I have started two new concepts when I cook that have completely changed the stressful dinner hour for me.
1. I make sure I empty the dishwasher of the clean dishes right away every morning. This allows me to immediately put dishes as we use them throughout the day straight into the dishwasher, keeping my counters clean.
2. BEFORE I start cooking dinner, I fill the sink with soapy water. As I dirty something it will immediately be put in the dishwasher or in the sink of water.
Keeping my kitchen clean as I cook has totally changed cooking for me. It may seem silly but it has really helped my stress level before, during, and after dinner. It takes me WAY less time clean up after we are done eating, and gives me time with my family before the crazy bedtime routines!
What do you do to keep on track of the messy kitchen?
This is a great idea! When I remember, I do the same thing. I have a very small kitchen and no dishwasher, so it's usually not hard to keep clean since it's just Hubby and me. But it definitely can catch up to me. It's nice when I have time to get the kitchen fully clean after a meal--often I have to leave for class or work right away.
ReplyDeleteBut thanks for this reminder! :) (Found you via Time-Warp Wife)
I have been implementing the cleaning as I cook technique for awhile right now (as we don't have a dishwasher) and you are so right about how much better it makes it. I also have to give credit to my husband as he serves me each and every morning (or as many as he can) by putting the dishes away FOR ME. Just one more reason I love him. Visiting from WLW.
ReplyDeleteI try to do as much cleaning and dish washing as I can while I go along. If I'm waiting for something to boil or cook, I wipe down a counter or wash up a pot. It makes it much easier to face the kitchen when supper's over!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!