When it comes to keeping a kitchen clean, dirty dishes is the most obvious mess. This system is tried and true. We have used this system for the last 9 years and it works for a home with  one person and up (we have had up to 9 children living in our home.)  This really helps out. I don’t mind putting the dishes in if they are stacked and rinsed. It is easy and it defiantly  saves time. Step 1 – Have everyone rinse off their own dishes and utensils, and set it on the counter by the dishwasher. This keeps leftover food from drying onto the surface of the dishes and the dishwasher will do a much better job. Step 2 – To avoid putting dirty dishes in the cupboard we have a code to tell if the dishes are clean or dirty. If the container where you place you put the dish detergent is open then the dishes are clean. If the container is closed, then the closed then the dishes are dirty.  = dirty! No one minds putting the dishes in the dish washer, if they are stacked and rinsed, even if 1 person does it, it is quick,