5 Essential Supplies for Washing Dishes in Your Dorm

Even if you’re just microwaving soup, popping popcorn, or making mac and cheese from a box after a day of studying, you’ll have to do dishes at some point in your college dorm room. And unless you’re living in a suite with a kitchenette, it’s going to be a pain. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a separate sink for washing dishes; if not, you’ll have to take your dirty hot-cocoa mug to the bathroom sink instead.

Regardless of where you’re doing your dishes, we’ve got you covered! Here are five essentials you need to assemble a convenient-and-effective dishwashing kit.

Of course, you need dish soap! But before you stock up on a jumbo bottle at Costco, think about the fact that you’re not going to have very much space. Opt for the smallest bottle you can find, and dilute it a little bit (see below). You won’t be doing that many dishes, so this should last you awhile.

A dish brush — the kind with dispensing soap — is the best choice for a college dorm. Why? Because it streamlines your dish-washing process. You don’t have to worry about bringing the dish soap each time, and you can easily dilute the soap right in this brush.

Why so many towels? Because you’ll go through the stack fairly quickly. Most likely, your dorm probably isn’t going to have room for a dish-drying rack. Set out your microfiber towel and use it as a convenient drying rack! You can also use these towels to dry your dishes, if you want to put them away immediately. They’re lint free and will dry your dishes so that they’re spotless.

This might seem a little counterintuitive, but stick with us. No, you’re not going to use them to wipe your dishes. Instead, stash a small package of them with your little kit, so you can wipe out the sink you’re using before you start cleaning your dishes. You really have no idea what’s been lurking in there!

Just as you use a shower caddy to carry your shampoo and conditioner down the hall, you’ll need something to keep your dishwashing supplies organized as well. Just make sure it’s the right size to store in your closet or on a dorm room shelf.

Do you live in a dorm? Have you found anything that makes washing dishes easier or better? Tell us about it in the comments below.