{"id":2121,"date":"2025-02-21T05:38:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T05:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/?p=2121"},"modified":"2025-03-06T05:48:33","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T05:48:33","slug":"lazy-mom-kitchen-clean-up-hacks-thatll-save-your-sanity-adhd-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/lazy-mom-kitchen-clean-up-hacks-thatll-save-your-sanity-adhd-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Lazy Mom Kitchen Clean Up Hacks That\u2019ll Save Your Sanity (ADHD Edition)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Quick Kitchen Clean-Up Hacks That Will Blow Your ADHD Mind | Coffee Chat\" width=\"1400\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zUn4djmf9S8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hey there Domestic Darling! If cooking feels like it always leaves your kitchen in chaos, this post is for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I saw this post on threads the other day that said \u201ccleaning as you cook is the cheat code\u201d which is totally true, but it was the comment underneath it that took me out. It said \u201cUntil you get distracted because you have ADHD and burn your food because you were too focused on cleaning lol\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-2-1-150x150.png?resize=150%2C150&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-2-1.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-2-1.png?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-2-1.png?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As someone navigating life with ADHD (and a baby napping in the backseat as I type this), I know all about the struggle to keep things clean while trying to feed your family. But trust me, there\u2019s hope! With a bit of strategy (and some weirdly specific hacks), you can make cleaning while cooking a thing (without burning your food in the process)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SO, here are my ADHD-approved methods for keeping the kitchen manageable while you whip up dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Unload the Dishwasher Before You Start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s my golden rule, if you can only take one thing from today\u2019s post let it be this: The dishwasher <em>must<\/em> be unloaded and ready to go before you even think about dinner. Why? Because if clean dishes are piled up in the dishwasher, there\u2019s nowhere for the dirty ones you\u2019re creating to go, and suddenly you\u2019ve got a mountain of dishes snarling back at you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seriously, make this a non-negotiable habit\u2014you\u2019ll thank yourself later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Use a Collapsible Soapy Water Tub<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My sink has a single basin, so this little hack has been a game-changer. I fill a collapsible tub with hot, soapy water, and I scrape plates or dirty utensils into the trash and then place them directly into the hot soapy water tub as I cook.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-5-1-240x300.png?resize=240%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-5-1.png?resize=240%2C300&amp;ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-5-1.png?resize=819%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-5-1.png?resize=768%2C960&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-5-1.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Once I\u2019m done cooking or while I\u2019m waiting for something, all those soaked dishes go straight into the dishwasher. It\u2019s way less stressful than facing a pile of crusty pots and pans after dinner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Try a Trash Bowl for Easy Cleanup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay, if you\u2019ve never used a trash bowl, get ready for your life to change. When I lived in a bigger space and my trash can wasn\u2019t within arm\u2019s reach, I\u2019d waste time walking all round the kitchen just to throw stuff away.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-6-1-240x300.png?resize=240%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-6-1.png?resize=240%2C300&amp;ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-6-1.png?resize=819%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-6-1.png?resize=768%2C960&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-6-1.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Instead, I started tossing all my scraps into a trash bowl\u2014a simple, collapsible one that hooks onto a cabinet\u2014and deal with the whole lot at the end of cooking. No burnt food. No getting derailed mid-recipe. Total lifesaver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Put Ingredients Away as You Go (With a Basket!)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This hack might seem a little extra, but it\u2019s majorly helpful. My pantry shares space with the laundry room (ugh), so if I dash in to grab one thing, I\u2019ll inevitably start folding towels, reorganizing shelves\u2014you get the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To cut out the chaos, I use a box, basket, or even reusable grocery bags to collect all the ingredients I\u2019ve pulled out while cooking. Then, during downtime (like waiting for water to boil), I can actually focus on putting everything back in one trip.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-7-1-240x300.png?resize=240%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-7-1.png?resize=240%2C300&amp;ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-7-1.png?resize=819%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-7-1.png?resize=768%2C960&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-7-1.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Set a Visual Timer for Focused Cleaning Spurts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your pasta sauce needs 10 minutes to simmer, don\u2019t waste that time scrolling. Grab a visual timer. Having that countdown helps me stay on track without losing track of time and getting stuck in some ADHD cleaning rabbit hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During those timed spurts, I\u2019ll load the dishwasher, wipe down counters, empty the trash bowl, and put ingredients away\u2014all while keeping one eye on the stove. The visual timer is key because it keeps you from crossing into \u201cjust one more thing\u201d territory.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-8-1-240x300.png?resize=240%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2128\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-8-1.png?resize=240%2C300&amp;ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-8-1.png?resize=819%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-8-1.png?resize=768%2C960&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-8-1.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Store Leftovers Right Away<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This one\u2019s simple but effective: serve those leftovers directly into Tupperware or casserole dishes with lids. Boom\u2014no extra dishes to deal with, and everything gets into the fridge fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re feeding a larger family, try packing up extra food after everyone\u2019s made their first plate. Anything cooked in pots or pans goes straight into that soapy water for a soak, while the food gets stored away with minimal fuss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Post-Dinner? You\u2019re Practically Done!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the best part\u2014because you\u2019ve been cleaning as you cook, most of the hard work is already done. After dinner, you can breathe easy knowing that plates, cookware, and utensils are just a quick rinse away from the dishwasher. From there, you can focus on a simple evening cleaning routine to finish up. (<a href=\"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-evening-reset-guide-5-things-i-do-every-night-for-a-stress-free-morning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pro tip: check out my evening cleaning routine below.<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-9-1-240x300.png?resize=240%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-9-1.png?resize=240%2C300&amp;ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-9-1.png?resize=819%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-9-1.png?resize=768%2C960&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cleaning-as-you-cook-meme.zip-9-1.png?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evening Cleaning Routine\u20141950s Radio Edition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After the day winds down and dinner is cleaned up (thanks to that hot soapy water waiting in the sink), I love to finish with a calming evening routine. My secret? Timed cleaning tasks set to vintage 1950s radio shows!&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/radio.domesticdaydreams.com\/free-evening-routine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(You can get some free episodes to listen to here)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s my quick routine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Load the Dishwasher:<\/strong>&nbsp;Everyone puts their plates in right after dinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tidy Up Clutter:<\/strong>&nbsp;High-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spot Sweep\/Mop the Floors:<\/strong>&nbsp;A quick once-over to catch crumbs, especially if you\u2019ve got crawling kiddos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Laundry:<\/strong>&nbsp;Fold and put away that morning\u2019s load of laundry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Self Care:<\/strong>&nbsp;Take 5 minutes to do some skin care, shower, journal, or read a book you like.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By keeping it simple and fun, this routine feels more like self-care than work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Kitchen Doesn\u2019t Have to Be Overwhelming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>And there you have it\u2014my no-drama, ADHD-friendly tricks for keeping your kitchen clean <em>while<\/em> cooking. These tips aren\u2019t about perfection. They\u2019re about making life a little easier, dinner a little less chaotic, and cleanup way less scary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try them out and see what sticks\u2014or share your go-to hacks in the comments. I\u2019d love to hear how you keep the mess in check!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay, I\u2019m off to review my grocery list while the baby finishes her nap. Here\u2019s to no burnt food and no mountain of dishes waiting for us later. You\u2019ve got this! \ud83c\udf1f<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hey there Domestic Darling! If cooking feels like it always leaves your kitchen in chaos, this post is for you. I saw this post on&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,78,95],"tags":[119,113,114,132],"class_list":["post-2121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-homemaking","category-on-youtube","tag-cleaning-hacks","tag-happy-homemaking","tag-homemaking-motivation","tag-kitchen-cleaning"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/domestic-daydreams-youtube-thumbnails-1.png?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2121"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2121\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2136,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2121\/revisions\/2136"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/domesticdaydreams.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}