The kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home, but it can also be a place where several safety hazards lurk. To protect yourself and your family, avoid doing these five things in your kitchen.
Don’t store flammable items near the stove: Keep items like flour, lighters, plastic bags, and other flammable materials away from the gas stove. In a moment of distraction, these items could easily catch fire and cause an explosion, endangering your life and property.
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Always store flour in airtight containers after use, and maintain a safe distance between flammable items and the stove. This includes cooking oil, lighters, and plastic bags.
Avoid repeatedly igniting the stove: It’s not uncommon for gas stoves to sometimes fail to ignite. However, repeatedly trying to ignite the stove by continuously pressing the ignition button is not a safe practice. Doing so can release gas into the air, and if ignition eventually occurs, it could lead to a fire or explosion.
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Instead, check the gas valve to ensure it’s open, confirm that the gas tank is not empty, and inspect the ignition wire for any damage or blockages. Also, clean the gas outlet if it appears dirty.
Keep electrical appliances away from moisture: The kitchen is home to numerous electrical appliances, from rice cookers and microwaves to ovens and more. Always use these appliances in dry areas, as moisture can cause electrical shorts or leaks, reducing their lifespan and potentially leading to fires.
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Even when not in use, store electrical appliances in dry areas to prevent moisture damage and maintain their longevity.
Never put a raw egg in the microwave: While microwaves are convenient for reheating various foods, they are not suitable for cooking raw eggs. Putting a raw egg in the microwave can cause the shell to explode, creating a mess and potentially starting a fire. Other items to avoid putting in the microwave include metal objects, heat-sensitive materials, aluminum foil, and shellfish.
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Don’t leave the kitchen dirty after cooking: A clean and tidy kitchen is essential for hygiene and pest control. Leaving the kitchen dirty after cooking provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and insects like cockroaches, ants, and mice to infest. Food prepared in an unclean kitchen is more likely to be contaminated, posing health risks.
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Develop the habit of cleaning the kitchen immediately after cooking to prevent the buildup of grease and grime, which can be challenging to remove over time.
5 Things You Should Never Place Near Your Stove, No Matter What
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a dangerous place if not used safely. Many families have a bad habit of convenience, often keeping small utensils close to the stove without realizing the potential hazard. It’s time to break this harmful habit and create a safer kitchen environment. By being mindful of where we place items and taking extra precautions, we can enjoy our cooking experiences without putting ourselves at risk.