When the Cooking Was Fun, But the Aftermath Was a Nightmare
The smell of garlic sizzling in butter. The sound of onions hitting a hot pan. A big pot bubbling away on the stove while something sweet bakes in the oven. It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures—until you turn around and realize the kitchen looks like a tornado blew through it.
If I had a dollar for every time my mom hollered, “Clean as you go!” from across the house, I could’ve bought her a new dishwasher by the time I turned sixteen. But I didn’t listen. Nope. Back then, I treated her kitchen like it was my own personal laboratory—flour in the air, sauce splattered everywhere, sticky spoons stuck to countertops like modern art.
Looking back, I don’t know how she kept her cool. Well, she didn’t, really. But she let me cook anyway.
It wasn’t until culinary school that I finally understood what she was trying to teach me. Because let me tell you—nothing makes you repent faster than standing elbow-deep in a professional kitchen’s triple sink, scouring burned béchamel out of a sauté pan with hot soapy water, while the rest of your classmates have already called it a night.
We each took turns as the dish pit crew—chefs in training, reduced to dishwashers by the end of a long day of practicals. Mountains of industrial-sized pots, pans, baking sheets, cooling racks, and greasy utensils teetered over the sinks. It didn’t matter how well you cooked if you left a trail of chaos in your wake.
Back home, the lesson finally stuck. I started wiping down work surfaces between tasks, rinsing knives before they dried crusty, and scrubbing as I went instead of letting it all pile up. And the more I did it, the easier it got. Not just the clean-up, but the actual cooking process itself. Everything started to flow better, feel lighter—even joyful.
And that’s why we’re talking about the Chef Secret, Clean As You Go. It’s not fancy. It’s not glamorous. But it’s a habit that’ll change the way you cook—and more importantly, how you feel about cooking.
Why Clean as You Go Isn’t Just for Chefs in White Coats
This trick isn’t just something fancy folks do behind the scenes at Michelin-starred joints. It’s a simple solution that’ll transform your cooking routine—even if you're just making Tuesday night tacos or Saturday morning pancakes.
1. A Clean Workspace Means Less Stress
When you're halfway through a recipe and can’t find the garlic because it’s buried under a mountain of dirty spoons and spice jars, it’s time to reevaluate.
- Clear kitchen clutter before you start – Wipe down kitchen counters, put away mail or appliances you’re not using, and make some extra space to work.
- Use a garbage bowl – It’s a great tip: toss peels, wrappers, and stems in one spot so your trash doesn’t take over your workspace.
- Keep paper towels handy – Spills happen. Wipe them up before they become sticky disasters.
Less clutter means more confidence. You’ll move through each step faster—and have an easier time focusing on the food.
2. Hot Soapy Water Is Your Best Friend
It sounds obvious, but setting up a sink with hot water and dish soap before you start cooking is the easiest way to cut your cleanup in half.
- Drop tools in as you go – Measuring cups, spoons, and mixing bowls can soak while you cook.
- Give pans a head start – That browned bit at the bottom (hello, fond!) will come right off after a quick soak.
- Keep a dish towel over your shoulder – Just like the pros do in a professional kitchen.
By the time you’re ready to eat, most of the mess is already under control.
3. Save Storage Space by Putting Things Back as You Go
You know that feeling when every cupboard is open, every drawer is askew, and somehow you’ve used every single bowl in the house?
- Return ingredients after use – Don’t leave the olive oil out just because you might need it again.
- Minimize unnecessary items – Use only what’s needed for the recipe. Keep your food preparation tools streamlined.
- Rinse and reuse prep bowls – You don’t need five when one will do.
The more efficient your setup, the more storage space you’ll have—and the less overwhelmed you’ll feel.
4. Avoid the Dreaded Next-Day Mess
There’s nothing worse than waking up to the smell of last night’s dinner still lingering, your sink full of hardened pasta water and gloppy sauce.
- Clean dishes before bed – Future You will thank you.
- Run the dishwasher right after dinner – Not after your third Netflix episode.
- Leave the counters spotless – A perpetually clean kitchen starts with a clean slate every morning.
Going to bed with a clean kitchen is one of life’s great small victories.
Culinary School Made Me a Cleaner Cook (Eventually)
When I first started, I’d use half the pantry for one dish. By the time dinner was done, it looked like a toddler had hosted a bake-off with zero supervision.
But in culinary school, cleaning as you go wasn’t optional—it was survival. We weren’t just learning recipes; we were learning habits. The chefs called it mise en place for your mess. I called it a miracle once I stopped ending every meal with a mountain of regret.
You'd be surprised how many top chefs swear by it. Ask around—you’ll hear them say, “If you’ve got time to lean, you’ve got time to clean.” It’s a rhythm that becomes second nature. It’s also why so many professional kitchens look spotless even in the middle of dinner rush.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Tidy, Keep It Tasty
At the end of the day, cooking isn’t just about the meal. It’s about the process. The ritual. The joy of creating something from scratch—and doing it in a space that feels good.
Clean as you go may not sound sexy, but it’s one of the best kitchen habits you’ll ever pick up. It saves time, prevents unnecessary messes, keeps your space safe, and gives you the gift of peace when you sit down to eat.
You’ll cook better. Feel better. And hey—maybe even inspire someone else in your house to jump in and help.
Already part of the crew? I’m so glad you’re here.
If this tip hit home, forward it to a fellow home cook who could use a little less mess and a little more joy in the kitchen.
👉 Hungry for more? Browse some of my favorite recipes and put these chef secrets to work—your skillet (and your tastebuds) will thank you.
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