by Jerome Foo

Created on: February 15, 2007   Last Updated: March 10, 2012

Due to lack of time or motivation, kitchens are often the first area of our houses to need cleaning. However, it doesn't have to be this way. There are several tools that are indispensable when cooking and allow you to keep your kitchen spic 'n' span while making your cooking experience more efficient and effective.

1. The largest cutting board you can find - By getting the largest cutting board that your kitchen space allows, you minimize contact of ingredients with counter tops, and are able to work with many different ingredients at once. As a chef, quite often having to work on multiple orders at once, to me it's undeniably clear that a large cutting surface is an underrated chef's tool. However, don't get a glass one- it'll destroy your knife and shatter easily if dropped.

2. Kitchen cloth - Always have a wet cloth on hand. This can be used for many things, picking up hot pots, wiping down accidental spills, or wiping off that huge cutting surface. When you're cooking you also have to regularly clean your knife blade, and wipe your fingers. It is recommended to clean the blade of your knife after every few slices so that nothing is obstructing your cutting path. So don't forget the wipe!

3. An empty sink - Before you begin cooking, always make sure the dishes have been done. If not, you will tend to pile dishes and pots and pans until they become a mountain- of mold and bacteria.

4. Foot-pedal Garbage - Don't place your garbage in the cupboard under the sink. That only leads to having to open the cupboard to throw garbage away. Rather, get a wastebasket with a foot lever so that you will not have to open the lid with your hands. This will also help keep kitchen odors in until garbage day. However, if you do a lot of cooking, take the garbage outside often!

5. A good set of containers - Tupperware or not, having a good set of containers of various sizes will help you cook and clean. Using them wisely, you can store extra ingredients as well as prepare your ingredients (a la 'mis en place'). It is often useful to do all the portioning before you begin the actual cooking process- and a set of good containers will definitely help you to keep things organized.

Using these tools (and of course, the accompanying advice) will help you keep your kitchen a clean as if it were new. Once you get used to using these techniques and items, you will develop a habit that will make your kitchen seem to virtually clean itself.

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