Clean as You Cook to Eliminate Post-Meal Mess

The Problem

You finish cooking a great meal and face a war zone: every pot, pan, and utensil is dirty.

The Hack

While food simmers, bakes, or rests: wash used cutting boards, bowls, and utensils. Wipe counters. When the meal is served, only the serving dishes and eating plates need cleaning.

Why It Works

Dead time during cooking (waiting for water to boil, food to simmer) is perfectly suited for washing dishes. Using it means the kitchen is 80% clean when you sit down to eat.

Pro Tips

• Fill the sink with hot soapy water before you start cooking
• Wash items during any pause in cooking — boiling, simmering, baking
• Wipe counters as you go — flour and splashes are easier to clean fresh
• Post-meal cleanup goes from 30 minutes to 5