You already spend SO much time in the kitchen making meals and snacks for your family; why not find a few shortcuts to speed up that kitchen cleaning time! We've got some great tips for how to keep your kitchen clean as you cook!
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and for good reason. It's where we gather to prepare and enjoy meals, share stories, and create lasting memories. However, keeping the kitchen clean and organized can be a challenge, especially in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this blog post, we'll share PRACTICAL tips to help you maintain a clean and clutter-free kitchen, making it a pleasant and efficient space for cooking and socializing!
How To Clean-As-You-Go
Keeping the kitchen clean as you cook can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Here are some tips and tricks to help you maintain a clean kitchen while preparing meals:
- 1. Prep First: Before you start cooking, ensure that all your ingredients are chopped, measured, and ready to go. This reduces the chances of spills or frantic searching for ingredients during the cooking process.
- 2. Use a Garbage Bowl: Place a dedicated bowl or container on your workspace for collecting vegetable peels, trimmings, and other waste as you cook. This prevents you from making multiple trips to the trash can and minimizes mess.
- 3. Keep a Damp Cloth Nearby: Have a clean, damp cloth or sponge within reach to quickly wipe up spills, splatters, or messes on countertops and stovetops. This prevents stains and makes cleanup easier.
- 4. Load As You Go: As soon as you finish using a utensil or dish that can be put in the dishwasher, place it in there IMMEDIATELY instead of just throwing it in the sink! There’s no need for it to sit in the sink waiting to be put in the dishwasher. Skip the sink! This prevents a pileup of dirty dishes and keeps your workspace clear.
- 5. Use Lids and Splatter Guards: When cooking on the stovetop, use lids and splatter guards to contain splashes and prevent grease or sauces from spreading around the kitchen.
- 6. Dispose of Trash Immediately: Empty your garbage bowl or trash can regularly to keep odors at bay and to prevent overflowing. Store extra garbage bags at the bottom of your trash can, to make replacing them quick and easy!
- 7. Use Silicone Baking Mats: When baking, line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. These make cleanup a breeze as they prevent food from sticking to the pan – saving you one more greasy dish to clean!
- 8. Multitask Wisely: While waiting for something to cook, use that time to clean up. This could involve washing a few dishes, wiping down surfaces, or putting away ingredients.
- 9. Final Cleanup: After the meal is served, the mess should be much less overwhelming if you've taken all of the steps mentioned so far. Before you sit down, start soaking any greasy pots or pans and stock those ingredients back on the cupboards. That way after the meal, all that's left to do is wipe down all surfaces and scrub the few dishes left in the sink.
Here are some more basic kitchen tips that will help you keep your space clean in the long run:
Declutter Regularly: A cluttered kitchen can make cooking a chore and create an environment where dirt and bacteria thrive. Regularly go through your kitchen items and donate or discard items you no longer use. Clear countertops of unnecessary clutter to create a clean and spacious workspace.
Use Drawer Liners and Shelf Protectors: Drawer liners and shelf protectors not only keep your kitchen cabinets and drawers clean but also make cleaning up spills and crumbs a breeze. They are easy to replace when they get dirty, ensuring a hygienic environment.
Invest in Quality Trash Bins: A good quality trash bin with a tight-fitting lid can help contain odors and prevent pests from invading your kitchen. Empty the trash regularly to avoid overflowing and ensure that food scraps are disposed of properly.
These are some habits that can become second nature over time and have a huge impact on your stress-level in the kitchen! Once you start adopting some of these clean-as-you-go practices, you might find how much more you enjoy the process of cooking and you'll certainly find yourself with more family time after the meal!
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Love these tips! I have used some of these and they definitely help. I really like the tip to have a damp cloth ready and use the time you’re waiting for food to cook to clean up. My struggle sometimes is not having the dishwasher ready because I didn’t unload the clean dishes in the morning.
Great tips!
Keeping one’s kitchen neat and organized while cooking is something the article stresses. Incorporating this habit into everyday routines becomes more manageable with the practical suggestions it offers. A helpful read for those who want to cut down on the time spent cleaning up after meals and simplify their cooking process.
Great kitchen tips! Prepping before cooking and using a garbage bowl are smart. “Load As You Go” for the dishwasher is a time-saver. Regular decluttering and good trash bins are key for a clean kitchen. Excited to try these!