Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images
As I found myself cleaning our kitchen and not finding a clean surface on which to work, I was inspired to write this two-part post in preparation for Thanksgiving.
During times of celebration, I get out of my rhythm as more people are milling about the kitchen and helping to prepare and serve.
With the more people involved, I find more mess accumulates. At the end of the wonderful celebration, I am left with a sink of dirty dishes, messy countertops, and little motivation to start another project.
Now, my fantastic husband usually cleans it all up after big events. Realizing that not everyone has that kind of help and there are other times that the kitchen is in upheaval, I will share from my experiences how to take back your kitchen.
In part 1, I will share how I work through the mess with a dishwasher and a divided kitchen sink. In part 2, I will share how I would clean up if I had a dishwasher and a big kitchen sink without a divider. In getting back our kitchen, I can muster the motivation needed by visualizing my once-cleaned space, roll up my sleeves, and start.
Part 1: Take Back Your Kitchen with a Divided Sink
1. Prepare the Dishwasher
When everything in my kitchen is in disarray, I concentrate on the dishwasher. If the dishes are clean, then I put them away without setting them on any counter. With an empty dishwasher, I now have one clean space in which to work. 😉
2. Evaluate the Sink
With a divided sink, I keep the rinsed-off dishes that are ready for the dishwasher in the left side. The dishes on the right side still need rinsing/cleaning. When other helpers come into the kitchen, they do not usually follow my system. If I cannot tell which items have been rinsed, then I unload the sink and start over.
3. Setup Boundaries
With the sink unloaded, I start on the right side because this is where our garbage disposal is located. Any food particles can just go through the disposal throughout the cleanup process. I rinse and remove food particles from the dishes and place them in the left side of the sink. I continue to clean until the left side is full.
4. Return to the Dishwasher
With the left side of the sink full, I open the dishwasher and begin loading using the rinsed off dishes. If I fill up the dishwasher, then I add the detergent and start the load. If I still have room in the dishwasher, then I return to the sink and keep rinsing off items. Once the dishwasher is completely full, I get it going.
5. Take a Break
At this point, I usually need a little break. With my “helper” (the dishwasher) still cleaning, I go sit down for a few minutes.
6. Designate a Hand Wash-Only Counter
After my break, I come back to see what dishes are still remaining. If I have hand wash-only dishes, then I designate one counter or space for those items. I gather the platters, silverware, glasses, or anything else that needs handwashing and place it in that space.
7. Return to the Sink
Back at the sink, I rinse off any remaining items and stack them carefully on the left side. If food still needs to be put away, I find an empty space and clean it up.
Then I transfer the food to plastic containers, put them in the freezer or refrigerator, and place the dirty dishes to the right side of the sink. Once all the food is put away, then I finish rinsing the dirty dishes and place them in the left side of the sink.
8. Clean the Counters
By now, the end is in sight, and the only dishes left are in the handwashing pile. I need a space for the clean dishes, so I wipe down all the counters, stove, and any other appliances that need cleaning.
9. Hand Wash the Special Dishes
In the clean spaces, I usually put down a towel. Then I hand wash the items and set them on the towel to dry. If large pots still need cleaning, I tend to hand wash those to get them out of the way. Once all the handwashing is complete. I just need to tidy up.
10. Finishing Touches
With all the dishes either cleaned or rinsed and ready for the dishwasher, I add these finishing touches:
- Wipe down all surfaces
- Run the garbage disposal
- Clean the sink
- Sweep the kitchen floor (if the floor is dry)
- Remove any spills or marks on the kitchen floor
- Go rest with my family
Getting back my kitchen is a process. Thankfully, this process is not an everyday occurrence. The times I use this system are when we entertain or have a complex meal.
As our Thanksgiving celebration is fast approaching, I have a plan in place. It might take time to accomplish the project, but I will know where to start when I am ready to tackle the kitchen.
When you get to where you cannot find a clean space in your kitchen, discover how to take back your kitchen. Feel free to use and adjust my system until you master a process that works best for you. Happy cleaning!
Question: How do you take back your kitchen when you cannot find a clean space?