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Sometimes the cleanup after cooking feels like a punishment for daring to make a home-cooked meal. You pull together a pot of spaghetti or whip up a stir-fry, and suddenly the sink looks like it hosted a food fight. We all fall into routines and shortcuts that feel like they save time, but some of those “shortcuts” actually make the mess worse—or worse than that, they can damage your kitchen or even your health.
I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that a few small tweaks can save your sanity later. Let’s talk about some of the most common mistakes many of us make in the kitchen when it comes to cleaning up. You might nod along to a few of these.
1. Dumping Boiling Pasta Water in the Sink
We’ve all done it—tip that big pot right into the drain and call it a night. But boiling water can be rough on PVC pipes. Over time, it weakens them, and then one day—surprise—you’ve got a leak under the sink. Instead, let it cool a little or use a strainer. And here’s a tip from my Italian friend: pasta water is liquid magic. Save a cup or two to stir into sauces; it makes them silky. Or, if you’ve got plants, let it cool and give them a little treat.
2. Running Cast Iron Through the Dishwasher
I know, the temptation is real. But a dishwasher is the enemy of cast iron. The soap strips away the seasoning, and the moisture can cause rust. Cast iron needs just hot water, a brush, and a little rub of oil afterward. It’s a relationship, not a fling—it takes care to keep it happy.
3. Taking Steel Wool to Nonstick Pans
Steel wool looks like the hero of cleanup, but it’ll scratch your nonstick pans faster than you can say “omelet.” Once that coating is damaged, food sticks and cleanup becomes a nightmare. Use a soft sponge and warm soapy water. If something’s really glued on, soak it first and save yourself the frustration.
4. Soaking Up Grease with Paper Towels
Paper towels are easy, but they’re wasteful, and pouring grease down the drain is even worse—it hardens and clogs pipes. The smarter way? Pour grease into a jar and toss it once it solidifies. Or, if you’re like my grandmother, keep a little jar of bacon grease on hand. Frying eggs in it is downright heavenly.
5. Dousing Wooden Boards in Soap
Wooden cutting boards are tricky little things. Too much soap, and suddenly everything you chop has a faint “Dawn dish soap” aftertaste. Hot water, a little scrub, and quick drying are enough. Every now and then, rub on some mineral oil to keep it from cracking. Think of it as lotion for your cutting board.
6. Ignoring Blender Blades
Raise your hand if you’ve left a smoothie blender in the sink “to deal with later.” (Yep, me too.) But those blades can dull and stink if they’re neglected. Quick trick: warm water, a drop of soap, and hit “blend.” Rinse and dry, and you’re done—no finger accidents trying to scrub sharp blades.
7. Overstuffing the Dishwasher
We all play Tetris with the dishwasher, but cramming in too many pots and pans means nothing gets truly clean. Spray arms get blocked, detergent doesn’t circulate, and you’re left rewashing things. Save the dishwasher for dishes, and hand-wash the big pans. It’s faster than running them twice.
8. Letting Food Sit Overnight
Here’s the thing: what looks like a harmless lasagna plate becomes a cemented nightmare by morning. Food left to dry overnight breeds bacteria and turns into a scrubbing session. At least rinse things right after dinner, even if you’re not up for full-on dish duty. Your future self will send you a thank-you note.
9. Skipping a Quick Rinse on Containers
Reusable containers are great until you forget one in your lunch bag and find it three days later—yikes. Give them a rinse as soon as they’re empty. For stains or smells (hello, tomato sauce), baking soda paste is a lifesaver.
10. Forgetting the Garbage Disposal
That little whirring machine under the sink gets ignored until it smells like something crawled in there. Ice cubes and salt help scrub the blades, and lemon slices keep it fresh. Honestly, it’s oddly satisfying watching it chew up ice.
11. Using Harsh Cleaners on the Wrong Surfaces
Not every cleaner belongs on every surface. Harsh chemicals can dull granite or marble, and even stainless steel can get streaky. When in doubt, mild soap and warm water are your safest bet. A little gentleness now saves a lot of money later.
Wrapping It Up
Cleaning isn’t the fun part of cooking, but it doesn’t have to be the hardest either. With a few small changes—saving pasta water, babying your cast iron, rinsing that blender—you’ll save time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. And honestly, isn’t there something wonderful about waking up to a tidy kitchen, ready for coffee and breakfast?