Clean your stove and oven after use. Debris on burners or in the oven can catch fire, especially grease and fat. Wait until they have cooled, however; do not wipe a burner while it is still on or hot. Clean up spills. Liquids on the floor can cause you to slip and fall. If you can’t clean it up right away, throw a towel onto the spot to remind you to get to it as soon as you can. [2] X Research source
This also includes other items, such as cook books, homework, and paper. Not only can they get dirty, but they can create a fire hazard if they are too close to the stove.
How often you do this depends on how often you use your knives; the more often you use them, the more often you will have to sharpen them. Make sure the sharpener you use is meant for the blade material of your knife. Ceramic knives have different style sharpeners than other metal blades.
How often you do this depends on how often you use your knives; the more often you use them, the more often you will have to sharpen them. Make sure the sharpener you use is meant for the blade material of your knife. Ceramic knives have different style sharpeners than other metal blades.
Put heavy equipment on lower shelves. You don’t want to worry about them falling down or breaking your shelves. [6] X Research source
Clean up any broken glass immediately. Carefully sweep up the larger pieces, then vacuum to floor to pick up any finer pieces. You should also be careful with other breakable cookware, such as ceramic casserole dishes or china plates.
Have this item in an easy-to-reach area, such as a kitchen drawer or cabinet. You don’t want to have to dig for this kit. If you have children, make sure that they know where to find the kit and how to use it.
You can multitask, as long as you stay in the kitchen. For example, if you are baking a cake, you can prepare the frosting while the cake bakes.
For example, if you are making icing while your cookies is in the oven, check on the cookies to make sure that they don’t burn.
Change the rules as your children grow older and more responsible. For example, a toddler may get in the way while you’re cooking, but a teen can help you out.
Some stores and online shops sell special sleeves that you can wear over your arms while frying food. Keep your hair pulled back. Not only is this more sanitary, but you also don’t want your hair to get in the way as you cook.
Handle large pots with care. They are heavy, so carry them with both hands. If you can’t move it on your own, ask someone to help you.
If you have young children or nosey pets, you may even want to cook on the back burners whenever possible. Keep lids near to pots and pans in use. If you have a fire, turn the stove off and cover the fire with the lid. Don’t use glass lids to put out fires, however, or they may break. [12] X Research source
Make sure your mitts are dry and still have their insulation before using. If they are wet or worn out, you can easily burn your hands. [14] X Research source You should use mitts whenever taking something out of the oven. You should also use them if your pot or pan doesn’t have an insulated handle, such as a cast-iron skillet.
If the pot is very heavy, use a colander to ensure that both of your hands are free. Set the colander into the sink, then use both hands to handle the pot.
Some liquids may also be flammable, especially household cleaners. If the packaging tells you to keep the product away from heat, move it away from the stove.
Never put anything that is made from metal into a microwave. This includes dishes with metallic designs. Make sure that whatever you put into the microwave is heat-safe. Some plastics may melt, while some thin glass may shatter.
Get creative with your storage. Make use of storage racks and holders that go on the inside of cabinet doors. If you have items you seldom use sitting on the counter, put them away into your pantry, garage, or cabinet.
Make sure your lighting fixtures don’t produce glare or shadows.
Choose a material that is easy to keep clean, such as linoleum.
Consider getting a filter installed on your faucet. This won’t affect the temperature, but it will make it safer to drink.
Make sure you read the instructions when you buy the extinguisher. Don’t wait until you have a fire in the kitchen before you read the instruction on how to use it. You can use baking soda to put out a small fire. A metal lid may also work. [22] X Research source
