SINK and COUNTER

Organizing strategies will differ depending on the particular spot or surface, and whether it’s out in the open or behind closed doors (or drawers). Following are tips for tackling two of the most visible—and most used—areas of the kitchen.

tame the stuff around the Sink

As arguably the busiest spot in the home, the sink and its surrounds should always be tidy.

• Keep hand soap together with a nail brush (for those post-pie-dough sessions) in a soap dish—vintage ceramic ones are inexpensive and easy to find, or opt for sleeker, modern bamboo holders.
• Put scrubbing and steel-wool pads in their own holder. These can end up with food bits trapped inside, so clean thoroughly; each time you make tea, for example, pour some of the boiling water over the pad to rinse it out.
• Regular sponges also go in their own holders—be sure to rinse and squeeze well after each use. When they become too soiled for dishes after a couple weeks of frequent use, simply move them down below the sink for using on floors or other surfaces. Consider natural sponges, as they look lovely and last a long time. And note: the smaller the sponge, the less soap you’ll use.
• Stand bottle brushes, pot-and-pan scrubbers, and other such tools bristle-side up in a crock; remember what each is used for, or label them so others don’t use the vegetable brush to wash a pot, and clean well after each use. If you don’t use these regularly, tuck them under the sink.
• Decant your favorite dishwashing liquid into a pretty reusable container. Buy soap in bulk to reduce cost and plastic waste.
• Drying racks that fit neatly over the sink save space; when the basin is needed, rest the rack on a tray or mat on the counter.
• Stack a bunch of terry-cloth bar towels, purchased in bulk, neatly near the sink for soaking up spills, wiping down counters, and drying off pots and pans.
• To keep from rummaging around under the sink, install a sliding pull-out shelf or use a large lazy Susan, for easy access to your cleaning supplies; or corral these into separate, clear, stackable bins.
• Suspend cleaning bottles by their spray triggers over a heavy-duty tension rod mounted across the under-sink cabinet; adhesive hooks inside the door can hold wet cleaning gloves and brushes.

keep Counters CLEAR

More counter space often means more clutter. Make a habit of putting things away after every use.

• Store essential tools within arm’s reach of the stove, sorting them by usage (savory vs. baking) or material (wooden vs. metal) or category (spoons vs. whisks vs. tongs) into different crocks.
• If you keep everyday appliances such as toaster ovens and coffee makers on the counter, use felt glides to protect the surface—they’ll also be easy to slide back and forth.
• Expand your work surface with a rolling cart for storage where you need it; this is especially useful in a tight kitchen. Add a custom-cut marble or butcher-block top, and a cart can also be used as a bar when entertaining.
• Free up counter space by hanging knives from magnetic strips on the wall—or use drawer inserts (page 106).

Martha Must

Don’t wash your sponges in the dishwasher, as they really won’t come clean. Instead, wash them in a mesh bag on a hot-water cycle in the washing machine with a couple of big towels. I also put my brushes and sponges outside in the sun once a week as a natural disinfectant.