She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27
Good morning from the breathtaking views of Colorado! I’ve finally made my way through the morning routine—waking up, clearing the sink, and now, settling in to write my prayer for the day.
As I was pre-washing the dishes before loading the dishwasher, a memory crept into my thoughts. For decades, I have always washed my dishes before they ever hit the machine. I’d run a sink full of hot water, pile on the suds, and add a splash of Clorox. Yes, you read that right!
I would wash dishes with bleach before putting them in the dishwasher. And no, this ritual didn’t start recently; it’s just what I do. It’s the same reason I raise an eyebrow when people say they don’t wash raw chicken before prepping. I once had a dear friend who let her pup lick the spoon after mixing yogurt into the dog’s food. I didn’t say a word, but I whispered to myself, “I am not eating a thing out of this kitchen!”
As I was rinsing my dishes to put them into my dishwasher, I had to laugh at myself. I realized that sometimes God gives us tools to make our lives easier, yet we refuse to use what He has made available. We continue doing things the hard way, then wonder if He’s listening. He loves us! Sometimes we just need to learn how to accept His blessings with a grateful—and perhaps a little less scrubbed—heart.
Join the Conversation!
I’ve shared my “bleach and pre-wash” confession, and now I want to hear from you! We all have those unique habits passed down through generations—or those “only in my kitchen” rules that we just can’t shake. Sharing your story helps us build community and realize we aren’t alone in our quirks!
- What is one “old-school” habit you still do today, even if there’s a modern way to do it?
- Do you have a kitchen “deal-breaker” like my friend with the dog spoon?
- What’s a small, everyday blessing you’ve been doing the “hard way” lately?
Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it! Your “ritual” might just be the laugh or the lesson someone else needs today. Building a strong community starts with us opening up about the little things.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for another beautiful morning. We ask that You lift the veil from our hearts so we don’t miss the miracles in front of us. Help us recognize Your hand at work in every small detail today. Amen
Black Women Have It Going On 
2 responses to “Why I Bleach My Dishes: A Kitchen Confession”
Yes I admit it I am very particular when it comes to my kitchen too. When you wrote about the pet licking the spoon my stomach churned. LOL! I like to say… Homey don’t play that. I saw this video on Youtube of this woman soaking her feet and pouring the water after she was done in the kitchen sink. My stomach churned just seeing her do that. I don’t allow anything other than food or dishes, pots and pans in my kitchen sink. And I don’t allow anyone to wash their hands in my kitchen sink. They have to do it in the rest room. I know you are laughing but I was raised that way so I cannot do these things any other way. Although I don’t have a dish washing machine you better believe I soak then wash my dishes in hot boiling water with dish soapy water and a splash of bleach for at least 30 minutes and when the water cools I hand wash each dish, spoon ect. And rinse thoroughly. Dry and put them away. It’s only us two, my husband and I and so we use so few everyday dishes, I don’t feel the need to buy or install a dish washer. Although I thought about it many times. When we have company and family. I take out the good dishes for them. I enjoy reading your blog. Have a wonderful day and week.
Betty
I so appreciate your kind words, Betty. It’s a beautiful reminder that we aren’t alone, even when our path feels a little unconventional. It’s wonderful to connect with a kindred spirit like you! Wishing you and your husband many blessings from my family to yours.