Summer Holiday Cleaning Checklist: Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Safe

1. Clean Your Range Hood and Replace Filters

You might have expected us to start with deep cleaning your range hood but there's a good reason for that. This spot often gets overlooked. Over time, grease and grime can build up in the range hood filter. Dirty filters can’t trap grease as effectively, which means more of it ends up in the air – and potentially, in flames if things get too hot.

If you have a reusable filter, soak it in hot, soapy water, scrub, and rinse it well before replacing it. Or run it through the dishwasher if it’s safe to do so! For disposable filters, make sure to pick up replacements at your local store or order online. Make it a habit to change these filters every few months to keep your kitchen safer and fresher.

2. Wipe Down Your Stovetop and Oven Interior

The stovetop and oven are the holiday kitchen’s workhorses, so they deserve some extra TLC. Grease splatters and food bits can quickly turn into smoke or even flames if they’re left to build up.

For a sparkling stovetop, remove burners or grates (if they’re detachable), soak them in warm soapy water, and scrub away any residue. Use a degreaser to clean the stovetop surface, paying extra attention to any crusted or burnt-on food.

If your oven has a self-clean function, use it before your holiday cooking kicks into high gear. For manual cleaning, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the interior, let it sit for a few hours (or overnight), and then scrub away grime with a sponge.

3. Inspect and Clean Behind the Stove and Refrigerator

The areas behind and beneath your stove and fridge can be magnets for dust, crumbs, and grease. Cleaning these spots can prevent these materials from catching fire if they get too hot – and as a bonus, it’ll keep your appliances running more efficiently.

Carefully pull your stove or fridge away from the wall and use a vacuum to clean up any dust and debris. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth will remove any grease or spills that might be lurking. This extra step in your holiday deep cleaning routine helps to reduce fire risks and keeps your kitchen fresher.

4. Empty and Clean the Crumb Trays in Your Toaster and Other Small Appliances

Small kitchen appliances, like toasters and toaster ovens, often accumulate crumbs that can easily burn and create smoke. Empty the crumb trays and shake out any extra bits that might be caught in hard-to-reach places. Wipe down the exterior to keep these appliances looking new. For any residue or grease on the interior, use a soft sponge or cloth. Just avoid anything too abrasive that might scratch the appliance.

5. Check the Fire Extinguisher and Smoke Alarms

Cleaning and maintenance are crucial, but so is being prepared for any emergencies. Make sure your smoke alarms are in working order and that your fire extinguisher is accessible and fully charged. When cooking gets busy, these precautions can make all the difference.

It's also generally recommended to test your smoke alarms before your holiday cooking marathon begins. Keep a small fire extinguisher within easy reach in the kitchen. Having these tools in place is an important part of a well-prepared holiday kitchen.

6. Declutter and Wipe Down Countertops

Holidays bring lots of new ingredients, and countertops can quickly get overcrowded. Clutter on countertops makes it harder to work efficiently, and also poses a fire risk (especially if items are close to heat sources).

Clear off non-essential items, wipe down counters with a disinfectant spray, and make sure to sanitize handles on cabinets and drawers. Use this opportunity to declutter and create a safer, more organized space to cook.

7. Take Out the Trash and Deep Clean the Trash Can

With all the holiday cooking, trash can fill up faster than usual, and smells can quickly build up. Bacteria and leftover food particles can also contribute to an unpleasant odor, especially if the trash can isn’t cleaned regularly.

Take out the trash frequently during the holiday season, and don’t forget to give your trash can a good scrub inside and out. A quick rinse with a mixture of water and vinegar can help neutralize odors, while a sprinkle of baking soda in the bottom keeps things fresh.