Kitchen

Refrigerator - Mold

Mold can be found on old food, spilled or forgotten in the refrigerator.

• Clean out the refrigerator often to avoid mold.

• Throw away old food.

• Wipe refrigerator shelves, walls, inside and under drawers with a damp, soapy cloth.

• Check drip pans under the refrigerator for standing water and mold. Drain any water and wipe with a damp, soapy cloth.

Gas Stove & Oven – Nitrogen Dioxide & Pests

Gas stoves and ovens not vented correctly can release the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide into the kitchen. Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath. Food crumbs and spilled liquids on and under stoves and oven can attract pests.

• Make sure your gas stove and oven is in good working order and vented directly outside. If the gas stove and oven is not vented outside, open a window when cooking. A fan in the window can help vent gases.

• Use the exhaust hood when cooking.

• Do not use a gas stove or oven for heat.

• Clean stove range after use and under the stove and inside the oven often to prevent pests.

Exhaust Hood - Mold & Nitrogen Dioxide

Exhaust hoods will vent smoke, steam and gases outside. Steam from cooking can make the air humid and kitchen surfaces damp, which helps mold grow. Gas stoves and ovens not vented correctly can release the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide into the kitchen. Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath.

• Use exhaust hoods to vent humid air, smoke and gases when cooking.

• The exhaust vent should lead directly outside. If it does not vent outside, open the closest window when cooking. A fan in the window can help vent humid air, smoke and gases outside.

• Clean the exhaust screen often.

Cooking - Strong Odors

Cooking foods, like frying, can produce strong odors. Strong odors and smoke can irritate the lungs.

• Use the exhaust vent when cooking.

• Be sure the exhaust vents directly outside.

• If the exhaust vent does not vent outside, open the closest window. A fan in the window can help vent odors outside.

• Clean the exhaust screen often.

Dirty Dishes - Pests

Dirty dishes and standing water attract pests like cockroaches.

• Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink.

• Clean all food crumbs and spilled liquids right away.

• Wipe off counters and sinks daily with a damp, soapy cloth.

• If you suspect pests, use monitoring (sticky) traps or baits to locate pests.

Open Cereal Box - Pests

Food left out can attract pests like cockroaches.

• Keep the kitchen clean by sealing containers and putting away food after use. Use plastic or glass containers that seal for food storage if you suspect pests.

• Clean all food crumbs and spilled liquids right away.

• Wipe off counters and sinks daily with a damp, soapy cloth.

• If you suspect pests, use monitoring (sticky) traps or baits to locate pests.

Trash Can - Pests

Uncovered trash cans are a good source of food for pests, like cockroaches and mice.

• Take out the trash often. Do not allow trash to overflow.

• Use strong trash bags that resist breaking and a trash can with a lid to seal out pests.

• Pick-up garbage, food crumbs and clean liquid spills around the trash can and kitchen floor daily. Sweep and mop often.

• If you suspect pests, use monitoring (sticky) traps or baits to locate pests.

Cabinets - Strong Odors, Mold & Pests

Cleaning supplies, often kept under the sink, can give off strong odors that may irritate the lungs. Leaking drain pipes under the sink can attract pests and may cause mold to grow.

• Choose cleaning supplies that are labeled “non-toxic.”

• Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners. Use a damp, soapy cloth instead.

• Use exhaust fans or open windows when using cleaners with strong odors.

• Check drain pipes under sink for leaks. Fix leaks and wipe off moisture and any mold with a damp, soapy cloth. Replace any water damaged wood.

Window Screen - Pests

Window screens help keep pests out of the house.

• Be sure there are screens in all windows.

• Screens should be in good condition. Repair or replace damaged screens.