Kitchen Safety: 8 Rules We Follow Every Day
Before you touch a single ingredient, you need to know these safety rules. Subal shares the 8 non-negotiable rules of safe cooking for kids.
When we started cooking, the first lesson was not a recipe — it was safety. Our parents were very clear: the kitchen can be dangerous if you are not careful. After two years of cooking, here are the 8 rules we follow every single time.
Rule 1 — Always wash your hands. Before you touch anything, wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. This is the most important rule.
Rule 2 — Ask a grown-up for knives. Even if you are confident, always have an adult nearby when you are using a sharp knife. Use a chopping board, never your hand as a surface.
Rule 3 — Never leave the stove unattended. If you have to leave the kitchen, turn the flame off first. Even for one minute.
Rule 4 — Keep handles turned inward. When a pot or pan is on the stove, always turn the handle sideways so you cannot accidentally knock it off.
Rule 5 — Use dry oven mitts. Wet mitts conduct heat and will burn you. Always use clean, dry mitts when handling hot pots or trays.
Rule 6 — Keep the floor dry. Spills happen — but wipe them up immediately. A slippery floor is an accident waiting to happen.
Rule 7 — Know where the fire extinguisher is. We hope you never need it, but you should always know where it is and how to use it.
Rule 8 — Clean as you go. This is both a safety rule and a life lesson. Clutter on the counter, dirty utensils in the way — these cause accidents. Keep your workspace tidy and cooking becomes both safer and easier.