How clean is our kitchen

There is a saying that to check whether rice is cooked, you have to test only one grain. Similarly a neat and clean kitchen is a  window  through which you can gauge the efficiency of the whole house, the attitude of the people residing in the house and how much they  care about the health and well being of the family. In fact we should maintain  our kitchen as a place of worship.  Our survival,existence   and health depends on the food that we eat. Every one will agree that it is very essential that food is cooked in  neat ,clean  and immaculate surroundings. 
 Some people have a very cluttered, disorganised and a very messy kitchen.  One of the secrets of cooklng tasty and presentable  meal is that it is prepared in a  kitchen which is neat and tidy.

 The question arises how to keep the kitchen clean. We must  remember the following points to keep the kitchen  clean and hygienic.
1.These days most of the people have modular  kitchens. It is easier to maintain them  as compared to traditional  kitchens. The  kitchen  must be kept uncluttered. All lentils, wheat flour, rice ,sugar, masalas etc.  must be kept in  containers. The containers must be placed in the drawers/almirahs. The containers must be cleaned occasionally.
2.The kitchen  counter  must be cleaned  thoroughly after each meal.If milk is spilled while boiling,  a newspaper can be spread on it to soak the milk. Then wipe it with a towel. If raw egg or meat  falls on the shelf, again a paper must be used to dry it. We must ensure that the shelf is always clean. This is the focal point of every kitchen. I read somewhere that some researchers found more bacteria on the kitchen shelf than on the toilet seat. 
3.The napkins, clothes and sponges used for cleaning must be washed in hot water every day'
4. A dustbin with a lid must be available in the kitchen. It must be emptied every day and washed and dried before using it  the next time.

5.  The Kitchen sink  is another place which requires attention. If it is not kept clean it becomes a breeding place for  bacteria, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and flies. We must ensure that the tap is tightly closed and should not be leaking.Leftover food,used tea leaves  etc. must not be thrown in the sink. A variety of sinks like stainless steel, marble, stone and china are available. Whichever sink you have the thumb rule is that the sink  is immaculately clean.
                                                                   

                                                       
6. The knives used for cutting strong smelling things should be separately kept.If we cut onions and garlic and use the same knife for fruits,you will not be able to take them. There should therefore be  different  knives for  different purposes. There are some houses where they have lovely kitchen appliances but awful knives. Invest more on knives.
7.The chopping boards also should be different for cutting meat and vegetables.
8. The utensils  must be washed soon after they are used. If they are not washed immediately ,      they  will start smelling and attract bacteria.
9.Do not overload the refrigerator and  keep the exterior and the interior clean. 
 10.The electric chimney, exhaust fan and water purifier  must be got serviced on regular intervals. 
11.  You must keep soap for washing hands in the kitchen 
12.The kitchen must be  swept and washed every day. 
13.The doors and windows require cleaning regularly so that grease does not deposit on them. 
14.Prepare your food with a pleasant demeanour.  If you are off mood the food will not turn out to be tasty.    
         I read an article on the art of cooking in The Times of India,  dated April 30th, in its regular column, 'The speaking tree' I am quoting a few lines from this article. "While cooking we are so directly, immediately and  blessedly in touch with God's creation, generosity and  blessings...............A spiritual practice usually lays emphasis on  being present, paying close attention to what is happening and growing in caring  and sharing and cooking, like  many simple 'everyday practices' is in this way understood as another beautiful and spiritual practice."    



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