Rule 1: Separate Raw and Cooked Foods
Keep raw meat, chicken and fish away from vegetables, fruit, bread and cooked dishes. Prepare them on different boards and, ideally, different parts of the counter. Wash hands between tasks.
Rule 2: Use Dedicated Utensils
Keep separate knives and boards for meat and for produce. Colour-coding makes the system easy for everyone in the household, including cooks and helpers.
Rule 3: Clean Tableware Properly
Wash dishes promptly in hot soapy water and let them dry on racks rather than wiping with damp cloths, which spread bacteria. Replace kitchen cloths frequently.
Rule 4: Keep an Organised System
Label containers, store spices and dals in sealed jars, and keep counters clear so they can be wiped quickly. Clutter hides crumbs that attract ants and cockroaches.
Rule 5: Maintain Cooking Appliances
Clean the stove top after cooking and wash exhaust hood filters regularly. Grease build-up attracts insects and can be a fire risk.
Rule 6: Refrigerate Correctly
Keep the fridge at or below 5°C. Store raw meat covered on the lowest shelf so juices cannot drip onto other foods. Do not overload the fridge, especially during summer power cuts.
Rule 7: Look After Sinks and Drains
Use a double sink if possible — one bowl for meat, one for vegetables and dishes. Clean drains and sink strainers regularly to prevent odours and pests.
Choosing Hygienic Countertops
The countertop is where most food preparation happens, so its surface matters:
- Quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing — one of the most hygienic choices.
- Porcelain slabs are non-porous and heat-resistant.
- Dark granite has low porosity and is very hygienic when sealed and cleaned properly.
- Marble is beautiful but porous and acid-sensitive; keep it for baking and serving areas.
- Avoid wood and unsealed porous surfaces in raw-meat areas.
A Simple Cleaning Routine
Wipe counters with warm soapy water after each meal, rinse and dry. After handling raw meat, wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol and leave it for a minute before wiping dry.
Get a Free Quote from FB Marble
Send a simple sketch with measurements on WhatsApp (+92 323 4148908) and we will reply with the best rate, usually within hours. You are welcome to visit our Lahore showroom on Bedian Road to see the stone in person. More guides and products are available at fbmarble.com.
