As you embark on your summer RV’ing adventures, don’t forget to make sure that your mobile kitchen is ready to serve you and your family well. Here are some easy and basic tips to help keep you safe and healthy as you travel the open roads.
1. If your RV has not been used for awhile, check the quality dates on canned foods left over from last year. If the canned foods have been exposed to freezing and thawing temperatures over the winter, then discard them.
2. Store your uncooked rice, cereals and pasta in resealable food storage bags or airtight plastic containers to prevent spilling and insect infestation.
3. Make sure all food preparation areas in the RV are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
4. Check the refrigerator. Set the thermostat properly and clean thoroughly before using. To clean, turn controls off, mix a couple tablespoons of baking soda in some warm water and scrub thoroughly. Wipe out with a damp cloth, dry, and turn back on.
5. If your RV has a propane system, turn the refrigerator off while traveling for safety. Most manufacturers claim that the temperature in the refrigerator will raise only 2 degrees in 6 hours if it is not opened often. Use a thermometer to check that the temperature is below 40°F.
6. RV parks may have inadequate voltage, and this can wreak havoc on appliances. Use a volt checker to monitor your power line. This protects appliances from power surges, and gradual drains from power fluctuations.
Learning what to keep in your RV’s kitchen is a lesson in trial and error. At first we are all tempted to bring a duplicate of every applicance we use at home, because heaven forbid we’re stranded in need of something we don’t have… The truth is, over time, you will likely tend to pare down to just the essentials and of course, that is going to be different for every person. One MUST HAVE in your RV kitchen? A fire extinguisher. And please, before you need it, make sure that you know how to use it. Nesting bowls, parchment paper (this will save you from cleaning baking sheets), plenty of Ziploc bags, a can opener, and a corkscrew… well, these are just a few of the must haves for anyone. There’s nothing worse than sitting down for a nice glass of wine in the evening and alas… no corkscrew. What are your kitchen tips and must haves? Comment here, or share with us on our Facebook page.
