We've all been there: a giant pile of dirty dishes staring at you from the sink, begging to be cleaned. But you've got to dash out for work, grab dinner, or maybe you're just too tired to think about it. It happens! But here's the big question—how long is it okay to leave those dishes in the sink?

For all of us with busy schedules or overflowing plates (which quickly end up in the sink!), it's good to know the answer so we don't end up with a messy kitchen or a whole bunch of fruit flies.

We asked two cleaning experts for their advice and tips on how to clean dishes faster and easier.

How Long Should You Leave Dirty Dishes in the Sink?

Experts agree: Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink for more than a day!

Iryna Balaban, co-founder of Sunlight Cleaning NY, says that dishes left too long attract bacteria and bad smells. "It is always suggested at least rinse the dishes or stack them neatly if you're in a rush. It really helps keep the kitchen feeling fresh!", he adds.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless, says dishes that sit around can make cleaning them a lot harder. "Once food scraps dry, it makes scrubbing twice as difficult, especially if you don't have hot water handy", he says.

Dishwashers give you a bit more time, especially if you're waiting to do a big load. But even the best dishwashers have trouble with dried food. "Rinse the dishes before loading to save yourself from a second wash!" Toner recommends.

Why Leaving Dirty Dishes Is a Bad Idea

Leaving dishes out too long isn't just about bad smells—it makes your kitchen look messy too!

"When you see dirty dishes piled up, your kitchen looks all messy. It makes cooking or even grabbing a snack feel stressful," says Toner. "Your eyes go straight to the mess instead of the clean counters."

Dirty dishes can also make it harder to clean the rest of the kitchen. "A full sink makes it tough to get to the faucet or wipe down counters," says Balaban. "When the sink is clear, you can easily rinse sponges and clean containers without any hassle."

And, dirty dishes tend to make more mess elsewhere, like spilling over onto counters if the sink is full. In a small kitchen, it's even worse because there's less space to hide the mess!

Tips to Make Cleaning Dishes Easier

If cleaning up those dirty dishes seems like a big job, here are some tips to make it easier!

"One great trick is to let the dishes soak in warm, soapy water while you finish up in the kitchen," suggests Balaban. "When you come back, the food bits slide right off without much scrubbing."

For really tough spots, try sprinkling a little baking soda and adding vinegar—it's a pantry miracle!

Hot water is also a game-changer when it comes to cutting through grease and food scraps.

"It might be tough on your hands (but rubber gloves can help!)," says Toner, "but hot water is super effective at loosening food and getting rid of grease."

So, don't let those dishes sit too long—quick rinsing, soaking, and hot water can help you get it done in no time!