gun glue on the back surface and let it dry. This, however, will not work on all types of rugs. Be sure to test before use. 4. Substitute Old Tiles with Non-Slip Ones  It is unreasonable to substitute the whole floor tiles just to make them less slippery. However, if you have your tiles worn out or plan to replace them, consider having non-slip tiles. They are pretty much expensive and time-consuming to install, but they are worth it. Also, the economic and …

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How to Avoid Slippery Kitchen Floors

Slippery areas are one of the many risky areas that have led to numerous accidents. Slipping is the act of sliding due to a lack of grip with the surface. For a long time, slipping and falling have turned to slapstick humor; however, these accidents are no joke. Slipping accidents has led many to the emergency room. Slippery floors are common kitchen hazards. These accidents can cause fractures and sprains, traumatic brain injuries leading to permanent disability or death. In addition, slipping accidents also have a huge impact on the legal world. Such accidents amount to huge compensation claims and large hospital bills, making it not only health risk but also a legal risk and very expensive. The most common cause of the slips and falls are slippery floors. The kitchen is susceptible to slips as it hosts most of the activities involving the main slipping culprits. Most commercial kitchen floors are normally made of naturally porous quarry tiles. Soaps and grease tend to stick in the small holes, which can form a slippery layer. Low-friction tiles, grease, water, and clean up residue can all cause slippery floors, and you will probably get any or all of them in the kitchen. Whether operating a commercial kitchen and ensuring your staff’s safety or you are simply trying to protect yourself and your loved ones in your house, take safety measures immediately to prevent slippery kitchen floors. Some solutions are temporary, and others permanent; some are more aesthetically appealing than others. Choose the solution that will best meet your needs. Surfaces that are most slip-resistant include: If you want to offer your kitchen slip-resistant flooring, one important thing you can do is installing top-quality materials that maintain traction, even when dirty or wet. Ceramic tiles can be created with grit, which improves traction and makes the tile a lot more dependable. Conversely, quarry tiles are quite slip-resistant, even when drenched, making them common in businesses and restaurants. Granite and marble, unluckily, provide little slip-resistant when drenched. Special things to consider under one’s feet Unlike your home’s other rooms, your kitchen is usually used every day; either as a meeting point for activities, cooking food and storage, or simply family or group dining. A kitchen gets lots of traffic unlike any other room in the house; save perhaps the bathroom. Both rooms are regularly exposed to moisture. From frequent traffic, cooking, washing dishes, fridges/ice makers, to sinks, moisture affects every kitchen surface, particularly the floor. Waterproof is important when it comes to selecting flooring. Because of the number of adults, children, and pet feet strolling through your kitchen daily, a durable floor is important. Most kitchens double up as a “mudroom” with an outer entrance and all the moisture, dirt, and debris one may track from the outdoors to the kitchen floor. In addition, similar to a bathroom, all the moisture on the floor will be an accident waiting to take place. Most choices of waterproof flooring get very slippery when they have …

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Preventing Burns and Scalds in the Kitchen

Recent studies show that fire and burns are the third leading cause of accidental injury deaths in homes. Your home should be your most secure place. However, it can turn to a place of many accidents and injuries if you do not take the necessary precautions to avoid the common kitchen hazards. The most common type of injury is burn injury, which mostly occurs in the kitchen. Even the smallest burns are excruciating; hence taking caution when handling hot objects & kitchen appliances is important. Young kids are prone to scalds from hot fluids due to their thin skin, while adults are prone to burns from fire and explosion. This does not exclude adults from the possibility of getting scalds, especially from hot steam. Kitchen burns occur fast and horrifyingly easily. With some preparation and safety measures, you can reduce the risk of burns in the kitchen. Definition of a burn or scald  Burns are bruises to the body tissues brought about by excessive heat, harmful chemicals, or stray electricity. On the other hand, scalds are a result of skin exposure to hot water or steam. Depending on the severity of the burns or scalds’ depth, it can vary from a small injury to a severe and deadly injury. Causes of burns and scalds Scalds come from scorching drinks like a hot cup of tea or coffee, boiling water from pots, kettles, or hot water taps, coming into contact with the skin. Burns come from contact with fire, hot objects like hot cooking pots, stoves, and coals. Chemical burns are another category that result from swallowing harmful chemicals such as drain cleaners. It can also occur from the contact with chemicals such as oven cleaners and bleach with the skin. Electrical burns are common and are caused by contact with electrical appliances in the kitchen, such as electrical outlets or extension cable. Types and symptoms of burns or scald Deep burn It is a painful blister with either spots of red and white or dark red and pale yellow. Superficial burn It damages the outer layer of the skin by causing painful red blisters. This type of burn should heal faster if well attended to. Full thickness burns This gets beneath the fat layer in the skin and damages the nerves; hence may not be very painful. Further, the skin turns brown, black or white, after the skin chips off and may feel wrinkled and dry. Implications from burns and scalds Deep burns and scalds can cause a condition known as sepsis. Sepsis occurs when the wound becomes infected, therefore infecting the bloodstream. Severe burns lead to loss of body fluids leading to dehydration and extremely low temperatures. Failure to replace the fluids can lead to hypovolemic shock caused by renal shutdown. When a severe burn or scald heals, it may leave behind a scar. This can cause bones and joints complications. How to prevent burns and scalds Learning how you can prevent burns will require you to apply the …

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How to Safely Involve your Children in the Kitchen

There are lots of benefits that come with letting kids get involved in the food preparation and cooking process. To start with, it is an enjoyable way of learning together and bonding. Second, food preparation and serving is an amazing way of building children’s self-esteem. It also boosts confidence throughout their lifetime. In addition, it will help increase the probability of having children eating healthy nourishing foods as opposed to feeding on junk food. If you and your kids have never cooked together, you might be worried about safety in the kitchen. Knowing the various ways to involve your little ones safely and joyfully, will help in easing your worries. Learning about readiness for oven use, correct handwashing, and age-suitable skills, handling of food items and safe handling of sharp objects or breakables in the kitchen will lead to peaceful and fun mealtimes for everyone. The kitchen is the focal point of family life; however, it is an area that poses lots of hazards and therefore very accident prone. Yearly, 42,000 kids below 5 years get admitted to hospital because of kitchen accidents. Safety Considerations with Children in the Kitchen However, with some safety considerations and easy changes, you will keep the kids safe. Keep the following safety tips in mind while involving your children in the kitchen to avoid accidents: Breakages and spills Avoid cuts and slips by clearing spills and breakages right away. If there’s broken glass, remember that small sharp shards will disperse across a broad distance. For this reason, always shut your little one out of your kitchen until you have done a thorough clean-up of all the breakages. Also, ensure your child wears slippers or shoes for the next couple of days after a breakage before entering the kitchen and do not allow your child to touch the floor with their hands Kitchen drawers and cupboards Naturally, children show curiosity, so it is best if you fit locks on cupboard drawers and doors to help in keeping objects, like razor-sharp knives, unreachable. Some of the popular types of locks are plastic and push down locks; however, they may lose their shape in the end. Some kids ultimately discover how to open these locks, so you do not take for granted that simply because you have installed locks, the drawers are off-limits. Hot drinks and pans Never put your hot drinks, bowls of hot drinks or hot pots and pans near the edge of countertops, where your baby may pull them over. Curious babies will often reach out to find out the contents of any containers they can reach. Hot pot and pan handles should always face away from pathways and reach of children. Stay away from the oven and hob The oven and hob are danger hot spots, so you should train your little one these areas are off-limits. Make sure you use the hob’s back rings and turn the pot handle so that they are facing away from the front. This is to ensure …

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Why Your Children are not Helping in the Kitchen

  Preparing and cooking food with your children is quite a special activity which allows bonding and offers other benefits such as skill development by the children; however, most parents also worry about it. Some parents often consider the kitchen a children-free zone area when they are preparing food due to the many hazards contained in the kitchen setting. [toc] On the other hand, other parents like having their children lend a hand and get their small hands messy. They believe the mess and management of kitchen risks is part and parcel of the process. There’s no right or wrong answer to allowing the children to lend a hand in your kitchen. It is really up to every parent and the child’s level of maturity. So why are your kids not helping more, and what to do about it your kitchen?  1. You Demand Perfection You cannot expect your little one to do a kitchen chore perfectly like you. You most likely were not so detailed at their age, either. So, if you send the message -verbally or non-verbally- that you want your children to accomplish tasks within set timelines and at a certain high standard, children may feel under pressure and lose interest in helping out in the kitchen. Solution: When you train your little one the kitchen chore, make sure you divide it into small simple steps. This will help your little one master each task easily. It is best if you take pictures of your kids doing it and have a look at the pictures later together. Once your little one takes charge of a chore, you can try reducing your control over the chore and allow your child the freedom to do it “their way”. If your child knows you will do it, probably better and faster than they can, why would she or he bother trying? The only time you should interfere is if you observe a safety concern, in which case you should step in to avert an accident. Concentrate on the positives, so your little one can be motivated to engage in more challenging chores. You can achieve better results from kids by pointing to the positive attributes instead of criticizing their shortfalls with kitchen tasks. Consider your response if somebody criticizes how you do a chore in the office, in contrast to when they find the positive in what you have done. If your daughter uses lots of time to cook food in the kitchen as she chats the entire time on the phone, consider that it is truly up to her to make the food delicious. 2. Because DIY is easy Involving children in kitchen chores is involving and probably slower than just doing it yourself. You probably already have a personal routine and rhythm that you follow to ensure you have tasty meals in record time and with as little mess as possible. So, when kids are still young enough but want to start lending a hand in the kitchen, …

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How to Avoid and Reduce Breakages in your Kitchen

When you are working in your kitchen, whether at a professional or domestic level, you’ll find risks at every turn. This makes it one of the most hazardous spaces in your home. The standard kitchen has heat sources, knives, utensils, cleaning products, water and other liquids that may spill and other potentially hazardous equipment and items. [toc] Therefore, familiarizing yourself around the kitchen can help in reducing the threat of injury and ensure others stay safe. One of the most important areas in your home is the kitchen since you spend a substantial amount of time there, second only to your living area or your bedroom. It’s difficult to agree on one ideal kitchen as everybody appears to have their own fixed notion of a perfect kitchen. The state and design of your kitchen will play an important role in establishing your home’s value. If your home’s resale value isn’t your main concern, then you should think about your safety, comfort and all your priceless utensils and appliances in the kitchen. Most of all, the right kitchen design will make every trip to your kitchen safer and quicker. Glassware needs the right handling and gentle care. Many people like collecting different kinds of glassware to decorate their kitchen and dining area. However, you have to remember that these need the right care so they not only continue to maintain their appeal for years but also so that that they their use is not cut short through breakages. Breakages are a kitchen hazard since broken utensils can result to cuts and other injuries. Avoiding and reducing breakages is one way of making your kitchen safer. The fragility of the item will determine the amount of care it needs. You should wash the glassware gently in the dishwasher or in a plastic bowl so that they don’t lose the shine. It’s important to use warm water together with baking soda rather than handwashing these items using detergent. In addition, you should wash an item at a time to avoid colliding and breaking. Why do breakages occur in the kitchen? Spontaneous breakage of glass is an occurrence associated with windows, glass furniture, glass cookware, and other architectural glass, where the glass shatters with no reason. Tempered plate glass also called toughened glass is used for car shields, furniture, doors, balconies, skylights and oven glass. Spontaneous tempered glass breakage is popularly caused by not enough thickness for resisting high wind loads, internal defects like nickel sulfide inclusions, nicked or chipped edges at the time of installation, thermal stresses in the glass and stress as a result of binding in the frame. Tempered glass will break into lots of tiny pieces, which helps avoid the risk of injury as a result of flying fragments and sharp edges. Glass pots and pans created with tempered or heat-strengthened glass will suddenly shatter because of thermal stress due to regular use. Fracturing will produce fragments in both kinds of glass. Tips on how to handle glassware It is …

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How to Childproof your Kitchen

How to Child Proof your Kitchen A kitchen is usually seen as an inviting, warm area where our meals are prepared and for families to get together, but can it be hazardous for your child? Definitely yes! A kitchen is full of hot surfaces, sharp objects and other hazards You should be conscious of the common kitchen hazards and especially if your children regularly access this area, with or without your permission or supervision. Once you childproof your kitchen, you will enjoy inviting your kids into this amazing realm of connection, learning, and discovery with no fear for their safety and health. In this article on childproofing your kitchen, we’ll look at the basics to provide you and your loved ones with confidence that your children are safe in your kitchen. This will include information on how to childproof your sink, refrigerator, oven and much more. Let us dig in! Practical Childproofing Measures Child locks on your kitchen cabinets Hazardous things such as sharp knives or poisonous chemicals such as cleaning agents, pesticides, detergents are all kept in the cabinets that might cause mishaps. Sharp objects can cause cuts while poisonous substances can be fatal if ingested. There are various way of locking cabinets to ensure that your children do not gain unauthorized access. These range from using a magnet to putting the cabinet under lock and key. Go for the option that guarantees you the most safety and one that works well with your type of cabinet, including by ensuring you do not lose the aesthetics. Install an oven lock As children child grow, they start reaching, grabbing and taking hold of items. One of the most common and easiest things to hold onto is an oven door handle; however, this can result in disaster. If your oven is near the floor, you might want to consider an oven door lock. This can stop your kid from pulling down the door, a precautionary measure that’s particularly essential if your oven is on. In addition, you should do all you can to only utilize the back burners too. For stoves with front knobs (in ideal reach for a child), for safety, either purchase stove knob covers / locks or get rid of the knob when you’re not using this appliance. Also consider installing an anti-tip bracket kit to fasten your oven to the wall and prevent it from toppling over and falling on your child. Ovens can easily fall over if the oven door is pulled open and when they are not in a stable position. Having clean dry kitchen floors You should make it a habit or create a schedule to mop or clean the kitchen floors daily. Particularly with a child in your house, objects will often fall on the ground. You definitely don’t want your child eating something he or she should not, or even worse, get choked. Plus, your child plays on the floor. Make sure it stays clean. Ensure that your floor is always dry …

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How to Improve Safety in your Kitchen

How to Improve Safety in your Kitchen Your kitchen is at times filled with dangers: visible and invisible. However, there’s an array of things you can do to help in improving safety in your kitchen. A kitchen has pans with scorching grease, hot exposed surfaces, sharp knives and pots of boiling water, slippery floors from spillages or peelings, electric sockets and other dangers. Whether you like cooking and baking or someone that does not spend lots of time in the kitchen, these safety tips can be beneficial. This is because while frequent occupants of the kitchen may be at higher risk of harm from all these dangers, bad luck could strike even for a one-time visitor. The tips below, if well understood and applied, can help in improving safety in your kitchen to prevent injuries to you and your loved ones. Kitchen Safety Tips Invest in proper and sufficient lighting The best general lights, supplemented with the right task lights, which are visibly focused on work surfaces, can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury while cooking food. The lights need to be free from glare, without creating any shadows on your work surface. During the day, ensure you make the most of natural lighting by keeping your windows open and curtains or sheers fully drawn. Structurally, install big windows and remove any obstacles that might obstruct the natural light. If the design of your kitchen does not allow access to sufficient natural daylight, you can supplement this with artificial general and task lights as described above. Installing slip–resistant floor Some great options are soft-glazed ceramic tiles, textured vinyl or laminate or matte-finished wood. If you choose tiles, consider getting a throw rug with non-skid backing, particularly around spots that become wet. Ensure that your kitchen floor is constantly dry and that any spillages are immediately wiped out. Also, quickly pick up any fruit peelings that might result to slips and falls in the kitchen. Getting a kitchen first aid kit A first aid kit is not only essential for the bathroom, but you need to also ensure you have one readily available in your kitchen as well. Make sure it has the number of close by hospitals and doctors, burn salve, gauze scissors, sterile gloves, antiseptic creams and some basic medications like a pain killer. You should check the status of the medication in your first aid kit to ensure it is not expired and that any used-up supplies are replaced as soon as possible. A first aid kit without the necessary supplies is totally useless. Lastly, your first aid kit should be kept in an easy to reach place. A kit that cannot be found or easily reached during an emergency is not very useful. Keeping children and pets out Some kids enjoy assisting parents in the kitchen; however, you should teach them rules on when they can help and to keep their distance when needed. Children should be taught some basic kitchen safety rules, such as staying away …

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Basic Kitchen Safety Rules

It is fun to cook, even therapeutic for some, but occurrence of kitchen accidents can take away the fun and induce a fear of working in the kitchen. Safety in the kitchen is a matter of great importance. There’s a lot of environmental dangers and dangerous equipment in the kitchen, which can be very hazardous if not well handled. Knowledge of the Common Kitchen Hazards will help you to avoid them by developing and following appropriate kitchen safety rules. Things such as bacteria, open fire by your oven, knives and even electric appliances around your kitchen are dangerous. Developing and observing some safety rules in your kitchen should be standard best practice. You should always focus on what you are doing in your kitchen as one slip may lead to serious mishaps or injury. To avoid serious accidents or injuries, you should have the required kitchen safety equipment on hand. You should also adopt a kitchen cleanliness plan, and focus on what you are doing as opposed to being spaced out and dividing your attention amongst many tasks. Focus and awareness while in your kitchen includes knowing who or what is in the room. For instance, knowing whether your children or pets have entered the kitchen space and applying necessary safety measures which could include taking them out or applying extra precautions. Basic Safety Rules Below are some basic kitchen safety rules to always keep in mind: Fire extinguishers and fire blankets: Your kitchen should have a fire extinguisher. This device will help prevent a catastrophe. Make sure you do all you can to avert a kitchen fire; however, at times it is not within one’s control. So, ensure that you are familiar with how it operates before a fire outbreak. You cannot waste any time going through the instructions in the middle of a flame. In addition to having a fire extinguisher, you could also have a fire blanket since some fires can be simply put off by smothering them with a fire blanket. Food hygiene: Kitchen safety is usually talked about with regard to burns and cuts; however, food borne sickness is certainly an essential concern that’s worth dealing with. The best way of ensuring that everyone stays safe is insisting that they wash hands, preferably with an anti-bacterial hand wash before cooking and throughout food preparation. Storage tips: You should store heavy things and bulky appliances in the kitchen’s bottom cabinets. Utilize the upper cabinets for lighter kitchen items. Trying to reach the upper cabinets to get lightweight items is safer and easier than trying to take out heavy items. There is a risk of serious injuries should heavy items fall on your while trying to retrieve them from the upper cabinets. Hair and head gears: You should cover your head with a clean covering like a hairnet, bandana, ball cap or chef’s hat when dealing with food, especially if your hair is loose. If your hair is long, tie it back, and then use a clean …

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How to Clean and Maintain your Oven

Indisputably, every homeowner has to make sure their oven is in good shape at all times. This way, they can boost their efficiency and longevity. There are different types of ovens and the type of oven you have in your home may cause a slight variation in how you clean and maintain your oven. Today, you can use a broad spectrum of cleaning and maintenance techniques to clean and maintain your oven. Let’s look at some of these techniques in this article. How do you clean your oven? Daily oven cleaning Suppose you use your oven daily, ensure to get rid of all food particles that may have fallen inside the oven. So, use a clean wet cloth to wipe off any spills or food particles after every use. Make sure you do this when the oven is off. Also, don’t start wiping the oven immediately you switch it off. Allow it cool first. Otherwise, you can burn yourself. Check for any signs of spills on the rack, doors, and corners of the oven. Note that spills in your oven can catch fire when left for a long time. Also, food particles can lead to stains on your oven surfaces. So, always get rid of any spills after using your oven. Deep cleaning your oven Aside from the oven’s regular cleaning, it is advisable to conduct a deep cleaning oven procedure at least five times a year. Needless to say, it depends on how frequently you use your oven. If you use your oven often, you might have to conduct more deep cleaning procedures annually. When deep cleaning your oven, the first step would be to carefully pull out all the removable components in the oven except the knob. Then, please place them in warm soapy water for about ten to fifteen minutes. Ensure that you gently clean the oven racks using a suitable kitchen brush. Get rid of any stuck food particles in the rack. Once you finish cleaning the oven racks, use appropriate oven cleaning products to scrub the surfaces gently. Afterward, rinse the oven. Ensure that you place the cleaning chemicals away from the burners. Some of them might be inflammable. The best thing to do would be to check the guidelines for use indicated on the cleaning product. What is the best way to maintain your oven? Besides the every day cleaning and the occasional deep cleaning of your oven, there are various tested and tried maintenance tips for ovens that will ensure your oven serves you for many years thus giving you real value for money. Avoid pulling out the knobs of the oven Even though your oven knobs are removable, avoid removing it during cleaning procedures. Oven knobs are directly connected to the primary functioning system of the oven. So, removing them would only interfere with the efficiency of the oven. Wipe them while they are still attached to the oven. Electric experts report that removing oven knobs to clean them increases the risk …

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How to Ensure your Water is Safe for Consumption

Water Filters

It is becoming more and more common for people to question the benefits water from the tap has over that which is bottled as awareness of the ecological effects of plastic grows. Some might be curious about the relative merits of the two options in terms of safety or flavor. It’s also worth noting that there are many additional considerations to take into account when selecting between bottled and water from the tap for your family. The advantages and disadvantages of tap water and bottled water will be discussed in greater detail in the following paragraphs. Advantages and drawbacks of tap water Factors to keep in mind while deciding between these two include its safety, cost, flavor, and environmental impact. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to using tap water. Safety United States has the safest drinking water globally. In the United States, tap water passes through a lot of tests more frequently than bottled water. The EPA is in charge of determining the permissible levels of pollutants in groundwater and tap water and enforcing those limits. Microorganisms and chemicals are two examples of this. As a result of the Safe Drinking Water Act, these requirements are legally mandated. Federal legislation mandates that water corporations warn the public if there is a safety issue with the water supply. According to the Environmental Working Group, the EPA’s work is to set standards when it comes to tap water. However, regulations doesn’t apply to all toxins. Contaminant level restrictions have been fixed for more than two decades. Convenience and cost It’s easy and cheap to get your water from the tap. Drinking water that is safe and refreshing is as simple as turning on a faucet. You may get free tap water at public drinking fountains and restaurants as well. Once you invest in a reusable water bottle, you can save lots of money while ensuring you are drinking water from an established source. Effects on the environment Companies that provide public water treatment use a variety of techniques and chemicals to keep it free of contaminants. The water is then pumped into storage tanks for later use. People are also more inclined to wash their glasses after drinking water, either in the dishwasher or by hand. Each of these phases uses chemicals and energy that effect the environment. But according to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), consuming tap water has a much smaller effect on the environment compared to buying bottled water. Because there is no packaging to dispose of, there is no need for recycling centers or landfills. Contaminants in the Water Supply System Breaks in the water line can cause contamination of your tap water. But one of the most common causes of contamination is lead. A whopping 8 percent of lead is present in even so-called “lead-free” pipes! You should only use cold tap water for things like making baby formula, cooking, and drinking. You should let the water run for a minute before using it to …

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How to Clean and Maintain your Vacuum Cleaner

Buying a high-quality vacuum cleaner is an important financial commitment. Maintaining a clean vacuum is important for its effectiveness and longevity. Otherwise, your vacuum cleaner could quickly turn into an expensive nightmare. Instead of waiting until the vacuum stinks to act, take these steps now to help avoid problems from occurring. Steps in Maintenance of Vacuum Cleaners Vacuum Maintenance that isn’t a Pain After a few uses or after cleaning up a larger mess, it’s critical to give your vacuum cleaner a quick “checkup.” Use these simple steps to establish a checklist that you can use each time to ensure the machine is always performing at its best. Empty it on a regular basis Understanding how vacuum cleaners work may help you in proper maintenance of your vacuum cleaner. This is because the knowledge of the basic mechanism will help you to understand those basic dos and don’ts that will ensure your vacuum cleaner remains a reliable work horse. The most common cause of vacuum cleaner issues is continuing to operate the machine with a full dirt canister. Before each use, look at how much dirt has built up before each use. Things go bad, and you need to figure out how to remove the odor from your vacuum cleaner. When you vacuum after the dirt bag or canister is full, the dirt will overflow into the air passage. Excess dirt particles are then discharged back into the atmosphere, obstructing the vacuum cleaner’s smooth circulation. That’s terrible news for the vacuum cleaner as well as your sinuses. Empty your vacuum cleaner’s dirt bag or canister on a regular basis to maintain maximum airflow and suction strength. To make sure that you get a perfect clean every time you use it, the airways will stay clear. Quick Tip: Cleaning the Canister When using a bagless vacuum, you should empty, remove, and properly clean the canister on a regular basis. Get a new dirt bag If you are using a vacuum cleaner with a dirtbag, ensure that you replace it when it’s time. Cleaning the dirt bag isn’t enough, and it will probably get smelly over time as particles build up. Do not wait until the level of dirt reaches its maximum capacity before you empty the dirt bag to extend the amount of time it can operate before it stinks. As a general estimate of how often the dirt bag will need to be emptied, you should empty the bag when the dirt is roughly two-thirds full. Filter cleaning and replacement Filters in the vacuum cleaner help to keep the environment hygienic and clean. There is less suction power when a filter is full. Unwanted dust particles can come back into the air. Remove the filter after a few uses and lightly bang it against the trash can to get as much dirt out as possible. Maintain optimal performance with frequent cleaning and occasional washings with water and a mild detergent for vacuum cleaners with reusable filters. Quick Tip: Don’t reassemble …

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Best Slow Cookers Product Review and Buyers Guide

  The best slow cookers, also called crock-pots, are electrical kitchen appliances that you place on the kitchen countertop for simmering food items at low temperatures than baking, frying, broiling. This item is a great convenience for pot roasts, soups, stews, chili, and other delicious meals like desserts. Lately, a slow cooker has been making a comeback to house kitchens to help save you time in your busy schedule. A slow cooker is a beautiful, user-friendly, and practical kitchen appliance. The programmable slow cooker saves time, which allows you to do other things in the house as your food cooks slowly. These appliances are affordable but there are more costly versions based on your preferred features. A slow cooker offers convenience for those who want home-cooked food but are busy. These small slow cookers have advanced over the years to feature more elegant designs and timers; however, their functionality has stayed the same. Considerations when looking for the best slow cooker Heat settings Many slow cookers feature low, medium, and high settings, and some can feature a ‘keep warm’ mode. You can find some with constant adjustable power, and some don’t have controls for temperature with continuous heat to the meals inside. Size You can find different sizes of slow cookers on the market in 17 ounces to 7.5 quarts and up. Many come with a liquid recommendation, and you cannot fill them entirely to the top using fluids. This has to do with heat control. Benefits of Slow Cookers Flavour retention You can use cheap cuts of meat like sirloin, chuck, and other roasts of pork and beef for tenderer stewing and cooking with the best flavor. The meals will rarely burn, and if not overdone, veggies retain their flavor. Cooking slowly is easy It is easy to cook as you just need to layer in the food. After that, set your cooker for the time you need, and the food will be ready for eating in no time. Cost Slow cookers amazon products costs anywhere from 30 to 200 dollars based on the material, size, and features. You may spend a lot more on convection ovens, broilers, and toaster ovens. Health-conscious Most people would like to prepare “real” homemade food, saving time and money with the advantages of minerals and vitamins. Forget about adding oils, fats, or butter that are harmful to your body. Remove the fat from the chicken and meat before you use it. The food won’t taste oily, and the individual savors of garlic, celery, carrots, onions, and other vegetables will taste great. Saves energy Are you aware that a 250W model can save you money when not firing the oven that uses 4000W of electricity? With this appliance, you can save lots of money. You’ll be able to save another likely 50 percent. In addition, you can save more with the leftovers for your lunch and the children. Cleaning up the slow cooker It is easy to clean this cooker. Just toss the crockpot …

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How to Reduce Smoke when Grilling

The grill is one of the most commonly used cookers at homes. It cooks a variety of meals and is useful in preparing meals during celebrations or family gatherings. There are three types of grills, depending on their source of heat that is electric grills, charcoal grills, and gas grills. Smoking from grills is a normal part of the cooking process. However, too much smoke is unpleasant, especially when you have visitors over dinner. Excessive smoke when combined with the flavor of the meal will interfere with the taste of the food and may result a horrible tasting meal. Color of smoke Just as smoke was a traditional means of communication, the color of smoke from a grill can indicate different things. This is one factor that is often ignored and can change your grilling experience. White smoke means that the grilling of food is accurate, and that is the natural smoke from the grilling process. This is no cause for concern. On the other hand, black smoke means that the grills require some adjustments. In such a situation, open the lid and transfer the meal to the indirect area on the grill. Afterwards, minimize the inside heat. On a gas grill, turn the knobs to medium or low temperature while on a charcoal grill, close the vents. Why is your grill smoking? Manufacturers Coating: It is normal for a new grill to emit smoke. That is why manufacturers advise that you heat your brand-new oven for a few minutes to eliminate that smoke before using it. Food remains: This is the most common reason for smoking in grills. This may be from fallen food or overflowing liquid while preparing the previous meal. Burning and accumulation of cooking oil will produce smoke when subjected to high heat. Cleaning products residue: Residue from cleaning chemicals is also a reason why your grill is smoking. Burning such cleaning agents can produce harmful smoke with an awful odor. High pressure: This is common in gas grills. High gas pressure increases the heating flames, which in turn causes the production of smoke. This is one of the possibilities that you should look into if your grill is smoking. Type of Coal: This is specific to charcoal grills. Some charcoals smoke more than others and especially if the charcoal is moist. Furthermore, grilling before the coal heats and turns to gray will cause smoke emission. A broken piece in the grill: This occurs mostly in electric grills. When there is a broken heating piece in a grill, electric heat causes a shot in the grill, hence producing smoke. To test this, switch off the oven and switch it on again and leave it for a few minutes to check if there will be a red glow on the grill. How to clean your grill to reduce smoking A dirty grill is a hazardous fire risk. All that grime buildup and accumulated grease can cause unpleasant flare-ups, even full-blown infernos. Apart from being a danger to …

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