10.4.3.1: Kitchen Cleaning Tasks

The kitchen should be cleaned after every use. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should encourage family members to do the same.

Kitchen tasks:

• Wash dishes immediately after use
  • Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water using dish detergent.
  • Air dry washed dishes and pots rather than using a dishtowel to save time.
  • If using a dishwasher, learn how to properly use it. Dishwashers can also be used to sterilize items. Some dishwashers require food to be scraped and plates to be rinsed before loading. Many items cannot be washed in a dishwasher, such as electrical appliances, china, crystal, and cast iron. Always check with the patient.
• Put dishes away after they have air dried.
• Clean the kitchen sink and faucet with a scouring or specialty cleaner once per day.
• Wipe and clean surfaces as you work and at least once per day.
• Take out the garbage daily before you leave for the day.
• Sweep the kitchen floor daily and mop at least once per week, or more if needed. Ensure the floor is dry to prevent falls.
• Stove tops should be cleaned with hot soapy water, an all-purpose or a specialty cleaner. Find out the appropriate type of cleaner to use.
• Ovens are cleaned periodically. Some ovens are self-cleaning while others require direct cleaning with a specialty oven cleaner. Be cautious to use rubber gloves and to not inhale oven cleaner as fumes can be toxic. Ensure no children or pets are around when using oven cleaner as ingestion of the cleaner can be deadly.
• Clean out the refrigerator once per week. Discard items that are spoiled. Wipe surfaces of spills and crumbs. Ensure food is properly spaced in the refrigerator to allow good air circulation.
• Wipe the refrigerator door and any spills inside once per day.
• Defrost the freezer when necessary. When defrosting, all food should be removed and stored in a cooler to keep it cool and prevent spoilage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to defrost the specific unit a patient has.
• Clean inside cabinets, drawers, and cupboards once or twice per year, or as needed.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

True or False

1. When using an oven cleaner, make sure you wear gloves and that no pets or children are around as the cleaner can be deadly if ingested.True or False? ______

Multiple Choice

2. How often should counter and stove tops be cleaned?

a). Once per week

b). Twice per week

c). Any time they are dirty and at least once per day

d). That’s not my job!

Answer

1. True

2. C

FEEDBACK:

1. When using an oven cleaner gloves should always be worn. Oven cleaner should never be used when children or pets are around as the fumes and the cleaner may be toxic and could be fatal if ingested.

2. Counter and stove tops should be cleaned any time they are dirty and at least once per day. It is easier to remove spills as soon as they happen than to clean them once they have dried. This will help to save time.