The kitchen is an area of the home that is used multiple times each day, and with each use comes the need to clean up as well. Try some of the tips below to make this process more streamlined and get that kitchen cleaned up in a snap!
1. USE A BOWL FOR SCRAP FOOD
As you move through making the meal, toss all of the food scraps into a large bowl so that at the end of meal prep and cleaning, the contents of the bowl can be simply tossed into the compost pile or trash can.
2. USE AS FEW DISHES AS POSSIBLE
Sheet pan meals, which include all items together roasted on one pan, are great for this. Meat, chicken, or sausage are good protein options, and then add in whatever vegetables and/or potatoes.
After cooking, there is only one pan to clean up. There are some pasta dishes and soups that can be made in a similar fashion. After cooking the pasta, add in the liquid base along with vegetables,
spices, and other ingredients.
3. PUT AWAY AS YOU GO
If there are items such as measuring cups used that only held water, this does not truly dirty a dish and it can go right back into the cabinet. This can pertain as well to kitchen tools and utensils
that do not get too dirty in the process, and might simply need a quick wash. This technique truly helps the kitchen not look turned upside down after making a meal!
4. DELEGATE
If there are children in the family, this is a great opportunity to teach them some very important
life skills. Give each child a job, such as sweeping the floor, putting dishes into the dishwasher, or clearing the table.
5. SAME ROUTINE
Since there is the potential need for the kitchen to be cleaned frequently, this is a great time to find some muscle memory in using the same method and routine. For example, begin by cleaning the
dishes from the table, then turn the water on and rinse, and place in the dishwasher. Once all
surfaces are cleaned, the countertops and table can quickly and easily be wiped down.
6. WIPE DOWN EACH TIME
Cleaning the kitchen in the same manner with each meal, including wiping down countertops, will prevent an intense buildup of crumbs or grime, which feels more overwhelming and takes longer to clean.
