While cooking at home can have some amazing health and financial benefits, there is no denying that some of us tend to avoid it due to the time-consuming clean up after our homemade feast. However, the good news is that there are ways to go around having a messy kitchen! Ahead we list 5 tried and tested tips straight from neat freaks that will leave your kitchen looking spotless after enjoying your meal.
1. Place a garbage bowl near your “prep” station
Popularised by American TV personality, Rachael Ray, this 20th-century invention will be your new kitchen saviour! Having a bowl on the counter for your peelings or scraps can make it easier for you to help dispose of these items without walking over to the trash can or compost bin.
2. Use a flexible cutting mat to line your cutting board
Lining your big stocky cutting board with a thin flexible cutting mat can help prevent your chopped vegetables from spilling on to the floor when you slide it into a pan. Using the flexible cutting mat will allow you to bend it and funnel everything neatly into your pot!
3. Put reusable measuring spoons in a cup
A good way to avoid the dishes from piling up is to put a cup or ramekin in front of you while baking or cooking to hold any measuring spoons you know you need to use again. This will help minimize any dishes you have to wash as it keeps you from forgetting your reusable spoons!
4. Fill a bottle with soapy water or have a surface cleaner close by your cooking area
Having a bottle full of soapy water or a surface cleaner close-by will ensure that you get to those scummy spots right away before they stain, wiping down counters as you go.
5. Use a splatter screen on the stove
This one may seem a little too obvious, but a reminder every once in a while, never hurt nobody! Next time you find yourself rendering fat, sautéing or doing any frying of some sort, make sure you grab a splatter screen to place on the stove. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!
