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Kitchen Sync

Some people (kids) think that the kitchen refrigerator is a magical place that keeps food fresh forever (or at least until mold forms.)

Other people (moms) fanatically toss things out after a day. Who is right? This guide to how long food lasts can help settle the score.

While you're at it, why not organize the kitchen so you can start the new year fresh?

Kids can help here, both in organizing and in helping complete chores here.

You'll want to make sure this busy room is safe for kids, too, before you send in the troops with the cleaning caddy.

More Stories

How to Clean Cloudy Crystal Discover why crystal clouds over - and what you can do to remove to murky veneer and return your crystal to its former lustre.

10 Rules for a Saner Cooking Area Family life moves at the speed of kids - and as we parents know, kids need ground rules. Here's how to control kitchen chaos.

How to Create a Cooking Center Create a single place in a cupboard or cabinet in which to stash all your cooking ingredients to help ensure your time here is as efficient as possible.

How to Create a Food Storage Center Few things are more frustrating than putting "ketchup" on the grocery list - only to discover when you get home you have two half-used bottles. Here's how to organize your food's storage.

Create a Cozier Cook Space Sure, it's a utilitarian room by design - but it doesn't have to look that way. These simple tips will help make your kitchen the warm, inviting place you'd like it to be.

How to Clean the Refrigerator Few things are as unappetizing as a grungy refrigerator. Here's everything you need to know about how - and when - to clean this appliance.

How Long Do Foods Keep? How do you know when the mustard's gone south? The pickles pickled beyond use? This guide will help you decide what to keep and what to toss - and how long foods last.

How to Create a Pet-Feeding Center The family gathers here for meals - why not the pets? Here's how to create an out of the way, but in the family mix feeding center for your pet.

How to Clean Copper Bakeware This specialized metal requires special cleaning and care. Here's how to keep it shining, meal after meal.

How to Clean Hardwood Floors There's more to cleaning and caring for hardwood floors than the weekly damp mopping. Here's how to keep this surface in peak condition - and clean.

How to Clean Tarnished Silver You can often remove tarnish from silver using items you already have in your cupboard.

Kitchen Safety Tips for Kids These two rooms are among the most dangerous in the house. Here's how to prevent injuries in each.

How to Clean Small Appliances The toaster and coffee maker might seem autonomous, but they do require a bit of regular care to keep them operating at their peak. These tips will help keep your small appliances clean and in top working order.

Frozen Food Safety - What You Need to Know How long can you keep chicken in the freezer and still cook it up safely? Frozen shrimp? This guide to how long foods last in the refrigerator removes the guesswork.

Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal We use it daily but rarely think about it - unless, of course, it gets clogged. Prevent the clogs and keep things flowing with this guide on how to maintain the disposal.

Deciphering Food Freshness Labels The labels are confusing - use by; sell by -- but what do they mean to us? This simple guide to deciphering the freshness labels on various food stuffs will help keep you and your family healthy.

Cooking Up Energy Savings How to save energy - and money - at mealtime.

How to Create a Cooking Area Study Hall Kids need to study - and parents need to get dinner ready. The two meet nicely in the heart of the home, where a study hall allows you to keep one eye on your student, the other on dinner.

Get Rid of Fridge Smells Nothing worse than a smelly refrigerator. Here's how to get rid of the pungent odors from dinners past.

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About the Author

Tara Aronson is a native Californian. Having grown up in San Diego, she studied journalism and Spanish to pursue a career in newspaper writing. Tara, whose three children - Chris, Lyndsay, and Payne - are the light of her life, now lives and writes in Los Angeles. She also regularly appears on television news programs throughout the U.S.