6 Dishwashing Hacks That Make This Dreaded Chore Way Easier
No one really looks forward to washing dishes. Whether it’s a sink full of greasy pans or the endless stream of cups after hosting guests, it can quickly feel like a job that never ends. However, a few small changes in your routine can make it much faster, less frustrating, and even a little more satisfying. Here are seven dishwashing tricks that help lighten the load and make the whole process smoother.
Rinse Right Away Instead of Letting It Sit
Food dries fast once it’s on a plate, especially starchy or sticky leftovers like pasta sauce or oatmeal. Even if you can’t wash a dish immediately, giving it a quick rinse with warm water will save you time later. This one habit prevents most of the scrubbing that comes with dried-on food. It also helps reduce any lingering odors in the sink and the pests those might bring.
Use the Right Amount of Soap
Too much dish soap might seem like an easy way to get cleaner dishes, but it actually creates more suds than needed and ultimately slows things down. You’ll spend more time rinsing and using more water because of it. A small amount of soap is usually enough, especially if you’re using a good sponge and warm water. For greasy dishes, focus on scrubbing well rather than adding more product. Less foam, less mess, less time spent rinsing.
Soak While You Prep
If you’re making dinner, fill one side of the sink or a large basin with warm, soapy water before you even start cooking. Drop in utensils, cutting boards, and bowls as you go. By the time you’re done with the meal, most of the soaking has already done the hard work for you. This cuts down on how long you spend at the sink after eating and makes it easier to clean up right away.
Invest in a Good Dish Brush
A dish brush with a strong grip and stiff bristles can reach into tight corners and clean faster than a sponge alone. It’s especially helpful for glassware, mugs, and other oddly shaped items. Keep it near the sink and rinse it after each use to avoid buildup within the bristles, which can bring about the same smells that dirty dishes carry.
Stack Smarter
If your sink is full of dishes, stacking them the right way can actually make washing faster. Group similar items together and place utensils in a container of warm water. Keep larger pans or plates on the bottom so they can soak, while lighter items like glasses and bowls should stay on top. This keeps the water flowing and any prevents fragile pieces from breaking under the weight of heavy cookware. You’ll spend less time reaching around and more time actually getting things done.
Let Dishes Air Dry in Batches
Instead of drying every item by hand, try setting up a drying station with a mat or rack and do dishes in sets. Let one group dry while you wash the next. It frees up your hands and keeps the rhythm going. If you place dishes so water runs off easily, most items dry without spots or streaks. Once dry, you can put everything away at once instead of stopping and starting over and over.
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Though it’s one of the more dreaded chores, dishwashing doesn’t have to feel like such a burden. Even just the small changes listed here will add up over time if you stick to them, making it easier to stay on top of the daily mess. Even if you’re not looking to love the task, making it simpler is a win in itself. The easier it is to do, the more likely you’ll stay ahead of it.
Daniel Mitchell
