Before You Cook
Read your recipe! Collect needed tools and ingredients and plan how much time you’ll need.
Prepare your workspace. Clear counters. Make sure you have enough space to mix, measure, chop, and clean.
Prepare for dirty dishes. Start with an empty dishwasher or a clean sink filled with soapy water, so dirty dishes can be immediately moved out of the way.
While You Cook
Tidy after each step. Clean your cutting board, wash dirty dishes, and put away ingredients you will no longer need.
Take your time. Work patiently and slowly, taking time to clean as you go to prevent a mess when you’re finished.