The Lazy Genius Podcast: Episode #415 - How I Keep My Kitchen (Mostly) Clean

Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Kendra Adachi, renowned as The Lazy Genius, delves deep into the strategies she employs to maintain a mostly clean kitchen in episode #415 of her podcast. Emphasizing that "clean is relative" and acknowledging the personal nature of cleanliness, Kendra offers a compassionate and adaptable framework for listeners striving to manage their kitchen spaces without added stress.

Understanding Cleanliness: A Personal Approach

Timestamp: [02:00]

Kendra opens the episode by highlighting the subjective nature of cleanliness. She emphasizes that maintaining a clean kitchen doesn't equate to adhering to rigid rules but rather finding what works for individual circumstances. Recognizing that life’s challenges—such as mental health struggles or busy schedules—can impact one’s ability to keep spaces tidy, Kendra reassures listeners that their efforts are valid regardless of the current state of their kitchen.

"Clean is relative. Clean is personal. Clean is not the rule, nor is every person's definition of clean the same." – Kendra Adachi [02:30]

1. Establishing a Dirty Dishes Zone

Timestamp: [02:45]

Kendra introduces the concept of a "dirty dishes zone," a designated area on the counter where all used dishes are placed until they can be cleaned. This simple yet effective strategy minimizes visual clutter and streamlines the cleaning process.

"It's the simplest thing, but often the simplest things have the biggest impact." – Kendra Adachi [04:10]

By centralizing dirty dishes, Kendra reduces the spread of clutter across the kitchen, making the space feel more organized and less overwhelming. This approach also facilitates easier cleanup later, as dishes are already grouped together.

2. Creating a Spot for Clean Dishes

Timestamp: [06:00]

Just as important as a place for dirty dishes is having a designated spot for clean ones. Kendra utilizes a wire drying basket to store clean dishes, ensuring they remain contained and visually tidy.

"If it's out, it's decoration." – Kendra Adachi [09:00]

This method not only keeps clean dishes organized but also enhances the kitchen's aesthetic by incorporating attractive containers, aligning with her philosophy of making visible items as pretty as possible.

3. Utilizing Baskets and Bowls to Corral Items

Timestamp: [15:06]

Kendra emphasizes the power of containers in maintaining order. By using baskets, bowls, and trays, she can either group items together or make them completely invisible, reducing visual chaos.

"Having a container or as Mikwin Smith calls it, a home base for your stuff is visually so impactful." – Kendra Adachi [17:30]

Examples include:

• Fruit Bowls: For items like clementines, which are both functional and decorative.
• Drink Spinner: A lazy Susan that holds water bottles and cups, ensuring beverages have a designated place.
• Pill Basket: A neat container for medications and other frequently accessed items.

4. Rinsing Pots and Pans Immediately After Use

Timestamp: [20:15]

To simplify the dishwashing process, Kendra adopts the habit of rinsing pots and pans right after using them. This not only makes the actual washing easier but also gives the impression of a cleaner kitchen.

"It makes the dirty pans look like more clean because they are not full of gunk and tomato sauce." – Kendra Adachi [21:45]

This small step significantly reduces the visual mess and the effort required to clean cookware later.

5. Preventing Clutter from Accumulating on Counters

Timestamp: [25:00]

Kendra maintains a strict policy against letting non-essential items reside on the kitchen counters. By ensuring that only necessary appliances and items (like the coffee maker or microwave) occupy the space, she minimizes clutter.

"If you have things that always end up on the counter, it means they don't have another place." – Kendra Adachi [27:20]

She encourages listeners to designate specific storage solutions for items like mail and miscellaneous papers to prevent them from piling up on surfaces.

6. Daily Dishwasher Routine with the Family

Timestamp: [30:05]

Maintaining a consistent dishwasher routine is pivotal in Kendra’s kitchen management. Each family member is assigned a specific level of the dishwasher to unload daily, fostering accountability and ensuring dishes don’t linger.

"Our kids unload the dishwasher every day. This rhythm helps our overall kitchen rhythm flow." – Kendra Adachi [32:10]

By integrating the family into this routine, Kendra creates a harmonious system where responsibilities are shared, reinforcing the importance of collective effort in maintaining a clean kitchen.

7. Wiping Down Counters Throughout the Day

Timestamp: [35:00]

Regularly wiping down kitchen counters prevents the buildup of crumbs, spills, and stains, keeping the kitchen feeling fresh and orderly. Kendra utilizes a method granite cleaner and reusable paper towels to efficiently maintain surface cleanliness.

"Wiping down the counters is so quick to do, especially if the counters are already clear." – Kendra Adachi [36:30]

This habit ensures that even minor messes are promptly addressed, contributing to the overall tidiness of the space.

8. Resetting the Kitchen Every Night

Timestamp: [37:00]

At the end of each day, Kendra performs a quick reset of the kitchen. This involves:

• Putting away stray items.
• Wiping down surfaces.
• Aligning kitchen chairs.
• Vacuuming the floor.

"Resetting the kitchen makes the whole kitchen feel clean, even if there are still dirty pots in the sink." – Kendra Adachi [39:15]

This nightly routine prepares the kitchen for the next day, reducing morning stress and setting a positive tone for daily activities.

9. Identifying and Implementing Small Changes

Timestamp: [40:00]

Kendra advocates for continuous improvement by regularly assessing what isn’t working and making minor adjustments. Using her bread storage as an example, she demonstrates how small tweaks can lead to significant enhancements in kitchen organization.

"Notice what's not working and then make small changes. Don't turn everything upside down or resent your kitchen or your people." – Kendra Adachi [42:30]

This philosophy encourages listeners to adopt a proactive and patient approach to kitchen management, fostering gradual yet meaningful progress.

10. Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal of Visible Items

Timestamp: [43:00]

To make the kitchen appear cleaner, Kendra focuses on the visual appeal of items that remain on surfaces. By opting for attractive containers and coordinating colors, she transforms functional items into decorative elements.

"If it's out, it's decoration. Make the things that are out as pretty as you can." – Kendra Adachi [45:20]

This strategy not only elevates the kitchen’s look but also aligns with her overarching theme of being a genius about what truly matters while being lazy about the rest.

Conclusion: Embracing Personal Kitchen Rhythm

Timestamp: [48:00]

Kendra concludes by reiterating that maintaining a mostly clean kitchen is a personal journey. She encourages listeners to adopt strategies that resonate with their unique lifestyles and to approach kitchen management with kindness towards themselves.

"The point is not for you to do what I'm doing. It's not for you to copy things. It's more to show you how the things that I do... contribute to how a specific family can operate in the kitchen." – Kendra Adachi [49:30]

For those seeking deeper insights, Kendra promotes her book, The Lazy Genius Kitchen, which offers an extensive exploration of kitchen management beyond typical cookbooks or organizational guides.

Celebrating the Lazy Genius of the Week

Timestamp: [50:00]

Each episode features a "Lazy Genius of the Week," highlighting listeners' innovative solutions. This week, Anya Gates shares her "Wing It Wednesday" strategy, where she and her partner create spontaneous meals using limited ingredients, reducing food waste and adding fun to their routine.

"We are playing Chopped. If we don't, it's a night of reheating what we can and making mismatched dinners." – Anya Gates [52:10]

Kendra applauds Anya's creativity and adaptability, reinforcing the podcast's ethos of personalized and stress-free living.

Final Thoughts

Episode #415 of The Lazy Genius Podcast offers a comprehensive and empathetic approach to kitchen cleanliness. Kendra Adachi’s blend of practical solutions and heartfelt understanding provides listeners with actionable strategies tailored to diverse lifestyles. By emphasizing flexibility, shared responsibilities, and aesthetic considerations, Kendra empowers individuals to create kitchens that are both functional and serene, aligning with what truly matters to them.

Notable Quotes:

• "Clean is relative. Clean is personal. Clean is not the rule, nor is every person's definition of clean the same." – Kendra Adachi [02:30]

• "It's the simplest thing, but often the simplest things have the biggest impact." – Kendra Adachi [04:10]

• "If it's out, it's decoration. Make the things that are out as pretty as you can." – Kendra Adachi [45:20]

By offering a nuanced perspective on kitchen management, Kendra Adachi continues to inspire her audience to embrace a balanced and personalized approach to maintaining a living space that nurtures their well-being.