by M W

Created on: November 17, 2008

A clean kitchen makes for a happy cook if you ask me. Not only will it make for more orderly preparations but it will also make for a more sanitary environment. That is a major necessity when cooking for family, friends and even your solo self. The amount of germs in a kitchen is outstandingly high, with left over spills from past meals and crumbs from fallen leftovers allowing for a general breeding ground for bacteria.

Quickly a messy kitchen can turn into an overwhelming monstrosity if you do not allow for general upkeep along the way, and especially if you just let the mess sit for a later date. So store in your mind a few simple rule sets and you'll save plenty of time.

1.) ORGANIZE YOUR CUPBOARDS: A lot of mess comes from the simple task of procuring pots and pans. While attempting to find the elusive potato masher or while pulling out the cumbersome crock pot you store in the back corner you inevitably cause a pile up of things on the kitchen counters. Firstly, if you know where everything is you will have an easier time, and secondly if you minimize your artillery of cookware your sink will stay surprisingly low on grime. Less dishes equals less washing. The pots and pans you use the most should be stored in the very front, in prime cupboard space, while the pans and utensils used far less and usually only on special occasions should be tucked away out of sight.

Spices and other ingredients are easier to sort through if you also know where they are, and if space allows their own cupboard saves the time it would take searching through a jumbled mess for more important tasks.

2.) MINIMIZE: Keep the cupboards and drawers to a minimum. This allows for easier pickings, and quickens the cooking process. Also, if pots and pans have gone wayward with scorch marks and knifes begin to loose their edge, it's time to buy anew and throw away the bad.

3.) CLEAN AS YOU COOK: Wipe up spills and set pots and pans in the sink after use. If you keep the clutter off the counter, and store away the spices after using, you will have less of a mess to pick up after dinner.

4.) DISH UPKEEP: In a large household it is wise to enlist help when it comes to doing the dishes. A clean kitchen cannot and will not stay clean if you are the only one cleaning while other people are messing. Ask your family to assist in the mundane tasks of washing and drying even while you cook. You can keep each other company, and you can commiserate together.

Cooking is a necessity and so is cleaning, but they don't have to take up your entire day.

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