Who doesn't want more help in the kitchen (from kids, adult, whomever!)? But at the same time, who DOES want the mess folks can leave behind after their culinary contributions? Today I'm sharing how to eliminate the helper-messes forever!

Kitchen work is a lot of fun if there's a routine to it, and a "clean as you go" routine is one everyone should learn early on--it saves time in the long run and makes what you’re doing pleasant. AND, the clean and tidy kitchen a helper leaves behind is ready for the guy (likely YOU) who needs to work in there next. Good cooks are considerate cooks...

Here are 6 things (the "clean-as-you-go" technique) you want your helpers to always do when cooking or baking:

1. Study the recipe. Professional chefs say the most efficient, and less messy way to work is to read the recipe and lay out all needed equipment and ingredients (pre-measured) beforehand. (By the way, this is a good overall life-lesson we can teach our kids: study the professionals and model their methods—no matter what the job!)


2. Trap your trash. Have them tape a trash bag to the counter edge where they'll be working. This will save trips to the kitchen trash container (saving time and energy) and serves to keep the work surface (and floor) tidy.
3. Spray for safety. Provide them with a plastic spray bottle of highly diluted bleach water and clean dish cloth, for frequent disinfecting of surfaces. Teach them that wiping as you work contributes to health safety, and makes the after-cleanup a breeze.
4. Wash while working. Have your sink filled with HOT soapy water. Then as your helper(s) proceeds through the recipe, all dirty items (measuring cups and spoons, beaters, bowls, pots and pans, etc.) can be rinsed and placed in the sink. What a time-saver this is—the stuff almost washes itself while the cook works.
   
   
   When the recipe is complete, a helper can quickly wash, wipe, and put things away. (Yes, they could fill the dishwasher with the dirty items, but doing it this way really is the smarter way to work in the long run. You'll appreciate having more dishwasher space for the after-meal cleanup.)
5. Tidy the tools. Incorporate this House Rule: All appliances/tools used during the work (mixers, stove top, microwave, fridge door, etc.) are to be wiped and shined before leaving the kitchen. This is working considerately (thinking of the next guy to follow in their wake--again, likely YOU) and working responsibly (equipment lasts longer when it's taken good care of). And it makes the next job inviting. After all, who likes to cook or bake with dirty equipment? No one.


6. Finally, Sweep and empty. The food is prepared and the kitchen is lookin' good. But be sure all helpers know to sweep the floor and empty the trash before they exit stage left. Whether this is done as the last step after the meal is eaten, it doesn't matter. Just be sure folks know this is part of the "clean-as-you-go" routine.

With this kitchen and meal-making routine in place, you'll not just save time and energy. You’ll find cooking and baking will happen more efficiently and be much more fun!