Something Extra In the Kitchen

It is so easy to just do the basics when cleaning the kitchen--the least I need to do. Empty the dishwasher, put the perishable food away, wash the dishes, wipe the countertops we used for that meal, then go on to other projects.

Although kitchen cleaning is a high priority, I wouldn't say that it is always the highest. Quite a few things are up there as the highest priorities--all fighting to be done! Yet, just doing the basics in the kitchen day after day eventually means a messy kitchen.

So, I have determined that every time it is my turn to do the dishes I will not only do the minimum but I will always do "something extra". If I have a lot of time I might do a lot of extras. If I have little time I might just do one extra, but I will always do something extra.

This morning (Tuesday is the only day I do breakfast dishes) I filled the soap dispensers in both sinks (you know, the soap dispenser for the double sink has been empty for at least a week and it didn't take that long to fill!). I spilled soap while filling the one for the large single sink, so I took that opportunity to wash out the sink too. When I closed the dishwasher, I also wiped off the handle and panel. While my washing sink was filling I took a few seconds to wipe off the faucet and handle--it wasn't a thorough job but it looked better. All of those extras didn't take much time at all!

After lunch I cleaned and put away a cutting board that had managed to escape cleaning from Sunday. I also wiped some water off the countertop by the big sink. Mom had been cleaning dehydrator screens. She left a few to drain on a bowl on the countertop and unbeknownst to her they dripped quite a bit of water on the countertop.

See? I think this is a great idea--it's already working!