10 Kitchen Resolutions to Keep in 2018

New year, new you … new kitchen! Or, well, new kitchen resolutions anyway. Start off 2018 with these kitchen resolutions and you may just find that you’re a little happier, healthier and more productive at the end of the year.

Prepare your own meals: Most of us make resolutions to get a little healthier in the new year. As the old saying goes, healthy habits start at home. Literally! Preparing your own meals helps you make healthy choices by monitoring ingredients and controlling portions.

Get the kids involved: One way to instill a love of cooking in children is to get them involved early. You never know – you may be raising the next top chef!

Keep it clean: There’s bacteria lurking all over the kitchen. From countertops and sinks to sponges and towels, keeping the kitchen free of bacteria can seem like a challenge. To stave off bacteria, frequently clean the kitchen sink and countertop with sprays that include antibacterial agents. And replace those icky sponges with dishcloths (that you should launder every couple of days) and disposable disinfecting wipes. If you do continue using sponges, you can wash them in the dishwasher to keep them clean.

Go fresh: Bring more of nature’s bounty into your kitchen and you may find yourself inadvertently keeping some of those other resolutions. By keeping your kitchen stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s a little easier to make healthy choices.

Replace those tired old appliances: This is the year to finally ditch that wonky old stove with the one burner that doesn’t work. And with Kenmore appliances now available on Amazon, shopping for new kitchen appliances has never been easier.

Find new ways to use your appliances: From baking in your slow cooker to making toaster pizza pockets, the Kenmore YouTube channel has a number of suggestions for new ways to use your appliances.

Clean out the pantry: You know that can of beans you’ve had since the first Bush administration? Unless you’re expecting a zombie apocalypse, you can probably ditch those expired foods that are lingering in your pantry. Start the new year on a tidy note by cleaning out your pantry and cupboards. Dispose of expired foods and donate to a food pantry and non-perishable foods that are edible but that you may not need or want.

One and done: Change one thing in your kitchen to freshen it up a bit. Whether it’s a new set of kitchen towels, a new faucet or even a new small kitchen appliance, you don’t have to spend big to make a difference.

Get smart: Connected appliances are the wave of the future … and they’re available right here in the present. Kenmore Smart appliances can help keep your home running smoothly, help you be more productive and even help technicians diagnose any future problems. To learn more about Kenmore Smart appliances, watch the videos in this playlist.

Open up: Welcoming friends and loved ones into your home is not only a surefire way to bring some cheer into your kitchen, it’s often an excuse to tackle some neglected chores. But don’t let a messy kitchen or ideal circumstances stand in your way. Your friends and family will enjoy the gathering whether your home is in perfect condition or a work in progress.

What are your kitchen (and home) resolutions for this new year?