Kitchen checklist

The kitchen is a shared space used by all residents. Our goal is simple:

Leave the kitchen better than you found it.

Following this checklist ensures the kitchen stays functional, sanitary, and welcoming for everyone.

Before you cook

Before starting meal prep, do a quick reset of the kitchen.

1. Check the dishwasher

• If the dishwasher is full of dirty dishes, start it.
• If the dishwasher contains clean dishes, unload it and put them away.

This ensures dishwasher space is available for the next round of dishes.

2. Reset your workspace

Make sure you’re starting with a clean prep area.

• Clear stray dishes into the dishwasher, even if they aren't 'yours'
• Wipe crumbs or spills from the counter
• Confirm cutting boards and utensils are clean

Related guide:

• Toaster Oven Decrumbing

3. Gather what you need

Try to take out all ingredients and tools you expect to use before starting.

This helps prevent ingredients being forgotten on the counter later.

While cooking

While preparing food:

• Keep ingredients contained to your workspace
• Wipe spills as they happen
• Avoid spreading utensils and ingredients across the entire kitchen
• Keep raw food handling contained and sanitary
• Clean hands frequently, avoid touching surfaces like faucets and fridge handles with dirty hands

Cleaning small things while cooking prevents bigger cleanups later.

After cooking (required cleanup before eating)

Before leaving the kitchen, complete the following steps.

1. Put away all food and ingredients

Return everything you used to its proper location.

This includes:

• refrigerator
• freezer
• pantry
• spice rack

Ensure containers are sealed.

If food belongs to you personally, label it clearly.

Do not leave ingredients sitting out on counters.

2. Clean all dishes and cooking tools

All items used during cooking must be cleaned immediately.

Dishwasher items

Rinse and load:

• plates
• bowls
• cups
• silverware
• most cookware
• measuring tools

If the dishwasher becomes full or mostly full, start it.

Hand wash items

Some items should not go in the dishwasher, including:

• wooden cutting boards
• wooden utensils
• specialty knives
• cast iron (do not use soap!)
• delicate cookware

After washing:

• dry or place in drying rack
• return items to their storage location once dry

3. Clean all surfaces

Wipe down any surface that may have contacted food.

This includes:

• counters
• stovetop
• sink
• cutting boards
• prep areas
• appliance handles or surfaces you used

Related guides:

• Toaster Oven Decrumbing

4. Sink & drain check

Before leaving the kitchen:

• rinse the sink basin
• remove visible residue
• wipe the faucet and surrounding surfaces

Food scraps policy

Food scraps should never go in the trash can, as this attracts bugs.

Instead, dispose of scraps by either:

• running them through the garbage disposal in the sink, or
• placing them directly into the outdoor compost system

No food scraps should be placed in the indoor trash.

5. Final Kitchen Sweep

Before leaving the kitchen, take a quick look around.

Check for:

• stray dishes
• ingredients left out
• spills on appliances
• crumbs on counters
• residue in the sink

Ask yourself:

Did I leave the kitchen better than I found it?

If not, take another minute to correct it.

Refrigerator etiquette

The refrigerator is shared by all residents.

Label personal food

Personal food should be labeled with:

• your name
• optional date

This helps prevent confusion or accidental use.

Manage leftovers

If you cook and store leftovers:

• seal containers
• label when possible
• check periodically to ensure food has not spoiled

Old food should be removed promptly.

Avoid fridge clutter

Do not leave:

• open containers
• uncovered plates
• loose ingredients without labels

These create confusion and take up shared space.

Sink & food waste rules

The sink is used heavily and must remain usable for everyone.

Always dispose of food scraps properly

Food scraps must go:

• down the garbage disposal, or
• directly to the outdoor compost

Food scraps should never go into the trash can.

This prevents pest problems.

Keep the sink clear

Do not leave dishes in the sink.

If you need to rinse something, place it directly in the dishwasher afterward.

Leaving dishes in the sink prevents others from using it.

Dishware & cabinet organization

Kitchen cabinets are generally labeled with where items belong.

When putting away dishes or tools:

• return items to their labeled cabinet or drawer
• ensure items are fully dry before storing them

If you don’t know where something goes

Do not guess.

Incorrect placement makes it harder for others to find items.

Instead:

• post a quick question in the Signal house chat
• someone will point you to the correct location

Kitchen culture

The kitchen works best when everyone contributes a little effort.

Cleaning as you go and completing the checklist after cooking keeps the space comfortable for everyone.

Thank you for helping maintain a shared home.

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