How to Keep a Kitchen Clean

Step 1: Wash as you go. The first rule of keeping a clean kitchen is to wash dishes as they become dirty as much as possible. That way, you avoid the eventual build-up of a mountain of dishes to be washed later.

Step 2: Keep your counter tops free of clutter. Remember the old adage "A place for everything and everything in its place." That piece of advice will keep things organized and in control for you.

Step 3: Rinse pots and pans immediately after using, to avoid the hardening of the food on the metal surfaces.

Step 4: Clean utensils immediately after using. This comes in handy if you will need them again soon, say, for another part of the food-preparation process. Put them away immediately if you won't be needing them again.

Step 5: Clean your stove regularly. If you can, buy a stove with a ceramic top. These newer stoves make the clean-up process much easier than it is with other stoves. A liquid cleaner takes care of any spills or messes with relative ease.

Tips & Warnings

1. Make and keep the rule that you won't go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink.
2. When all else fails, and you just can't face the thought of cleaning up during or after food preparation, eat out.
3. Don't put your dirty pans into the oven to get them out of sight, thinking that you will wash them later. You may, but you also may turn on that oven without thinking at some later point, and have some very hot, dirty pans to wash.

How to Keep a Kitchen Clean article by cozi.com