How can I keep up on the dishes with no dishwasher?

Question

My husband and I work full time. We always have a sink full of dishes and don't want to do them everyday. How can we keep it under control?

Answer 1

My husband and I work full time +, we do not have a dishwasher and we cook most of our meals and we just do the dishes every time we use them. It's the only way to keep on top of the mess. Our place is super small so one little thing out of place and the whole apartment looks a wreck.

Just get in the habit - both of you of washing as you go. The five minutes it takes sure beats spending your Saturday trying to get caught up again.

Answer 2

I hate to do dishes and I have a dishwasher. Of course, having a dishwasher doesn't assure an empty sink unless you're willing to load and unload the dishwasher.

Anyway, the best way to keep up on your dishes is by keeping your sink shining. If you shine it then you will want to keep it that way.

Each time you cook fill the sink up with soapy warm water and wash the dishes as you go. Then all you have to wash at the end of the meal is what you used to eat with and the last minute pans.

Try setting your timer when you wash the dishes. I'll bet you'll find that you can wash, rinse, dry and put away everything and wipe down the counters in less than 15 minutes.

Also, if you go to www.flylady.net you can find out how to make your life easier in other areas as well. This is a free yahoo group and its great.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I know how you feel.

My best advice (Although can be very trying especially when you are tired already) is to clean while you cook and to wash the dish that you've used right after you eat, instead of just throwing them in the sink.

It's a difficult habit to get use to at first but at least you wouldn't have a sink full of dishes to wash that would longer when your tired.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

Dishes always an issue. Try keeping a sink full of hot soapy water and wash and rinse as you use things.. put them in a dish drainer on your counter top. They may pile up in the drainer but they will be clean.

Answer 5

There is only one way to control it; Wash your dishes immediately after eating, including pots and pans. If you both do it , it will go very fast. If you have a sink ful , just wash a few extra when you can, eventually you will have a very clean kitchen. Believe me, everyone seems to be in a two family working situation. Yours isn*t unique.

Answer 6

Before I had a dishwasher I would just wash dishes after every meal... It's the sad truth, there's no magical way for them to just disappear... Or use paper products...Or just eat out of your pots/pans.... If it's really bad, buy a portable dishwasher that way if you move you can take it with you...If you own where you live ...Just buy a dishwasher...

Answer 7

My husband and I keep a large pot of soapy water so while you are cooking you just wash as you cook. Have plastic containers ready so that when the food is done you put your food in right away and wash that. So that by the time you are finished eating the only thing you have are your plates & forks,Preferably plastic![e-mail]

Answer 8

It's easy. When you dirty a dish or glass whatever the item may be, you wash it out right away. Then you never accumulate dishes. It worked for me! bettyk

Answer 9

I have never had a dishwasher except us people. Our rules, if you dirty it you clean it. If you have a family and have a regular dinner make a chart and have everyone pick their own washing schedule. Take turns, but you must enforce the rules.

Answer 10

Use Paper Products such as Paper Plates, knives, spoons, forks, and cups or wash each dish after using it...Good Luck hope this help you.