Don’t block access to a shared resource is a golden rule.

Here is the system as it exists in my kitchen.

The counter is a shared resource. Leaving dirty dishes there keeps people from using the counter for food prep, preparing leftovers, or anything else.

The sink is also a shared resource. Leaving dirty dishes there also blocks people from using the sink for food prep, but only really washing produce or draining pasta. Crucially, dishes in the sink does not block them from washing hands, filling up a glass of water, or… doing the dishes. Dishes also can’t be knocked onto the ground or get the counter dirty if they’re in the sink instead.

Since the sink is less affected by being blocked than the counter, people in my household tend to put things needing to be washed in the sink…into the sink. Then, they’re right where they need to be when it’s time to hand-wash them, or it is time to clear and wash the sink for food prep.

One of my pet peeves is when people leave dirty items where they were eating on the kitchen table or haphazard on the counter next to the sink… I get that the dishwasher was clean and they were in a hurry, but it makes the whole kitchen feel dirty. If you don’t have time, at least put them out of the way into the sink, which is coded as a “dirty” place by default, one that gets cleaned regularly and is meant to be cleaned often.

I would like to hear about your system too because I’m sure it makes equal sense to you.