Dishwashers make life so much easier—they handle the dirty work while we kick back and relax. But not everything fits in a dishwasher, and some homes don’t have one at all. If you find yourself hand-washing dishes more often than you’d like, it can feel like a never-ending chore—especially when dealing with stubborn, baked-on messes.
The good news? With a few simple tricks, you can make hand-washing dishes easier, faster, and way less of a hassle.
Let dishes soak before scrubbing
Instead of scrubbing each dish one by one, save time by filling your sink (or a plastic tub) with hot, soapy water and letting your dishes soak. This helps loosen food residue so you don’t have to work as hard. Start with glasses and silverware first, then move on to plates and bowls, leaving pots and pans for last.
Use a smart drying setup
Air drying is convenient, but dish racks that drain directly into the sink can take up a lot of space. Instead, place a drying rack on a shallow metal cookie sheet to catch excess water. This keeps your countertop drier and makes it easy to move the rack when you need extra space.
Protect your hands
Hot water is essential for effective dishwashing, but it can be rough on your skin. A good pair of dishwashing gloves will keep your hands from getting dry or pruney. Plus, using hotter water helps dishes dry faster and prevents streaks—especially on glassware.
Tackle greasy pots and pans with salt
Grease can be tough to remove, but salt is a great natural scrubber. Before washing, sprinkle salt onto greasy pots and pans and rub it in with a dry sponge. It helps absorb oil and makes scrubbing much easier.
Boil away tough baked-on messes
For stubborn, baked-on food, try this trick: Fill the pot or pan with hot water and add ¼ cup of baking soda or powdered dish detergent. Bring it to a boil, then remove from heat and let it sit for about an hour. When you’re ready to wash, the residue should wipe away easily.
Make your kitchen smell fresh and clean
A clean kitchen isn’t just about spotless dishes—it’s about a fresh, inviting atmosphere, too. MojiLife makes it easy to keep your kitchen smelling amazing with our flameless fragrance system. Whether you want the crisp scent of fresh linens, a citrusy burst of lemon, or the comforting aroma of vanilla, MojiLife’s AirMoji lets you enjoy long-lasting fragrance without the mess of candles or sprays.
Hand-washing dishes might not be the most exciting chore, but with these tips—and a fresh, clean scent in the air—you can make the experience a little more enjoyable.
