Efficiency
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Clean the kitchen before bed.
It allows you to wake up to a fresh space, avoids overnight smells, and prevents pests from gathering on dirty dishes.
- Some people prefer leaving dishes until morning.
3 people, independently
Clear the sink and dishwasher and wipe counters before starting to cook.
Beginning with a clean area makes it much easier to maintain cleanliness during the process and avoids post-meal scrubbing.
- Prioritize cooking over cleaning; do not ruin food because you felt compelled to clean first.
- Some find that a partially full dishwasher does not hinder cooking.
3 people, independently
Cut down a flexible bucket to create a small, low-sided insert for the sink to reduce water use while washing.
It allows for a part-filled, low square container in the sink.
- This is a specific DIY method described by one user.
one person who lived it
Skip cleaning as you go for meals that require constant stirring or hands-on attention.
Cleaning can cause distraction and lead to burning food.
- Does not work for everyone; some get distracted.
2 people, independently
Prep all ingredients before starting to cook.
The process goes smoother and allows you to focus on cooking or clean as you go.
2 people, independently
- Complete all food preparation, such as chopping and measuring ingredients, before turning on any heat sources.2
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If you have a partner or family member helping with dinner, assign the non-cooking person to handle the cleaning duties.
Wipe down countertops continuously as you cook.
Fresh spills are easier to clean than dried, tacky ones.
2 people, independently
Make pan sauces using the fond (browned bits) left in the pan to avoid scrubbing it.
It eliminates the need to scrub the pan.
one person who lived it
Vacuum or sweep the house shortly before guests arrive.
A quick vacuum refreshes the house.
one person who lived it
If you know a cook will not clean up, start doing dishes while they are cooking.
Most dishes will be done by the time cooking finishes, and it allows for conversation in the kitchen.
one person who lived it
- If a roommate or partner cooks for you, wash the dishes immediately without being asked.1
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Wash food storage containers at work after lunch.
You won't mind doing it because you're already at work, and everything will be clean when you get home.
one person who lived it
Do not brag about performing expected chores like washing dishes.
It implies others do not contribute during the rest of the year.
one person who lived it
Cut down on the number of pots, pans, and dishes used by combining ingredients where possible.
It reduces mess and the volume of items to clean.
one person who lived it
Ask before helping clean in someone else's kitchen.
This prevents cleaning items they still need.
one person who lived it
Use a chain mail scrubber to clean pans quickly.
You will be done in seconds.
one person who lived it
Avoid washing nonstick pans with cold water immediately after heating.
Nonstick coatings do not like being cooled down too quickly, which can ruin the pan.
2 people, independently
Adopt a habit of cleaning as you go if you tend to procrastinate when faced with a large amount of cleanup.
Seeing a bunch of work causes procrastination.
one person who lived it
If you have a partner or family member helping with dinner, assign the non-cooking person to handle the cleaning duties.
This keeps things fair between partners.
4 people, independently
Help with meal prep by clearing the table, scraping plates, and loading the dishwasher.
Every bit helps.
one person who lived it
Rinse or scrub pots, pans, and utensils immediately after use, before setting them down or letting them cool.
Dishes are easier to wash when fresh and hot, preventing crud from sticking once cooled.
3 people, independently
Clean as you go to avoid slowing down and losing motivation by searching for tools through a messy workspace.
A cluttered workspace slows you down and demotivates you.
one person who lived it
Clean or put items in the dishwasher immediately after using them, such as after putting something in the oven.
It reduces the pile left to clean up after dinner.
2 people, independently
Keep a dedicated bowl on the counter for food scraps and trash while cooking to keep the workspace clear.
Moving scraps to a lower garbage can is inefficient and cumbersome; this makes cleaning the workspace easier.
2 people, independently
Dice, peel, and grate all ingredients before cooking to make cleaning as you go easier.
Having sorted ingredients simplifies the cleanup process during cooking.
one person who lived it
Eat the food before washing dishes to show appreciation for a home-cooked meal.
It shows appreciation for the effort of cooking.
one person who lived it
Declutter the kitchen by removing rarely used tools to create space and reduce frustration.
Lack of space due to infrequent tools causes cooking frustration.
one person who lived it
Prepare small desserts or do dishes during waiting periods like boiling water or browning meat.
Having something to do lowers frustration levels.
one person who lived it
Peel food directly into the garbage bin.
It avoids creating an additional step or extra mess.
one person who lived it
Empty the dishwasher fully before you begin cooking so you can load dirty items as they accumulate.
3 people, independently
coffee, sugar, powder, milk11
Consider using fresh milk or cream rather than powdered creamer.
Freeze leftover brewed coffee into ice cubes and use them in iced drinks to maintain strength as they melt.
It avoids dilution and maintains the drink's strength.
- One person reported that freezing spoils the taste of the coffee.
2 people, independently
Use ice cream as a substitute for milk and sweetener in coffee.
It eliminates the need for separate sweetener.
- You will consume the ice cream, leaving none for other uses.
- Cheap ice cream may contain palm oils and thickeners.
3 people, independently
Request free liquid creamer packets at McDonald's to avoid buying creamer that might spoil.
They are free and do not spoil.
one person who lived it
Mix instant coffee powder with a small amount of water (e.g., 1/2 teaspoon) and stir until dissolved and creamy before adding hot liquid.
The mixture becomes creamy and lighter in color as the granules dissolve.
one person who lived it
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Buy higher-quality coffee beans instead of bulk options to improve flavor and reduce the need for sugar.
Better quality coffee tastes better and may not require as much sugar to be palatable.
one person who lived it
Freeze water bottles instead of ice cubes for cooling drinks.
They last longer and prevent a freezer full of melted water if power goes out.
one person who lived it
Make hot chocolate by mixing powder with a small amount of milk into a runny sludge, then pouring in boiled water while stirring.
This method produces hot chocolate done correctly.
one person who lived it
Pour sugar into your mug before adding hot coffee to visualize the amount used and help it dissolve without stirring.
Seeing the sugar pile helps you monitor consumption; pre-pouring aids dissolution.
one person who lived it
Cut sugar from coffee to eventually find that it tastes better.
- There is a short readjustment period.
one person who lived it
Pour coffee from a higher position to increase agitation and mixing when combining with pre-added ingredients.
It helps get the mixture agitated and mixed.
2 people, independently
Consider using fresh milk or cream rather than powdered creamer.
This avoids consuming certain additives found in powder.
4 people, independently