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After fixing a big meal, who wants the chore of big cleanup? I think it is best to clean as you go so you're not overwhelmed with a big mess afterward. Here are some tips I have found helpful.

1. Start off with an uncluttered area. If it is messy to begin with, you will be less motivated to straighten it afterward. It will also help prevent the frustration of not being able to find something when you need it because of the mess.

2. If you have a dishwasher, rinse off dishes and put them in the dishwasher when you are finished with them instead of piling them in the sink.

3. While combining ingredients, keep a plastic bag hung over one of the drawers near you (hooking the handles of a WalMart bag over the corners of the drawer works great). Put egg shells and other trash in it as you go so you don't have to mess with a trash can lid full of germs or worry about making a mess on the floor.

4. Put away ingredients when you are done with them instead of leaving them on the counter until you are done cooking. This will also help prevent spills.

5. Keep a sponge or cloth handy to wipe off counters and the stove. Clean up spills immediately.

6. Get your kids involved - they love to help! My daughter especially likes cleaning out the refrigerator. Make an apron and let them be the chef's helper. Let them do what is appropriate for their age. Little ones will like cleaning the table or counter with a cloth, older ones can help with dishes.

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