Over the years I’ve learned that the information that comes from America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) researchers can be totally trusted. Whether it’s a fool-proof recipe, smart cooking techniques, the best piece of cookware, or even the savviest kitchen cleaning methods, these folks know their stuff.

Speaking of savvy cleaning methods, here’s one for you: Kate Shannon (an ATK editor that focuses on Test Kitchen reviews) recently asked readers “Does your kitchen need a cleaning? Start by focusing on the busiest place in the kitchen. (Hint: It’s not the stovetop.)” Then she went on to talk about a 10-minute cleaning routine that makes a kitchen look 10 times cleaner. As I read, I knew this is something our Cook’n readers will want to practice (if you aren’t already).

While it’s true that the stovetop and counters do get dirty, the ATK researchers have found that we should clean our sink and dish rack first and foremost. After all, the sink is the place where we clean everything else and the dish rack is where we put freshly cleaned items. If one or both of these things is dirty, our hard work is undone.

This said, here’s their 10-minute routine. It’s quick, satisfying, and it makes a huge difference.

FIRST: Wash your dish rack. This becomes an instant kitchen upgrade. All you need is dish soap, a sponge, and maybe a capful of bleach (depending on how neglected they’ve been). Slide the drip tray out from under the dish rack and pull out the silverware caddy, then plop them both in the sink and cover them with dish soap and hot water.

Most drip trays have ribs or raised patterns that help direct dishwater into the sink, so be sure you get in the tight spaces with the corner of your sponge. (BTW: ATK folks even tested kitchen sponges and found the winner for doing dishes was the O-Cedar Scrunge®.)

Then towel dry or set these aside to drip-dry on a clean dish towel.

NEXT: Clean and shine the sink. The Test Kitchen pros were adamant about this. They explain that even if your sink isn't that dirty before cleaning, there's still a noticeable difference when you clean it anyway.

They suggest using Bar Keepers Friend®. In addition to cleaning your kitchen sink (or bathtub), this inexpensive powder can remove super-stubborn stains from stainless-steel skillets. It’s really a friend to everyone for so many reasons. (Alice’s note: I like this stuff, but I’ve also found that a hefty sprinkling of baking soda will work just as well.)

To use: Spray or splash water around your sink so that all of the surfaces are wet, then sprinkle the powder around. With a cloth or a sponge (not the same one you use for dishes), or a scrub brush, be sure to get in all the corners, up where the sink meets the countertop, and into the grooves around your drain.

Then spray the faucet and handles with an all-purpose cleaner (Test Kitchen pros prefer Method All-Purpose Natural Surface Cleaner®, but Alice’s note: diluted vinegar and water work great as well.) Then buff and shine the sink, faucet, and handles, using the same dish towel you used for the dish rack.

When finished, toss both the sponge and scrub brush into the dishwasher. It’s the easiest way to clean and disinfect these items. Stand back and appreciate the difference 10 minutes makes!