3 Reasons Why Cleaning As You Cook Will Transform Your Kitchen Experience

Introduction

Clutter in the kitchen – it's like the unwanted guest at a party, lingering long after the fun is over. Picture this: You've created a perfect meal, but what remains? A scene reminiscent of post-party chaos with your name on it. If you’re anything like me, the thought makes you cringe. 

Sure, you can enjoy your meal now and think about cleaning up later, but consider this – will you really tackle that mountain of dishes afterward? Or will they sit, inviting critters like ants, roaches, and flies for a feast on your leftovers? Imagine needing that same wooden spoon or skillet the next day, only to find it engulfed in yesterday's neglected mess. Frustration mounts, cooking becomes a dreaded task, and suddenly, opting for Chick Fil A seems like the only solution. 

But what if this cycle could be disrupted? Let's explore how cleaning as you cook can transform your kitchen experience, setting you up for both success and comfort.

Maximizing Kitchen Efficiency

Cooking is more than a task; it's a dance with time, heat, and chemistry. Many feel daunted by this challenge, not realizing that maintaining cleanliness is a simple yet effective strategy to balance the scales. When harmony between you, your tools, and your kitchen is achieved, not only is time saved, but your cooking transforms, often surpassing your own expectations. Incorporating cleanliness and organization into your cooking routine goes beyond perfecting a meal; it enhances the entire culinary journey.

Adopting cleanliness in your cooking routine transcends kitchen strategy because it symbolizes a personal investment. Often said, 'cleanliness is next to godliness,' this adage speaks to the spiritual and moral value placed on order and neatness in many cultures. 

For those who may not hold this spiritual belief, cleanliness in the kitchen can be seen as a form of mindfulness, a practice in self-respect and discipline that cuts across religious contexts. Whichever way you look at it, maintaining a clean and organized environment puts yourself in a position to use your kitchen to its highest potential. You save time in the long run by clearing counters early and managing the dishwasher efficiently, rather than letting things pile up. You'll also minimize mistakes by prepping all your ingredients beforehand – a technique the French call 'mise en place', which I like to think of as a small yet significant act of service to your process, representing a commitment to not just a good meal, but to overall well-being.

While your sauce gently simmers, instead of losing yourself in doom scrolling, channel that time into nurturing your kitchen space. Clear away used utensils and tackle any spills or messes. This ongoing care, be it reloading the dishwasher or hand-washing essentials like cutting boards and skillets, extends beyond mere cleanliness. It's a gesture of respect for your culinary process and an appreciation of your precious time. 

Ensuring Kitchen Safety And Hygiene Through Cleaning

A clean cooking space is imperative not just for peace of mind, but also for your health and safety. Properly cleaning your kitchen and tools is vital to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses. It may go without saying, but it’s crucial to thoroughly clean surfaces and utensils, especially after they’ve been in contact with raw meats. 

Like many chefs, I use separate cutting boards for different types of food—plastic for meats and wood for produce. Some folks even use distinct boards for poultry, seafood, and beef to prevent cross-contamination. If you have a limited number of cutting boards, ensure they are washed well between uses. 

Also, it’s advisable to regularly disinfect countertops and sinks, particularly after handling raw meats. Remember, correct storage of ingredients plays a key role in maintaining their freshness and preventing contamination as well. Speaking of countertops, they can become a haven for unwelcome critters if not kept clean. 

While it might not look messy in the moment, those crumbs accumulate, often gathering in corners and along baseboards. Over time, substances like grease, residue, water, and other liquids create biofilms – slimy layers that harbor various germs, bacteria, and viruses, posing health risks to you and others. It’s important to get these cleaned up as soon as you can but if cleaning after every cooking session seems overwhelming, try incorporating a thorough counter wipe-down and floor sweep into your weekly cleaning routine. And don't overlook the regular disinfection of kitchen towels, as these practices are vital for preventing mildew build up and food-borne illnesses.

The Mental Health Benefits Of A Clean Cooking Space

Many of us, including myself, find that we do our best work under pressure. However, constantly operating in this 'survival state' while cooking isn’t sustainable and can contribute to unnecessary stress. While eating and cooking are essential survival behaviors, they needn't add negative stress to our lives.

For many epicureans, cooking is a therapeutic process. I’d be lying, however, if I said that I felt a therapeutic release every time I cooked, but generally, transforming ingredients into a meal gives me a profound sense of fulfillment. On a personal note, I see poetry in the entire cooking process. It’s something that I take on as a multi-sensory art form – from the rhythm of a blade slicing through the flesh of peppers onto an oak board to the effervescence of choice cuts as they render on a hot skillet. 

Even the act of washing dishes with a solid hot and soapy lather can be quite satisfying. This satisfaction from cleaning is akin to what psychologists call the 'cleaning-as-control' phenomenon where the act of cleaning provides a sense of control and accomplishment in one's environment.

Obviously, most people aren’t thinking about cooking and cleaning in this way. What remains consistent, however, is Captain Clutter and Dr. Disorganization trolling you to do something about them. If left unchecked, they will take a toll on you, affecting your mental clarity, judgement, and decision-making. 

With that being said, messy spaces can evoke feelings of anxiety and disorientation. Dr. Dawn Potter, clinical psychologist over at the Cleveland Clinic, mentions how cleaning and maintaining organized spaces fosters a sense of control. Remember that dance I was talking about earlier? Cooking in a mess is a lot like dancing with two left feet. It’s like trying to Electric Slide in a room full of furniture – you’re bound to trip over something. In the kitchen, it's the misplaced spatula or the lurking pot lid waiting to trip up your choreography.

Let this also be a lesson for your refrigerator, freezer, pantry, and cabinets. A disorganized pantry or a cluttered fridge doesn't just dampen your ability to find ingredients quickly; it can also lead to forgotten items, unnecessary waste, and can contribute to a general sense of chaos. Taking the time to declutter these areas not only makes cooking more efficient but can also bring about a surprising sense of calm and readiness. Imagine opening your pantry or fridge and seeing everything right where you need it. 

This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment where creativity in cooking can flourish without disorder. Plus, an organized storage space means you’re less likely to overbuy or overlook those hidden gems (like that jar of capers or tube of tomato paste). So, while it might take a little effort to get everything in order on the front end, the payoff in reduced stress and smoother cooking sessions is well worth it on your mental stability. 

Taking The Step Towards Prioritizing Your Peace 

In summary, cooking is more than just a culinary adventure; it's a dance of organization, cleanliness, and mental clarity. From the countertops to the recesses of our refrigerators, each aspect of our kitchen plays a crucial role in not only how we cook but also how we feel while cooking. Dr. Dawn Potter's insights from the Cleveland Clinic underline the profound impact a well-maintained kitchen can have on our sense of control and overall well-being.

Remember, a kitchen cluttered with disarray is like a dance floor crowded with obstacles - it hinders your moves and dampens the joy of cooking. But with a few simple habits of cleanliness and organization, you can turn your kitchen into a stage where you can make magic happen seamlessly.

So with that, I challenge you to take a step back and view your kitchen through a new lens. See it not just as a space for preparing food but as a canvas for your creativity and a sanctuary for your mental peace. Start with small steps: organize a drawer, clear a section of the countertop, or simply plan your next meal with the ingredients you already have. Share your progress and experiences with me, and let’s inspire each other to create kitchens that are not just functional but are havens of creativity and calm.

And if you’ve found value in these insights, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more tips, tricks, and tales from the kitchen. Together, let's embark on a journey to make cooking a delightful dance, one step at a time.