
Doing the dishes is one of those never-ending tasks that feels draining since it needs to be done daily. And sometimes, it doesn't even work out right. How often have you reached for a fork only to discover it's still dirty? All that effort just to get unsatisfactory results. It's frustrating. What you need are products that make this job simpler and more efficient.
Top-Rated Dishwashing Products
Let's begin with the ultimate champion, the undisputed leader: Scrub Daddy. My friends were raving about it long before I joined in, and I assumed it was just another fad. Maybe they loved the cute smiley face shape, but how much of a difference could it really make? Then I tried it for myself. The unique material scrubs away all the grime, and the textured edges reach into tight corners, while the mouth opening is perfect for slipping utensils through for an all-around clean. Scrub Daddy lives up to the hype.
For the complete experience, try a Scrub Mommy. It's similar to the Scrub Daddy, but with a dual-sided design—one side is slightly more abrasive than the other, allowing you to control the pressure applied to your dishes. Six of them are $21.99.
It's well-known that I am a huge fan of transferring store-bought products into more aesthetically pleasing and functional containers. It not only improves the look of your space but also keeps things more organized. Few situations call for this more than with soap. When your hands are wet and slippery, the last thing you want to do is struggle with a plastic bottle. Get yourself a dish soap dispenser. I gifted my mom a wall-mounted, hands-free version, and she absolutely loves how much easier it makes dishwashing—no more struggling with a bottle. The small things really make a difference. (And for the record, I won’t specify which soap to use, as everyone has their favorite, but I will say you can pry Mrs. Meyers dishwashing liquid from my soapy hands.)
Alternatively, use a soap dispenser brush, which significantly reduces the time it takes to dispense soap and create foam. This one from OXO Good Grips comes with a stand, perfect for keeping your kitchen organized.
A few years ago, my mom gifted me a silicone sponge, and it's still going strong. That means no more constantly buying replacement sponges. While it's not as abrasive, making it less suitable for tough, stuck-on food, its flexibility allows it to reach tight spaces, and it definitely serves its purpose. I use it daily, and it’s been a total game-changer.
Because of how much I love my silicone sponge, I've been considering getting silicone scrubbing gloves. They let you get your fingers into those tiny spaces and really work at the crevices. You know exactly which ones I mean.
If you're tight on space, a mini dishwasher might be your perfect solution. A full-sized dishwasher might be a dream for small apartment dwellers like me, but even with one, you often don’t want to load it just for a few utensils and cups. This portable, USB-powered device foams your water and creates a mini vortex, washing smaller items while you take care of the bigger stuff. It's a glimpse into the future. What a time to live in.
Top Tools for Drying Your Dishes
With limited counter space in my apartment, I can’t just leave dishes out to dry every time I wash them. I use microfiber cloths to soak up moisture, and I can confidently say they work much better than any other material.
But sometimes, you do need a drying rack. It doesn’t have to be a giant thing that takes up your space all the time. A collapsible rack, like this one, can be stored away when not in use, making it the perfect space-saving solution.