Wash your dishes
Dishwasher | Photo by brownpau
Some people are so relieved to have an automatic dishwasher in their home — and I don’t blame them. There are times I’m so thankful we have one as well (especially after a large dinner party).
But the problem with dishwashers is that they tend to drive me towards procrastination.
See if this reminds you of your own situation…
You’ve finished dinner, you carry your dishes to the kitchen, only to discover the dishwasher is full of clean dishes.
So rather than empty the dishwasher, you simply pile your dishes in the sink, hoping they’ll magically clean themselves.
I’m still waiting for that to happen.
Instead, take a few minutes and wash each dish as you go — yes, by hand.
I’ve been washing the majority of our dishes by hand over the last few months and not only does it help quickly clear away the clutter in our kitchen there’s also a great deal of personal satisfaction for a job well done.
And if they’re able, get your kids and spouse involved in the washing, drying and/or putting the dishes back in their proper places.
It’s hard to beat the quality time you’ll have when you’re all working towards the same goal.
(Plus you’ll each burn 30 or so calories for every 15 minutes you wash dishes. WOot!)
For more, Joshua Becker has some great thoughts on this as well.
This post is a part of a larger project I’m hoping to launch in mid-December. Be sure and join The Simple People newsletter to stay up to date on the latest info and get a preview copy before the project officially launches.
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I go back and forth between hand washing and using the dishwasher. At this point in life, I feel like the dishwasher really does save me time. When I hand wash everything, all the time, I feel like I am constantly doing dishes.
I understand!
It’s really a case by case basis for me still. Since it’s just my Life and I most of the time, I’m usually washing pots or pans anyways and it’s just a few other dishes alongside it.
If we have company over… I usually end up throwing most of the plates, glasses and silverware in the dishwasher… especially if there’s enough to fill a load.