Easy steps to handle piles of dishes after New Year's party

Prepare in advance

Before the party starts, make sure you have everything you need: sponges, detergents, and clean towels. Use disposable dishes for snacks and drinks to reduce the amount of washing.

Plan an area for stacking dirty dishes to avoid chaos in the kitchen. If you have a dishwasher, make sure it's empty and ready to use beforehand. Small steps like this will save you a lot of energy after the holiday.

Sort dishes by category

Don't start washing everything at once - first, separate the dishes by type. Wash glasses, plates, cutlery, pots, and pans separately to avoid damage.

Soak the dirtiest items in hot water and detergent while you wash lighter dishes. This will save time and avoid heavy scrubbing. A gradual approach will help you tackle the pile faster and more efficiently.

Use the right products

Different types of dishes require different detergents. Use a special glass gel to avoid streaks on glasses. For greasy pots and pans, choose a detergent with a strong degreasing effect.

If the detergent doesn't work, try adding a little baking soda to the water - it effectively fights food residue. The right choice of detergent makes the washing process much easier.

After the holidays, you always have to wash a lot of dishes (photo: Freepik)

Soak stubborn stains

Don't waste time scrubbing burnt or dried grease - soak the dishes for a while. Add a little baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to hot water to help remove stubborn stains.

For cast-iron pans, you can use common salt as a natural abrasive. While the dishes are soaking, start washing lighter items. This will allow you to use your time and effort more efficiently.

Wash as a team

If the celebration is crowded, involve guests or relatives in washing the dishes. One person can rinse, another can dry, and the third can put the dishes away. This teamwork will not only speed up the process but also make it more fun. By dividing up the responsibilities, you'll be in a better mood and keep your spirits up after the party.

Dry and store properly

Use drying racks or clean towels to dry dishes quickly. Avoid stacking wet dishes in cupboards - this can lead to an unpleasant odor.

Store dishes in the order they are used so you don't have to search for them for a long time. Keep plates, cups, and cutlery separately for convenience. Good organization makes the final step of cleaning easier.

Avoid hoarding

To avoid a mountain of dishes next time, wash them in parts during the festivities. Empty the sink while guests are busy dancing or watching a movie.

Wash small batches of dishes throughout the party. This will help you avoid tedious cleaning at the end.

Sources: Lifehacker, Apartment Therapy, Sante Plus.