Tips to Keep your Kitchen Sparkling

Many of us wish our homes were just a little cleaner, but with the bustle of everyday life, it's easy for clutter and chaos to creep in around the house. However, when it comes to your kitchen, cleanliness should be top of mind to avoid food-related illness. Below are a handful of cleaning tips to help.

Check your stove's vent hood. A dirty vent hood on your stove could let dirt and grime fall into your food while you cook. Soak your filter in hot water and white vinegar overnight and shine it up using a toothbrush.

Combat dust with oil. Often, the surface of our stoves get grimey with a sticky dust residue that can be hard to scrub away. Brush a bit of oil on a clean rag and smooth it over your stove to sweep away grime, then clean with hot water and soap.

Wash the curtains. When is the last time you washed your kitchen window curtains? Toss them in the washing machine every few months to rid them of dust or mold.

Scrub wooden cutting boards. Wood cutting boards or butcher blocks may be functional and attractive, but they can harbor major bacteria. Scrub yours once a week with a mix of vinegar and salt.

Clear the counters. The less clutter on your counter, the easier time you'll have cleaning. Regardless of how much you house on your counter, clear it once a week and give it a good wipe-down.

Sterilize the fridge. Germs and bacteria may be lurking in your fridge. Make it a habit to empty your fridge at the end of every week, toss any expired items, and wipe down the interior with an all-purpose cleaner.