Lesson 3: Cleaning Up
Parent Guide
Children should learn from the very beginning to clean up as they go. This avoids cross contamination and teaches them proper kitchen cleaning methods. Counters, cutting boards and other kitchen tools should be cleaned as they go. This will avoid cross contamination and when they are done, it is much easier to finish the job. Garbage should be emptied as soon as possible after tossing fresh or uncooked foods into the container.
Always teach children the proper use of bleaches, cleaners, sprays and other cleansers that are used in the kitchen. Most of these are highly toxic. Be aware of what to do should cleaners get into their mouth or eyes. Keep the phone number of the Poison Control Center in your area clearly visible. This can be fastened to the refrigerator with a brightly colored magnet. Teach children that if they run into problems the Poison Control Center can help them. Many children die each year from ingesting kitchen chemicals. Prevent a tragedy. Keep children well informed.
