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Checkered, plain, small or big, no matter what your kitchen towels look like, you know you have to have at least two to call your kitchen a fully functional one. In fact, ask any home cook who takes pride in their kitchen and they will tell you that it doesn’t matter how many kitchen appliances and gadgets you have if you don’t have properly demarcated kitchen towels to maintain the space. In Indian homes, kitchen towels are a must for a variety of needs ranging from a cloth you place hot rotis in to the one you use to clean the stove.
But what often happens is that while we do get plenty of kitchen towels to stock the kitchen, we make certain mistakes while using them that can later cause our health and our food a lot of harm. Kitchen towels come into contact with various food items, utensils, and surfaces in the kitchen. If the towels are not clean, they can harbor bacteria, cross-contaminating different food items and leading to foodborne illnesses. Clean towels help maintain proper hygiene in the kitchen and minimize the risk of food contamination.
But while cleanliness is a major concern, it is by no means the only one. Damp or dirty kitchen towels can develop unpleasant odors and provide an environment conducive to the growth of mold and bacteria. Kitchen towels can transfer bacteria from one surface to another if they are not properly cleaned. For example, using a towel to wipe raw meat juices and then using the same towel to dry hands or utensils can spread harmful bacteria.
Video Credit: YouTube/Delicious Food
Want to avoid all of these issues and maintain both hygiene and cleanliness while using kitchen towels? Here are a few tips that will certainly help.
Keep Separate Towels
Designate different towels for different purposes in the kitchen. Have separate towels for drying dishes, wiping countertops, and handling hot cookware. This helps prevent cross-contamination and maintains cleanliness. To maintain order, you can also store them in separate areas of the kitchen so they don’t get mixed up.
Wash Regularly
Kitchen towels can harbor bacteria and food particles, so it's crucial to wash them regularly. Aim to wash them at least once a week, or more frequently if they become heavily soiled. Don’t kid yourself that a bit of dirt or dampness doesn’t matter and put off the washing. Also, it is recommended that you don’t wash towels used for different purposes together.
No Towels For Hot Surfaces
This is a common mistake people, especially women in a hurry, make in Indian kitchens. Do not use kitchen towels to handle hot pots, pans, or dishes. They can retain heat and cause burns. Instead, use oven mitts, kitchen pincers or potholders designed for handling hot objects.
Use Clean Towels
This is a daily habit that must be maintained for your safety as well as that of the food you are cooking and the family you are feeding. Always start with a clean kitchen towel. Using a dirty or previously used towel can spread bacteria and contaminants. Replace towels when they become visibly soiled or odorous.
Properly Store Towels
As mentioned before, storing clean towels for separate usages is very important. Store clean towels in a dry and well-ventilated area. Hanging them to dry after use helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to bacterial growth. Avoid leaving damp towels in a pile, as it promotes bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.
Opt Disposable For Certain Tasks
Using cloth kitchen towels for all your cooking, prepping and cleaning needs is definitely more environment-friendly and sustainable, but for some tasks, disposable towels are more well-suited. For handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood, it's best to use disposable paper towels instead of reusable kitchen towels. This helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
We are sure your mother reminds you of this one, so we will too. Be mindful of using the same kitchen towel for different tasks without washing it in between. For example, don't wipe your hands on the same towel you used to wipe countertops. This helps prevent the transfer of bacteria from one surface to another.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your kitchen towels are used effectively and contribute to maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen environment.
