Having the right equipment can make cooking a breeze. This means items that can function correctly and safely, of course, because the kitchen can be a dangerous room in some cases.
However, not all of these dangers are uncontrollable. In fact, neglecting to care for kitchen items can cause them to become more hazardous to use.
If you do own a kitchen or even have kitchen items that you are responsible for, then it is important to clean and maintain them. Some items are commonly neglected, as shown in this post. To learn more, including how to care for them properly, keep reading.

Can Openers
One of the most overlooked kitchen appliances is the can opener. While this is used quite often to open cans and tins, very few people understand the level of care this item requires.
After all, it can come into contact with the contents of the can, which means there is the possibility of foodborne illnesses. Not only that, but can openers can become dull and rusty over time.
To prevent these issues from occurring, it is vital to clean the can opener regularly. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella.
If you have a manual can opener, this should be cleaned after each use. It is also important to dry the can opener thoroughly after cleaning to prevent rust from forming.
Rust could reduce how long the can opener functions, so removing excess moisture is advised.
Keeping the can opener clean and dry will reduce the chance of certain issues, but you should maintain the appliance, too. This means using mineral oil to lubricate gears, which will ensure they function correctly and last longer.
Knives
While some people might be surprised to learn that dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones, this is the truth.
It is also why individuals should look after their kitchen knives long-term, especially if they are fond of chopping and slicing foods for cooking. The edge of the blade will become worn after so long with continued use.
This dull knife will then require more pressure to cut through meats and vegetables, which could result in the person slipping and injuring themselves.
Caring for the kitchen knives correctly is the best way to stop accidents from happening. It will ensure the knives remain in good condition, too.
To do this, you must clean the blade immediately after use with lukewarm water and mild soap, then dry it completely. Knives should also be stored properly, such as in a knife block or on a magnetic rack, to avoid accidental cuts and protect the blades.
However, if you do use your kitchen knives regularly, then you might need to sharpen them frequently as well. You can do this using a knife sharpener or whetstone.
These items remove tiny pieces of metal from the blade to hone the edge and maintain its sharpness.
Chopping Boards
The final kitchen item on this list that is commonly neglected is the chopping board. Chopping boards are often used when preparing ingredients and meals, meaning they will come into contact with foods regularly.
Just like the can opener, this means they can be surfaces for bacteria growth, which could lead to food poisoning in some cases.
Avoiding foodborne illnesses from this kitchen item is easy, but it will require you to clean and maintain the chopping board.
It is important to hand dry your chopping board with warm, soapy water and a cloth; do not use a dishwasher. The chopping board should then be rinsed and left to air dry.
Regular oiling with beeswax or food-grade mineral oil is also needed to prevent cracking and warping if you use a wooden chopping board.
To conclude, there are numerous kitchen items that are often neglected and overlooked in households across the country. This can lead to a variety of issues, with some having the potential to cause sickness.
With this in mind, it is important to clean and maintain all kitchen appliances and tools, including the three listed in this post.