How to Guides

How to Maximize Kitchen Safety

A large part of a child’s formative years are spent in the kitchen. Whether the child is doing homework at the kitchen table or partaking in a wholesome meal that will keep him strong and healthy, the kitchen has become a vital place for a child’s growth and development. Accordingly, kitchen safety should be a priority in kitchen remodeling plans and in evaluating existing workspaces. Kitchen accessories can easily transform a kitchen from a danger zone into a safe haven for both children and adults. Installing these products in your home will help to maximize kitchen safety while enabling you to enjoy its beauty and functionality to the fullest extent.

Magnetic Locks- Magnetic locks are the easiest way to ensure that dangerous and toxic substances are kept out of the reach of children. According to a study done by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, an estimated one in five children will be exposed to a toxic substance before they reach the age of five. Keeping kitchen cabinets locked securely is a simple way to prevent children from accessing harmful chemicals and solvents that could cause a devastating tragedy. Likewise, locking kitchen drawers will help to prevent children from reaching in and grabbing sharp or jagged objects that can cause serious injuries.

Many conventional cabinet locks require cabinet doors and drawers to open slightly to release the lock , thereby creating the possibility that little fingers will get jammed in the small opening. Magnetic cabinet locks, in contrast, open effortlessly from the outside of the cabinet and do not allow the doors to open slightly, thereby preventing additional kitchen catastrophes.

Towel Bars- According to the New York State Department of State, the stove is the #1 fire hazard in every kitchen. Gas ranges are particularly dangerous because their open flames can easily catch onto loose fibers and spark a fire. Electrical stovetops pose a hidden- but equally serious- danger; they stay hot for extended periods of time and can cause burns or fires when they come in contact with clothing, potholders and kitchen towels. The answer to these safety concerns is a towel bar. By installing a pullout towel bar underneath your sink or inside a cabinet, you will ensure that your towels are not directly adjacent to your stove or oven You will create a convenient location for your towels while placing them a safe distance away from your stovetop and oven.

Wood Cutting Boards- Even the most experienced chef can injure himself accidentally during the course of food preparation. Minimize the risk of dangerous or painful cuts by cutting on a wood cutting board. In contrast to glass cutting boards whose slick surfaces often cause knives to slip and slide, wood cutting boards provide a softer surface that absorbs every cut and prevents dangerous slips.

At times, people have suggested that wood cutting boards are less sanitary than their synthetic counterparts because their porous surfaces retain bacteria. However, several studies indicate that this may not be the case. Researchers found that bacteria located on wood surfaces dies more quickly than the same bacteria on plastic surfaces. Thus, wood cutting boards may actually be more sanitary than plastic cutting boards. Additionally, a study performed by the Food and Drug Administration revealed that with proper cleaning, it is easy to dislodge bacteria from the grooves of a wood cutting board. According to the University of Arizona, the most efficient way to clean wood cutting boards is to wash them with hot, soapy water and a scrubbing brush. Both wood and plastic cutting boards should be sanitized frequently by soaking them in a mixture of one part vinegar and five parts water. This will kill any bacteria that may exist on both types of cutting boards.

Pullout Trash Cans- A final way to create a safer kitchen environment with a practical and efficient kitchen accessory is by installing a pullout trash can. Pullout trash cans allow your trash can- and the germs that build up inside it- to remain out of the reach of children and pets. This creates added safety, as children and pets are likely to spread the germs around or to accidentally ingest them. Pullout trash cans without covers also facilitate hand-free, easy access to the bins, thus preventing exposure to germs and unnecessary illnesses. . Using a pullout trash can is one easy way to prevent the spread of germs commonly found in the kitchen; this will, undoubtedly, help to keep youand your family healthier throughout the year.