How To Conerve Energy: Kitchen Edition #6 (washing dishes part 2)

I have a love/hate relationship with handwashing dishes. As a teenager I didn't do them I have to guiltily admit. It's not that my mom didn't try and in retrospect I feel horribly about it now. I even wonder if the sheer volume of dishes I'm bombarded with daily isn't some sort of karma (or punishment) for my past transgressions! Sorry mom... The truth of the matter is I don't hate doing dishes. There's something very satisfying about seeing the dirt just melt away. What I don't love is the amount and frequency of dishes I do! Dishes are a part of life though and here are some ways to help them not to be all consuming.

TIP #1: Bring Your Sink Up To You.

Certain sinks are made really deep and it causes a lot of strain to be leaning over trying to reach the bottom. If this is the case for you or if you're maybe on the shorter side, bring the sink up to you! Turn a bin or a bucket upside down while placing another bin right side up that will hold your soapy water. You might not be able to remodel your entire house but these are practical ways to help you achieve the same results.

TIP #2: Dish washing brush.

Did I mention how much I love a good scrub brush? A dish washing brush cuts down on scrubbing, time and energy.

This is my absolute favourite ergonomic dish washing brush that Ikea makes:

TIP #3: Soak the pans.

Water consumption is important. However finding a balance between environmental concerns and your own energy consumption is key to establishing equilibriam in your day to day life. I'm a proponent of soaking gross pots and pans in order to cut down on the amount of energy it takes to scrub them clean afterwards.

TIP #4: Use baking soda.

Baking soda is kind of a miracle worker! As a cleaner it is great at safely removing very stuck on food without scratching your cookware. I use the shaker top from a Kraft parmesan cheese container on a mason jar and that's how I store my baking soda at close reach. It stays on the shelf above my sink and whenever I need the extra help for cleaning it's right there.

TIP #5: End with the grosss stuff.

So if you finish your dishwashing with the gross and greasy stuff; start it with things like utensils, glasses and plates. Doing it the opposite way means filthy greasy water that probably has to be replaced mid-wash.

TIP #6: Air dry.

I am a fan of air drying. It's been a challenge to find a dish rack big enough for a family of five to air dry though. Right now I'm working with the largest Simplehuman dish drying rack which was pricey but definitely holds a lot of dishes! Letting dishes air dry tends to be considered more sanitary than towel drying and you're saving your precious spoons!

I waited until it was on sale to purchase the dish drying rack, here is the link to it on Amazon:

TIP #7: Give your back a break.

Try not to lock your knees while standing to do dishes, or hyperextending them. Be soft on your knees so to speak. Even the best position though can lead to fatigue after awhile. If possible lift one foot up and place in the open cupboard below you while doing the dishes. This takes the strain off of your lower back. Switch feet regularly. Just be sure not to 'sit on your hip' if you do this though, still keep your posture upright and straight.

TIP #8: Get up close and personal.

This tip makes me smile because of the lady that used to always say to me, "you're not sugar you won't melt!" I worked in a bakery in college and one of my elderly colleagues had been working there for years. Whenever we had to scrub things at the sink she used to tell me to get as close to the sink as possible to save my back and then she always ended it with, "you're not sugar you won't melt!" To this day that still makes me smile. She was right though. Over the years I would find myself pulling my stomach away from the sink in efforts to not get any soapy water on me. With time I would get sore and tired from trying to hold the position. So I bought an apron which I tie around my waist and the rest is history!

TIP #9: Anti-fatigue mat.

Ask anyone in my group at the pain management clinic and we'll all unanimously agree that anti-fatigue mats are a gift from God! They're basically foam mats to stand on while doing kitchen prep, cooking or dishes. You can find them at Costco and Amazon of course. They take a lot of strain off of your legs while standing, leading to less fatigue. The also come in all kinds of colours to match everyone's kitchen decor. Here's a link to a mat you can find on Amazon:

TIP #10: Share the love.

Dishwashing doesn't have to be one person's job, actually unless you live alone it shouldn't be! I'm still learning the art of delegating but even young kids can help rinse off plates or wash nonbreakable dishware. Ask your kids or partner for help.

I wish you less pain while washing dishes as well as less dishes in general!