LET’S CLEAN UP THE KITCHEN!

“There is such a buildup of crud in my oven there is only room to bake a single cupcake.” ~~Phyllis Diller

Does your kitchen look like the picture on the left after trying a new recipe, cooking a meal or serving your guests?

It’s just part of the cooking process that once we prepare a great meal, try a recipe or make a family dinner, we have to clean up the kitchen.  This is the part I don’t like but it has to be done.

This process will go a lot quicker if we have a place for everything and are organized.  We all need to keep clutter out of the kitchen.  Is your kitchen table a catch-all for mail, laptops, books, and items not related to eating?   Do you have to move a lot of “stuff” before you can serve your family a meal at the table each evening?   Your kitchen will look better the minute you remove the clutter.  The time you save is worth the effort.

How about your spices and canned foods???  Do you organize your spice cabinets and have canned foods grouped together in the pantry where you can put your hand right on a can of green beans or do you search through the entire cabinet looking for that one can?

I try to do a thorough cleaning of the refrigerator and kitchen at least once a week.

Cleaning up as you are preparing a meal will save you time and effort later.  Try to wash mixing bowls, cutting boards, knives, etc. as you go along.

Make yourself a check list and keep cleaning supplies together in a basket under the sink.  Have another basket for things that don’t belong in the kitchen.

Always wipe down the countertops, sink and stove after each meal.  A great home cleanser for counters is 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water.  I do not use sponges as they hold bacteria!

Wash dishes as soon as possible or run the dishwasher at night and remove dishes the next morning.  Everyone should clear and rinse their own plates.  Children of any age can help and love feeling a part of the process once a routine is established.   Make cleaning up a family affair.

A quick sweep of the floor and always check the trash cans.

A clean kitchen promotes a healthy home for families and should be the most sanitary place in your house.

You will enjoy preparing meals if you always end the day with an empty sink and a clean kitchen!