11 Products that Make Doing the Dishes Less of a Chore

published Sep 12, 2014
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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(Image credit: Caldrea)

After making a fabulously elaborate meal for friends or even just a simple weeknight dinner, the last thing any of us want to do is a sink full of dishes.

But since they must be done (even if you let them sit until the next morning), you might as well make them a bit more fun. These 11 products are bound to make scrubbing those pots and pans feel like less of a chore.

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Caldrea Dish Soap (Image credit: Caldrea)
  1. Caldrea Dish Soap, $9 from Caldrea: We can’t decide what we like better: the amazing scents (like Plum Bergamot Clove and Rosewater Driftwood) or the beautiful designs of these dish soaps.
  2. Recycled Glass Soap Dispenser, $32 from Anthropologie: Even if you’re using whatever dish soap was on sale, this recycled glass dispenser will make it look like it’s something fancy, and maybe French? Ariel

    certainly loves hers a lot

  3. Sink Brush Set, $22 from Brook Farm General Store: Scrub all those hard to reach bottles and glasses with this natural brush set. Not only will they get your dishes clean, but they’ll look great stashed by your sink.
  4. Universal Expert Sink Caddy, $20 from West Elm: This draining caddy will help your sponges and scrub brushes from developing a funk by letting air circulate below them.
  5. Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Essentials, Fleur de Sel, $20 from Williams-Sonoma: Splurge on this set for matching dish soap, hand soap, and countertop cleaning spray.
  6. Cuisipro Magnetic Scrubber, $12 from Amazon: We recently showed you this genius product that makes cleaning vases and carafes a breeze. Be sure to read our full review.
  7. Coriander and Olive Cucuina Dish Soap, $13 from Amazon: One of our favorite hand soap scents also comes in a concentrated dish soap. We’ll take a fresh smelling kitchen any day.
  8. Pop-Up Sponges, $17 for 6 from Williams-Sonoma: These skinny sponges expand like magic when they get. Maybe you can even convince your kids to help with the dishes if you spin it as a magic trick. (Also look for these at Trader Joe’s, where they go for a bit less.)
  9. Rubber Gloves, $11 from Crate and Barrel: Protect your hands when cleaning up after a massive dinner party with a pair of stylish and sturdy rubber gloves.
  10. Goodbye Detergent Natural Spaghetti Scrubs, $9 for 2 from Reusit: The best part about these abrasive scrubbers? They are made from natural materials like peach pits and corn cobs. Choose coarse or gentle depending on how delicate your cookware is.
  11. Heirloom Dishwashing Liquid, $15 from The Container Store: This fig-scented dish soap is biodegradable and non-toxic. If that wasn’t enough it comes in an attractive brown bottle that you can repurpose once you’ve used up the soap.

A Few More Tips for Better Dishwashing