Avoid catching falling knives
One of the most important rules to follow in the kitchen is to never try to catch a knife that falls. This is a common mistake that many people make, but it can result in serious injury. If a knife falls, step back and let it hit the ground. Once it has fallen, carefully pick it up and inspect it for damage before continuing to use it. Another way to avoid knives falling in the kitchen is by using a knife block. This not only keeps the knives organized and easily accessible, but it also reduces the risk of them falling and causing harm. It is important to keep the knife block on a sturdy surface and make sure that the knives are properly secured within the slots. Key takeaway: Never try to catch a falling knife. Use a knife block to keep your knives organized and minimize the risk of them falling.Say no to adding dry cornstarch or flour into hot water
It is important to avoid adding dry cornstarch or flour into hot water. When these dry ingredients are added to hot water, they can clump up and create lumps in the mixture. This not only affects the taste and texture of the recipe, but it can also cause burns if the mixture splatters onto your skin. To avoid this, always mix the cornstarch or flour with a small amount of cold water before adding it to the hot liquid. This will ensure that it is evenly distributed and does not clump up. Alternatively, you can add the dry ingredient to the cold liquid and heat it up slowly, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Key takeaway: Always mix dry cornstarch or flour with a small amount of cold water before adding it to hot liquid to avoid lumps and burns.Keep away from wet oven mitts when trying to hold hot pots or pans
When it comes to using oven mitts in the kitchen, it is important to keep them dry. Wet oven mitts can not only be ineffective in protecting your hands from heat, but they can also cause burns if they come into contact with hot pots or pans. To avoid this, always make sure that your oven mitts are completely dry before using them to hold hot pots or pans. If they do get wet, make sure to dry them thoroughly before using them again. Alternatively, you can use a clean dish towel to hold hot pots or pans. Key takeaway: Always make sure your oven mitts are dry before using them to hold hot pots or pans to prevent burns.Refrain from placing hot glass dishes on wet surfaces
One of the most common kitchen accidents is when hot glass dishes are placed on wet surfaces, causing them to shatter. To avoid this, always make sure that the surface where you are placing your hot glass dishes is completely dry. Another way to prevent this from happening is by letting your hot dishes cool down before placing them on any surface. If you must place them on a wet surface, use a dry dish towel or silicone mat to prevent any slipping. Key takeaway: Never place hot glass dishes on wet surfaces. Use a dry surface or let the dish cool down before placing it on a surface.Always taste before serving a dish
A common mistake that many cooks make is serving a dish before tasting it. This can lead to embarrassing situations where the dish has not been seasoned properly or has other flaws. To avoid this, always taste your dish before serving it. This not only allows you to adjust the seasoning or other flavors, but it also ensures that the dish is cooked properly and free of any unwanted flavors. Tasting your dish also allows you to make sure that it is not too hot or too cold before serving it to your guests. Key takeaway: Always taste your dish before serving it to ensure that it is properly seasoned and cooked to perfection.Other things to avoid in the kitchen
In addition to the above, there are other things to avoid in the kitchen to ensure your safety:- Leaving pot handles sticking out over the edge of the stove, which can easily be knocked over and cause burns.
- Storing heavy objects on high shelves, which can fall and cause injury.
- Using dull knives, as they require more effort to cut through food and can result in injury.