Work, school, family life – it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. It’s no wonder so many people are tired at the end of the day – they’re just isn’t enough time!
How To Avoid Accidents in the Kitchen
Add something new into the mix – like learning how to cook, or simply using new appliances in the kitchen – and it can be all too easy to feel overwhelmed. However, it’s always important to keep some safety tips in mind, no matter how much you have on your plate, in order to avoid accidents in the kitchen.
1. The Microwave
No one can argue the convenience of microwaves – you can cook pretty much anything in it, reheat foods and drinks, and not to mention how much time you can save by using one! However, there are some general guidelines you need to follow in order to make sure you’re using it safely.
In general, you should never put metal things into a microwave since that can cause sparks and even a fire. That said, putting certain things like a Yeti cup into the microwave is perfectly fine as long as you take care not to touch the metal parts with your bare hands. In addition, when heating something up, it’s important to remember that lids will save you a lot of time on clean-up, but you should avoid airtight containers.
It’s always best to look up how you can use your favorite mugs, bowls, and another crockery before you put them into the microwave, just in case.
2. Knives And Cutting Boards
Where does one begin with knives and cutting boards? Learning how to use them properly is a huge step towards keeping your kitchen safe. The first thing to remember here is that a sharp knife is a safe knife – even though that might seem counterintuitive at first. Using a blunt knife makes it much more likely that you’ll lose control over your movements when cutting things, and that can lead to accidents.
As for the cutting board, make sure to place a damp towel under it in order to keep it from slipping. Other than that, it’s a good idea to choose a cutting board that has a grip on it so that you don’t need to worry about it moving around as you cut.
Of course, there’s hygiene to think about as well. Plastic cutting boards can be washed in a dishwasher, but wood cutting boards need to be cleaned by hand. On the other hand, plastic boards blunt knife edges faster than wooden ones.
3. Cooking And Stovetops
While stovetops are at the forefront of most kitchens, there are still some safety tips to keep in mind when using them. For starters, always make sure that you’ve turned the burner off once you’ve finished using it.
A good way to remember things like this is to say it out loud – by doing this you’re making sure you’re focused on an otherwise menial task, and that can ensure that there are no kitchen fires to worry about. Other than that, it’s always a good idea not to use pans that are too big or too small for the burner, and to always use oven mitts when removing the pan from the stove.
What is Your Best Tip to Avoid Accidents in the Kitchen?
A thing to note when cooking, if a few oil drops fall onto a hot burner, that can start a fire. However, the last thing you want to do is pour water over it. Instead, get a wet rag or towel to smother the flames with it.
4. Wiring And Appliances
An important thing to keep in mind is that just because you have room for a new appliance, doesn’t mean that your kitchen can necessarily handle it.
If you live in an older building, or simply aren’t overjoyed by the wiring done in your home, it might not be the best idea to have too many appliances running at once. If lights start flickering, or the appliances that are under warranty seem to break often, that might be a sign that you have subpar electrical installations.
As a temporary solution, you should try and only use one big appliance at a time in order to avoid overloading.
However, more than just a matter of convenience, if this is a situation you find yourself in, it’s important to contact an electrician to see what the problem is, and what the best way to fix it would be. Sometimes it can be something as simple as a fuse, but other times there’s really nothing left to do but replace the wiring.
It’s an old saying that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and this certainly rings true. When you have a kitchen that’s efficient, clean, and safe for your whole family to use, it can help things run much more smoothly.
In addition to following all relevant safety guidelines when cooking, it’s important to be mindful of how other appliances in the house are being used as well.