Here’s How You Can Make Hand-Washing Dishes More Fun

Luckily, with the right combination of prep work and products—and, of course, good music—I’m able to get myself in the perfect mindset for washing dishes even when I really, really, really don’t want to. So, whether you already don’t mind the act of doing the dishes or you’d rather be doing anything else, here are seven ways to make hand-washing dishes more fun.

Clear your drying area—completely

Putting clean dishes back where they belong is among my least favorite household chores. I’d seriously rather clean a toilet than empty the dishwasher or dish rack. But hand-washing dishes is much less annoying when you have ample air-drying space, so be sure to completely empty your dish rack or drying mat before you start. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you could give your dish rack a wipe down (vinegar is great for getting rid of hard water spots) or swap in a fresh microfiber mat. And if either has seen better days, it might be time for an upgrade because you definitely don’t want to put clean dishes on a not-so-clean surface.

Make sure you have the tools you need (and maybe a couple you don’t)

When was the last time you replaced your sponges, dish brushes, and scrubbies? If your sponge smells bad and your scrubbersa washing-up bowl

Splurge on smells

I’m a person who’s motivated by nice scents the way kids are motivated by candy, so when I really need to get my ass in gear to clean, I load up on the smell-good stuff. In addition to scented dish soap

Accessorize

Properly suiting up can make the act of hand-washing dishes more fun—and sometimes even less painful. Dish gloves can keep your hands safe from scalding water and unidentified dirty dish sludge while an apron can keep your clothes clean and dry. My colleague Genevieve swears byour product testing

Put on your favorite tunes

I have a playlist I like to put on when I clean (and yes it definitely has some Lizzo on it). But I can hardly hear anything coming from my phone over the sound of running water and motorized dish brushes. That’s why I keep a water-resistant portable bluetooth speaker

Stand on something squishy

Kitchen floors rarely have any give and my knees will be the first to tell you that pretty little vintage rugs aren’t much better when you’re standing in the same place for 20 to 30 minutes. But put a cute anti-fatigue mat

Clean your sink when you’re done

Washing the very last dish is so satisfying. But not quite as satisfying as making your sink sparkle when you’re done. I like to give mine a quick scrub with a scrubby or brush I use exclusively for this purpose. Then I fill the sink with hot water and a scoop or two of Tide with Bleach powder