13 Lifehacks That Make Washing Dishes (A Little) Less Dreadful (PHOTOS)

Washing dishes is not our favorite activity. In fact, we'd rather be doing just about anything else. But putting off this task only makes it worse. (Think: Big piles of plates and cups with caked-on grease and grime. Yuck!)

So, instead of procrastinating, try these lifehacks and handy gizmos that will make the chore a little more bearable. Grab your rubber gloves and your dinnerware will be gleaming in no time.

2. Use mesh produce bags as DIY pot scrubbers and wash off caked-on grime.

5. Keep your sponges dry and mildew free with a binder clip.

7. Pour grease from pans into some used tin foil to cut down on the number of dirty dishes to scrub.

8. Sprinkle a little baking soda on a lemon slice and using it to scrub away messes on your plates.

9. Sometimes you just have to let the doozies soak.

10. Use a rubberband to secure stemware in the dishwasher.

11. A splash of vinegar in your rinse water can eliminate water spots.

12. Plastic fruit baskets are perfect for washing small items like bottle tops, small utensils and lids in your dishwasher. Just wedge it in place.

Click through the slideshow below to learn how you can de-stress your kitchen.

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