'I have never considered anything different' – why the washing up bowl vs. no washing up bowl debate has divided cleaning experts

In my home, we've always used a washing-up bowl, filling it up and then periodically washing our dishes, mugs, and glasses once the sink is full. For this reason, I've never even considered doing anything different.

It was only after a recent conversation on the Homes & Gardens group chat that sparked debate over whether you should, or really shouldn't, use a washing-up bowl that I started thinking – have I been wrong all along?

Here, professional cleaners and my colleagues weigh in on the washing-up bowl vs. no washing-up bowl discussion, sharing how they choose to wash dishes in their own homes.

Washing up bowl vs. no washing up bowl

Like me, Chiana Dickson, Solved content editor here at Homes & Gardens, has always used a washing-up bowl and never owned a dishwasher.

'This approach is the one I was taught to use as a child, and I have never considered anything different,' she says. 'Filling up a clean bowl with very hot water and quality dish soap (I use a non-toxic variety, similar to the Attitude Dishwashing Liquid, from Amazon) means less water is wasted, preventing unnecessary consumption and helping to cut bills.

'It also means that items are less likely to break if dropped, something I am especially prone to as I use washing-up gloves like the O-Cedar Gloves from Walmart to protect my skin.'

'Yes, washing up with water in a bowl can be a source of cross-contamination, but that is why I use the grime-gradient dishwashing method, and swap out the water after very dirty tasks. Rinsing dishes after hand washing and cleaning the washing up bowl after use goes a long way, too.' For this, I find a dishwashing brush or sponge, such as the bestselling Great Value Scrub Sponges available at Walmart, works well.

It's this risk of cross-contamination that puts Dan Fauzi, our home tech editor, off using a washing-up bowl, who explains they have 'strong opinions' when it comes to this age-old debate.

'I personally never use a washing-up bowl,' they say. 'It doesn't feel hygienic to wash up using water that's full of grime from everything that's been washed before!'

This can, of course, be avoided if, unlike Chiana and me, you're lucky enough to have one of the best dishwashers in your home. Otherwise, continually running the water when washing up dishes can quickly become damaging to the environment, not to mention expensive.

So, what do the experts have to say? Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, argues, 'There’s a solid case for sticking with a bowl.

'It’s excellent at keeping the sink itself clean for longer – any food particles, grease, or general mess stays contained in the bowl while cleaning.' In turn, this makes cleaning a kitchen sink far quicker and easier.

Karina also agrees with me when it comes reducing water bills, explaining, 'It’s also a helpful way to monitor water usage, so for anyone on a meter, or just trying to be more mindful of water consumption, that can be a big plus.'

But, interestingly, like Dan, Karina prefers to skip the washing bowl altogether in her own home. 'I like having the full sink available, especially when handwashing heavier loads, and the setup is much simpler, too,' she argues. 'Once you’re done, there’s no plastic tub sitting there needing its own scrub.'

In conclusion, as Karina says, both approaches have merit. 'I think the key is understanding which setup complements your kitchen, habits, and daily routine best,' she recommends.

Where does your household fall in the washing-up bowl vs. no washing-up bowl debate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Dishwashing essentials

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Karina Toner

With numerous contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, Karina is an expert when it comes to household cleaning, so who better to advise on the washing up bowl vs. no washing up bowl debate.

Chiana Dickson

Chiana is a content editor at Homes & Gardens and is our resident 'queen' of non-toxic living.

She spends most of her time producing content for the Solved section of the website, helping readers get the most out of their homes through clever decluttering, cleaning, and tidying tips – many of which she tests and reviews herself in her own home to ensure they will consistently deliver for her readers. As a result, she was named one of Fixr's top home improvement journalists in 2024.

Dan Fauzi

Dan is the home tech editor for Homes & Gardens, covering and testing everything from floorcare and cleaning products to air purifiers, sound, and smart home. They've always been passionate about the latest tech, but their writing on home products started back in 2021 on brands like BBC Science Focus, YourHomeStyle, and Gardens Illustrated.

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