Washing Dishes Made Easy
While I was in line at the grocery store checkout this morning, I couldn’t help overhearing two women ahead of me in line talking about how much they hate to wash dishes. One woman said she was dreading going home to the mountain of dishes waiting there for her, and she was feeling anxious about getting them washed and put away before her husband came home from work. Eventually other people in line chimed in with similar comments, and it was obvious that washing dishes was the one chore they all disliked the most. I was tempted to say that I do not mind doing dishes at all, and in fact there are actually times when I enjoy it, but given the tone of the conversation I didn’t think this viewpoint would be well-received… so I’ll pass these thoughts on to you.
Here’s what I do to make dish washing easy. First (and most important) use really hot water. Fill your sink with the hottest water available, add dish washing liquid and the dishes, making sure that all the dishes are completely submerged in the water, then find something else to do until the water has cooled down enough to put your hands in it comfortably. By this time most of the dishes will already be clean, and even cooked-on food will come off easily. If you have a lot of dishes to wash, repeat the process, but keep the water hot and add more dish washing liquid as necessary. Start with silverware, glassware, plates, cups, etc., and do the baking pans and cooking pots last.
If you’re cooking or baking something, fill your sink with hot, soapy water before you start. As you finish using a pan or dish, put it directly into the hot water, because the key to easy dish washing is to never let the food dry on the dishes. By the time you are done baking, the dishes will have cleaned themselves and won’t need much more than a rinse. It’s amazing how a simple technique like this can make such a huge difference!
Filed Under Cleanliness, Organization
Comments
Comment by Cammie:
This really does make a big difference! Great tip.
Cammie
Comment by Mrs. Brigham:
This tip really does make a huge difference with dishwashing :o)
Comment by mama lieveheersbeestje:
How funny, this is exactly how my mother has thought me how to do the dishes! And it realy works very well!
By the way, I make myself very cozy in my little kitchen, we painted it in a warm-red collor and I put a little radio inside. And I like to do most chores, so I am comfortable there too.
Greatings from the netherlands, mama lieveheersbeestje.
P.s. I like your blog!
Comment by AmyG:
Great post! I to sort of like doing dishes…IF I keep up with them. It is when I get lazy and let them sit a day or two (with only Hubby and I this is easy to do and before you know it….BANG…a big ‘ol mess)
I like the hot water…it relaxes me and I like how my kitchen looks when I get everything clean and tidy again.
Comment by Shirley:
Thank you ALL for the nice comments… I’m glad to know that I’m not alone in liking to wash dishes. Mama Lieveheersbeestje, your red kitchen sounds so warm and cozy!
Comment by Ginny:
That is basically what I do, too. It seems more efficient and I actually can get more done that way. Thanks!
Comment by Bethany:
I needed encouragement to get mine done today, and this did it. Thank you!
Comment by Ken S.:
Take it from an old BACHELOR — this method works! Washing dishes is one of those round-the-house chores I’ve always HATED, but because I live alone I don’t dirty enough dishes to justify getting an AUTOMATIC dishwasher. I came across your washing dishes post while I was looking for something else and thought I’d try what you said. THANK-YOU! The only way it could get easier now would be if the DISHES washed THEMSELVES!
Postscript to ANYONE reading this: DON’T skimp on the HOT WATER and be sure to use enough SOAP! That’s what makes it WORK!
Comment by erinne:
I used to hate doing dishes. Well, I can’t say that I like doing them now. But this method sure does beat the way I used to let everything get all dried on. Thanks!
Comment by Shirley:
Thanks for the great comments. I always enjoy hearing from people who visit my blog!
Please leave a comment!