A Few Tips for a Tidy Kitchen

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

07 Nov 2006 08:05 AM

We don't always have time to scour every inch of the kitchen. Still, we tend to feel better if it looks and feels tidy until we have a chance to tackle deep cleaning. Avoiding messes in the first place is the first step toward a cleaner kitchen, so it's better to clean as you go. If you can get into the habit of washing out mixing bowls, cleaning utensils, and wiping down surfaces as you go about cooking, you'll have less to worry about after each meal. It helps to keep a bowl of soapy water and a clean dishtowel nearby, especially when doing a lot of cooking.

It also helps to use a spoon caddy in between times when you need to stir something. If you don't have one, grab one (or two) at the dollar store. If you need one immediately, a small plate, saucer, or even a plastic lid will do. You can pop it in the sink or dishwasher instead of having to clean the entire stovetop or counter.

Lining pans with foil also helps avoid sticky and baked on messes. Reynolds Wrap Release is non-stick foil, so it makes it even simpler to discard the mess instead of spending time scrubbing. Foil can also be used in other areas, such as using shallow foil pans to catch drips in the oven or toaster oven.

I like to line anything I can for easy clean up. Making biscuits or piecrust? Line your surface with waxed paper before spreading flour, so you can scoop up the mess and toss it when done.

To keep scrubbers and sponges from adding to the mess, pick up a miniature colander, place it inside a small bowl, and store your implements inside. The excess water will drain off and you can simply empty and rinse out the bowl. No more dripping sponges!

More tips:

Cleaning and Protecting Kitchen Cabinets

A Few Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Out the Fridge

Hidden Dust and Dirt

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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