Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen is a popular place for families to gather but it’s also a popular home for bacteria. Most cases of food poisoning are picked up in the home rather than outside it, often as a result of poor food and kitchen hygiene. What can you do to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria?
Here are some areas that need more cleaning care than others.
Hands
Your hands are one of the most frequent causes of cross contamination in the home. When using the kitchen be sure to wash hands before and after preparing food and before eating.
Cloths
Damp cloths allow bacteria to grow quickly, these can be spread throughout the kitchen when cloths or sponges are used elsewhere. Disposable cleaning cloths are ideal or decontaminate by soaking in antiseptic.
Worktops
Worktops and cutting boards can get contaminated with bacteria from raw food, salad or fruit and vegetables. Keep raw and ready to eat food separate, try using different coloured chopping boards for each. All surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected after use, and of course wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
Surfaces
You should clean surfaces regularly as they may be contaminated from contact with dirty hands that have picked up bacteria from raw foods. Consider; taps, internal surfaces of the fridge & freezer, stove, door knobs and drawer handles.
Sinks
Your sink may become contaminated if raw food is rinsed prior to meal preparation, and this applies to rinsing kitchen sponges and cleaning cloths. Sinks and surrounds should be regularly disinfected.
Rubbish
The rubbish bin is a cosy spot for germs to live. Use a bin with a lid to stop access by pets and pests and to reduce odours. Empty, clean and disinfect regularly, not forgetting to clean and disinfect the handles and lids.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.7% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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