MANILA, Philippines -- A professional workstation needs to be in tip top shape all the time. The space has to be clean, organized and free of any kind of clutter and mess. Be it an artist's studio, a doctor's clinic, an architect's drawing table, or a chef's kitchen, staying clutter-free is crucial in getting the job done.
"The most important part of being in the kitchen is keeping it clean. You can get all sorts of bacteria that cause unhealthy stuff from having a dirty kitchen and you wouldn't want that," shares Niño Laus, executive chef of Robot Restaurant & Lounge and owner of Ninyo Fusion Cuisines.
Here are some simple tips to keep your kitchen clean.
• Clean as you go
"Number one rule in the kitchen of course is clean whenever you go," Chef Laus says. Clearly the most important rule to uphold in order to keep the kitchen clean is to pick up or clean up. Observing this discipline avoids the chances of mess buildup in and around the cooking area.
• Stay organized
Organization is key to a tidy workplace. If tools, utensils and appliances are properly stationed, a significant amount of mess can be avoided. Aside from keeping things neat, staying organized also saves you a lot of time because of the accessibility of the implements around. "If everything is organized, you won't be messy with your stuff and with what you're doing," Chef Laus shares.
• Keep surfaces clutter free
Nothing's more of an eye sore than loose clutter around the kitchen. From counter tops all the way to the kitchen floor, it's important to keep surfaces pristine as this adds to the appeal of the kitchen. Identify places where litters tend to build up and consciously put in effort to clean it regularly.
• Regularly replace "microbe
magnets"
Constant hazards present in every kitchen are microbe magnets such as overused cleaning materials as well as over-flowing trash bins. Although implements like rags and sponges appear clean, they are the things most likely to accumulate microbes while an over-flowing trash bin may attract all sorts of parasites and pests. Regularly replace these implements in order to keep the kitchen clean and odor free.
• Rinse after use
To avoid nasty grease and grime to build up on pots, pans and utensils, always make it a point to rinse everything immediately after use. The simple act of pouring warm water on used implements can save you from the hassle of dealing with unwanted filth later on.
• Last resort
If the mess does unavoidably build up, there are still ways to resuscitate a contaminated kitchen. Cleaning agents like the new Cif Cream Surface Cleaner are already in the market to provide that quick cleaning fix needed to wrestle with tough all around jobs. "If you neglect the mess around you it will accumulate. Oil, sugar and soy sauce solidify and they become harder to clean and we have brands like Cif to help us out with that," Chef Laus says.
Keeping the kitchen spotless may just be a simple act of tidying up one part of the house. However, the benefits of having a well maintained cooking area can ultimately equate to a healthier lifestyle.
