The kitchen when the oven is on
Short answer: Once the oven has been on for an hour, the kitchen can be several degrees warmer than the rest of the home. Light layers, good ventilation and clothes that can cope with the odd splash make cooking more comfortable, even on a cool day.
Heat from the oven and hob
An oven at 200 degrees gives off heat through the door and sides, and the hob warms the air directly above the cooker. In a small kitchen the temperature can rise noticeably in a short time. At the same time the humidity goes up, because pots and pans release steam. The combination of heat and moisture means you quickly start to sweat, especially if you are still wearing a thick jumper from earlier in the day.
Layers you can take off
The most practical approach in the kitchen is to wear layers that are easy to take off and put back on. A hoodie over a light top can be unzipped or removed while the oven is running and pulled on again when you sit down at the table. See bamboo hoodies for women, which are light enough to keep on for a while, and bamboo night tops for women if you would like a soft top underneath.
Sleeves and safety
Loose, long sleeves can come too close to a gas flame or a hot pan. Push your sleeves up or choose a sleeve that sits close at the wrist while you cook. Use oven gloves rather than your sleeve to grab hot handles. An apron protects your clothes from splashes and makes it easier to keep grease and sauces off the fabric, so you do not have to change halfway through the evening.
Ventilate while you cook
Switch on the cooker hood as soon as you start frying or boiling. It removes steam, cooking fumes and some of the heat. If the kitchen still gets too warm, opening a window for a few minutes can help. Do not leave the hot air from the oven sitting in the room after use. Open the door only when you are finished, and air the room afterwards so the moisture does not settle in textiles and curtains.
Cooking smells in clothes
Frying fumes cling to clothing, especially fibres with an open structure. Hang your clothes up to air after an evening in the kitchen, ideally outside or by an open window. That is often enough to remove the smell without washing. If cushions or the sofa smell of food, thorough airing and changing covers regularly will help. See bamboo pillowcases if the pillows in the living room or bedroom are due for new ones.
Stains from cooking
Grease stains should be dealt with quickly. Dab off excess grease with kitchen paper and rub a little washing up liquid into the stain before the garment goes in the wash. Do not put the item in the tumble dryer until the stain has gone, as the heat can set it. Viscose handles a gentle wash at 30 to 40 degrees. Always follow the care label in the garment.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get so hot when I cook
The oven and hob give off heat and steam. Take off a layer and switch on the cooker hood, and it soon gets better.
How do I get cooking smells out of clothes
Air them thoroughly, preferably outside. If the smell remains, wash them according to the care label.
How do I remove a grease stain
Dab off the grease, rub in a little washing up liquid and wash the garment. Do not dry it on high heat until the stain has gone.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
