15 Must-Have Dishwashing Products Every Kitchen Needs

Discover the essential products you need to transform your dishwashing game.

Maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen is crucial, and we’re here to help you achieve just that. Whether you’ve just moved into your first home or apartment, or are just looking to make your cleaning process easier, having the right dishwashing products can make a world of difference in your daily routine.

We know that the world of kitchen gadgets and cleaning solutions can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry! Follow this list of essential products from Blain’s Farm & Fleet to ensure you have all the kitchen tools needed for a smooth and efficient dishwashing experience.

1. Dish Soap

When washing dishes by hand, the main thing you’ll need (other than hot water) is a good, quality dish soap. It will help you remove any food and grease from your dishes.

Our top recommendation for dish soap is Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray. With this product, you don’t even need to soak your dishes in hot water! Just spray them with the soap, wipe it off, and rinse them clean. This is one of the most convenient dish soaps, and it allows you to easily and quickly wash dishes.

2. Dishwasher Detergent

While you need dish soap for hand washing dishes, running dishes through the dishwasher will require a dishwasher detergent, instead. The detergent acts similarly to a dish soap, as it helps remove any stuck-on food or grease from your dishes.

You can find a variety of different dish detergents based on your needs and preferences. They come in liquid, powder, and pod forms.

3. Sponges

Sponges are another essential thing to always have in your kitchen. They will make washing dishes so much easier, as they can help remove tough food and stains.

Our top sponge recommendations are the Scrub Daddy and the Scrub Mommy. These premium-quality sponges transform based on the temperature of the water you’re using. In hot water, they’re soft, and in cold water, they’re tough.

4. Dish Rack

A dish rack, otherwise known as a dish drainer, will hold all your dishes as they air dry. Make sure you choose one that will fit in the area you plan on using it. We also recommend choosing a sturdy one if you plan on using heavier dishes with it.

5. Wash Cloths

Dish rags or wash cloths are another good thing to have for wiping down dishes, as well as countertops. When choosing the best dish rag, opt for a microfiber one. This material clings to crumbs, grime, and other materials easily.

6. Sink Caddies

We suggest using some sort of sink caddy to hold your smaller dishwashing gadgets. Not only will it make them easier to quickly grab. But it will also allow tools that hold a lot of water (such as sponges and brushes) to dry faster.

There are many different sink caddies and organizers to choose from. A common style in a sponge holder that suctions to the inside of your sink.

7. Rubber Gloves

Rubber gloves are another important thing to have when hand washing your dishes. They will keep the hot water off your hand and arms and protect your skin from getting burned.

8. Bottle Brush

If you hand wash any of your water bottles, travel coffee mugs and tumblers, or other drinkware, you’ll definitely want to have a bottle brush.

These types of containers often have many hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to clean with a regular sponge or wash cloth. But a bottle brush with help you easily and thoroughly scrub them clean.

9. Pan Scraper

Pan scrapers help make washing dishes a breeze. They allow you to easily remove tough stains and food that’s stuck on your pots and pans.

10. Sink Strainer & Stopper

When washing dishes in your sink, you’re also going to need a strainer and a stopper. A sink strainer has small holes in it, so water is able to pass through. And at the same time, it will stop any pieces of food from clogging your drain.

A sink stopper will completely stop any food or water from going down the drain. This is necessary for holding hot water in your sink while doing the dishes.

For durable strainers and stoppers that will last you a long time, choose ones made of stainless steel.

11. Dish Wand

A dish wand, also known as a kitchen brush, is perfect for scrubbing and deep cleaning your dishes. They typically have long, skinny handles, making them ideal for cleaning even hard-to-reach places.

There are a variety of different dish wands to choose from. Some have a sponge on the end. Others have a brush. And there are even sponge/brush combo ones.

Plus, you can fill some of them with soap to make cleaning your dishes extra simple.

12. Dishwasher Cleaner

One crucial dishwashing product people often forget about is a dishwasher cleaner. You should clean your dishwasher about every three months. It will help get rid up food buildup and residue that gets left behind in your dishwasher.

If you don’t use a dishwasher cleaning product regularly, your dishwasher won’t be as effective as it should be. Without it, you’ll likely start noticing that some of your dishes are coming out of the washer still dirty.

13. Rinse-Aid

Rinse-aid is another important product you should be using in your dishwasher. It has a variety of benefits. One of the main things it does is remove water spots and other residue that might get left behind on your clean dishes.

And if you notice your dishes still seem really wet after the cleaning cycle, rinse-aid will help with the drying process.

14. Dish Towel

Dish towels are another must-have item for your kitchen. And you don’t just need them for drying your hands. A good, quality dish towel will also make drying your dishes and countertops after washing them a breeze.

15. Sink Mat or Drain Board

If you’re short on sink space, you can dry your dishes in a dish rack on your countertops. To catch the water that drips off your dishes, all you need to do is place a sink mat or drain board under the dish rack. When choosing one, just make sure it’s big enough to completely fit under your dish rack.

For more home buying guides like this one, visit our Cleaning Blog.