How I Finally Tackled the Dishes with a Routine and Won

I’m not sure where you are in your journey for an orderly home but this is an area that’s been a big obstacle for me. This is where I was about 4 years ago. Daily. I had no hope of ever getting ahead or staying caught up with the dishes.

I have good news to share! This is no longer “normal” in our home. Yes, there are days and times when the sink is overflowing but most of the time it’s under control. I can’t even believe I am typing these words. Here are a few things I did that helped.

Decrease the Number of Dishes in your Kitchen

First of all, I got rid of extra or rarely used dishes. We now have 7 large plates and 7 small plates that are accessible on a regular basis. We need 4 for our family and the other 3 available for guests. If we are having a big dinner party then I will either use paper plates or get additional plates out of storage.

Having a small number of dishes available for daily use ensures I run the dishwasher every night. In the past, I didn’t need to do the dishes because there was a supply of clean plates in the cabinet.

Include Your Family in the Task

When the kids got older, we put them to work. Soon after they could walk, I put them on silverware duty. Of course, I removed all the sharp knives but let them put the clean silverware away in the drawer. At first, they mixed it all up which didn’t bother me. I just fixed it later or let it be. In time, they learned how to sort and lay them correctly in the tray.

I also teach my children to take their plates to the sink after dinner. Correction MY HUSBAND teaches the kids to take their plate to the sink after dinner. Honestly, this is something I still forget at times.

One of Grant’s (my oldest) chores is to empty the dishwasher. Ideally, he does it before he leaves for school so it will be empty throughout the day. Otherwise, he unloads it before 5 pm so it’s empty and ready for loading after we eat dinner. THIS really has been key. An empty dishwasher makes the whole task less intimidating. I should add here that this isn’t always an enjoyable task for my 8-year-old. We use a reward system for chores done in a timely manner and consequences are given at times when the job isn’t completed. Most of the time he does a great job.

Years ago on Facebook, I asked if people would share their dish routine. Many people commented about what they do to control the chaos. It helped me to hear other peoples routines and I’ve adapted some of their habits. If you are interested, feel free to search “dishes” on my facebook account.

Wash Large Bowls and Pots Right Away

I read once that Martha Stewart says it’s best to clean messes right away. I agree and have started washing out mixing bowls and pots right after use. It has saved me so much scrubbing and frustration later on.

After-Dinner Clean-Up Routine

Earlier this year we started after-dinner clean up. This happens right after we finish eating. (Bonus: This gets me busy after dinner instead of dreaming about a second helping). First, everyone takes their own plate to the sink. Everyone has a job that fits their age and ability. Dean (age 4) is in charge is wiping down the dining room table and chairs. Grant (age 8) is in charge of putting the leftovers away. Brent is in charge of the floors, sweeping and occasionally Swiffering. I load the dishwasher with the dirty dishes and START IT EVERY NIGHT BEFORE WE GO TO SLEEP, a total game-changer.

More than likely if you come over to my house the sink will have dirty dishes in it and it could be overflowing but I’m so much better than I was. I’m trying to get a handle on the dishes instead of them ruling my life.

Let It Go

My family helps and it gets the job done. It’s not perfect but that’s not the goal. Since I’ve let go of everything being my way, I’ve found I really do like the help. So what if the clean spatula has dried egg on it because someone put it away without noticing? Scrub it quick and move on. Who cares if a whole section of the table is still full of crumbs after it has been wiped down? Either leave it or wipe it down yourself. The potato peeler was put away in the wrong drawer, does it really matter that much?

How do you tackle the dishes? Do you have an after-dinner routine? Please share. What could you change to make the dishes easier to control?

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