When it comes to monotonous activities, there are only two things that outrank washing dishes – watching paint dry and watching the grass grow. However, for most people, washing dishes is simply a part of life. Even if you own a dishwasher, there are still items that have to be hand washed.
The bad news is, you may never actually enjoy washing dishes; however, there are some tips and hacks you can use to take some of the hassles out of this process. Interested? If so, learn about the most effective hacks here.
1. Always Wear Gloves
Not only do the bright yellow gloves help you look super-cool (especially to your judgmental seven-year-old), but they also help to prevent you from getting a serious case of “dishpan hands.” The gloves will also protect your skin from the hot water, while giving you a barrier against any rogue knives that may be “out to get you,” hidden in the soapy water.
There’s an added bonus of gloves, too. These handy, super-cool accessories can help you hang on to slippery dishes. If you can’t stand that “wet glove, plastic smell,” then just sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside. It will disappear, leaving you smelling fresh and clean.
If you are totally against gloves, then you can opt for a safer more sensitive dish soap, such as the ones offered by Better Life.

2. Purchase a Dish Rack
Don’t worry, you aren’t going to have to go broke to get an effective way to dry your dishes. However, you do need to spend enough to get one that is big enough to handle any dish overflow.
With the right dish drying rack, you can have the perfect place to let your dishes dry without cluttering up the entire surface of your counter.
3. Remove Food from the Dishes Immediately
While this may sound a bit obvious, you would be surprised at how much more difficult it is to remove food that’s been sitting on one of your plates for 12 hours – or more. If you have dirty dishes that have been around for a while, then the moisture is going to evaporate from the food. This is going to create a solid bond with the surface, making it much more challenging to remove.
If the food gets stuck on your pots and pans it can be even more challenging. A general rule of thumb to follow – get the food off ASAP.
4. Buy a Quality Sponge
The 12-pack of sponges for $0.99 at the grocery store is an appealing buy. However, these aren’t quality sponges. Not only are they going to fall apart rather quickly, but they aren’t going to offer very much scrubbing power.
Take some time to find and invest in some high-quality sponges. Don’t worry – this isn’t going to set you back too much. Just a few dollars, and you can get the quality tools needed for effectively cleaning your dishes.
Washing Dishes: It Doesn’t Have to Be All Bad
Washing your dishes may not ever be something you look forward to or that you are excited about. However, when you use the tips here and the right tools, the process doesn’t have to be as much of a chore.