I'll admit it. I'm not a super neat person. It's not that I'm a slob but I can definitely handle a little more disarray than most people. But no matter what, when I go to bed at night I know one thing for sure will never greet me in the morning: a pile of dirty dishes. That's because over the years I've learned to make doing the dishes as pleasurable as possible. My current method has just two elements: really nice dish soap and a favorite podcast.
Since I don't have a dishwasher, doing the washing up is a daily fact of life. So long ago I decided that to the extent that I can, I would make this as fun as possible. First, I splurge a little and buy fancy dish soap like Mrs. Meyer's or Caldrea. It's only a dollar or two more than the awful smelling stuff (well, Caldrea is maybe a lot more but I watch for sales) and for some reason it makes the world of difference to me. Worth every penny.
Sometimes I use washing up as my quiet time, to reflect and consider and let my thoughts wander. But usually you'll find me with my earphones on, listening to a favorite podcast. I'm often surprised at how quickly the time goes and sometimes I'll even take on a mini cleaning project just so I can keep listening.
Recommended Dish Soaps:
Mrs. Meyer's in Basil, Geranium or Iowa Pine (seasonal)
Caldrea in Sea Salt Neroli or Basil Blue Sage
Method in Cucumber
Recommended Podcasts:
Dinner Party Download
Slate Daily Podcasts
The Splendid Table
Radiolab
Good Food
This American Life
The Moth
Related: What's the Kitchen Indulgence You Just Can't Give Up?
(Images: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day and This American Life)
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I love this idea.
I love TAL and The Moth, and I'm downright evangelical about Radiolab, so now I have to check out your other recommendations.
Nice cleaning products are so motivating for to get to work. But Mrs. Meyer's (and Method, etc.) can get expensive, and I enjoy the feeling of making my own of something at home to reduce expense, packaging, and trips to the store. To that end, I would love to re-create Mrs. Meyer's Basil scent at home...I've been trying to figure out the essential oils. In the meantime, simply buying a new scrub brush can perk up doing the dishes.
This American Life is so overrated. I don't understand the appeal (can someone please explain?) I spent two weeks in the U.S.A. last year and my hosts listened to it 24/7 (at home, in the car, etc.) but I found it to be so boring and forgettable. I recommend Q, hosted by Jian Ghomeshi. It's perfect arts and culture talk while doing household chores: smart, funny, and entertaining. And listeneres are guaranteed to discover new, fantastic music and films.
OMG! That is 1. the dishwashing liquid I buy and 2. exactly what I do! I love listening to podcasts when I'm cooking/cleaning. I usually listen to Fresh Air, the Sports Guy, This American Life, and Girl on Guy.
BTW, I adore This American Life and Ira Glass. I think you have to grasp the idea that each show is built around an abstract theme that unfolds.
I do this daily! Glad to know I'm not alone in my little rituals.
Yes, yes, yes! This American Life; Fresh Air; Wait, Wait, Don't Tell me...public radio in general is always a great companion that fills up these otherwise vacant spaces of my life with something wholly satisfying. Whenever I'd listen to podcasts while riding the T in Boston, I always felt better about the commute -- like I'd gotten something done (like exercise...for your brain!)
I just washed up the dishes and cleaned the kitchen listening to a TAL about Conventions. Now I just gotta get that fancy dish soap. LOL! Fun!
i always say that this is my secret single behavior.... make a french press of coffee, clean the house and listen to this american life. i am excited to try these other podcasts out! thanks.
I have no beef with doing the dishes In fact I hate it when people leave the sink full of water. That said, the "Meyers" dish line is HORRIBLE. The scent takes days to leave what it was used on, be it dishes or floors or counter tops. I can no longer eat certain meals because they were served on plates using that stuff.
Ah, the Dinner Party Download is so great! I love this post--I totally do this all the time, too. My current favorite is The Nerdist. Hilarious when it's the hosts on their own and with the celebrity guests.
+OMNOMBISCUITS Plus one for the Nerdist Podcast! That's what I listen to on my way to work.
As far as washing up soaps, I go out of my way (luckily usually not too far) for the non-smellingest I can find. At the moment I use Method Free laundry detergent, dish soap, and hand soaps; and I use Seventh Generation Free dishwasher detergent powder. I also go for non-scented dryer sheets (store brand at the moment).