An outdoor kitchen is a great investment. You can install one to the side of any entertaining area, allowing easy access. It’s a popular choice as you’ll still be part of the conversation, anyone can join you in the kitchen, and you don’t need to worry about whether they make a mess or not.
However, because it is outside there will be hygiene concerns. It is much easier for a variety of pests to get into an outside kitchen and leave bacteria behind. Fortunately, you can prevent this by maintaining a sanitary outdoor kitchen.
Get It Cleaned
Unless the kitchen is brand new there will be some dirt and bacteria on it. Before you start your cleaning maintenance schedule you should get the experts in commercial cleaning services to clean the outside kitchen for you. This will ensure you’re starting from a good hygiene point.
It’s worth getting it professionally cleaned once a year, just before you start using it again, this will make it easier to keep it clean throughout the summer months.
Make Sure It’s Stainless Steel
Stainless steel doesn’t rust, making it the best choice for an outside kitchen. Perhaps, more importantly, is that most bacteria can’t survive long on metal surfaces, and they are much easier to clean. That makes it easier to keep your outdoor kitchen hygienically clean.
Wipe After Every Use
When you have finished using your outdoor kitchen it’s important that you wipe it down straight away. Because you’re outside you can brush all the food debris onto the floor and then sweep it up. The surfaces should be wiped with a clean cloth and some warm soapy water.
You can then go over them a second time with a disinfectant spray.
It’s also a good idea to wipe the surfaces over again before you next use it. This will ensure they are clean and bacteria free when you start cooking.
Seal Items
If the outdoor kitchen has cupboards, then make sure they seal shut and there are no holes where pests can get in. This allows you to safely keep pots and plates in the cupboards, ready for use.
However, even if the doors are sealed shut, it’s advisable to put any food in your outdoor kitchen in sealed plastic containers. They reduce the smell and make it difficult for pests to contaminate or eat them.
Check Regularly
Finally, even if you are using it daily and adhering to a strict cleaning schedule, it’s important to visually inspect the kitchen at least once a week. If you don’t you may fail to notice when pests have managed to enter and set up a home. You’ll have to eliminate them immediately but remember that pesticides are not a good idea as you eat off the plates and pans.
If you have pests and are struggling to get rid of them then call for professional help. They have all the right equipment and will know what to do.
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