My housemate doesn't clean up, like ever. How can I do to make things work, or at least more bearable? [more inside]
posted by dunkadunc on Nov 16, 2009 - 39 answers

What is a reasonable/normal amount of time for dirty dishes to be left in the sink, before they should be cleaned up? (This is a roommates question) [more inside]
posted by raztaj on Sep 29, 2009 - 45 answers

I'm interested in a nice set of tableware for our 15-month old. [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow on Sep 15, 2009 - 11 answers

My wife and I were recently given a set of '70s-era plates, bowls, etc. named Mikasa Checkmates (the "Butternut" line, as pictured here). I'm wondering if anyone could tell me if a) they're microwave-safe (on the bottom it reads "Oven To Table To Dishwasher") and b) if they're full of lead (as this site claims).
posted by The Card Cheat on Jun 8, 2009 - 4 answers

Is there a sanitary way to reduce our daily dishwashing? [more inside]
posted by katala on Mar 28, 2009 - 25 answers

how can i get better at washing dishes by hand? i am inefficient (it takes me lots of time, energy and water). my results are not always sparkling (some of the stuff i wash ends up kinda greasy). i am clumsy too (i feel like i break a wine glass every few sessions). also, i am rarely motivated to wash (in part because i'm objectively bad), so i also need some kind of kick in the pants in that regard too. [more inside]
posted by k7lim on Feb 25, 2009 - 27 answers

Where can I find a list of foods that originated in the United States? [more inside]
posted by wastelands on Feb 3, 2009 - 23 answers

I need information about The Home Cafe, Hawthorne, Nevada. It was a popular Chinese and American food diner that saw some action during the civil rights sit-ins of the 1960s. They used a distinctive china pattern produced by the TEPCo China Co. in El Cerrito, CA. The TEPCo factory closed in 1968. The pattern used at the cafe was called Confucius. Any information about the Home Cafe including personal stories would be appreciated. [more inside]
posted by mickeefynn on Feb 2, 2009 - 4 answers

ChoresFilter: My fiancee and I are living together and both happy as clams - except we both HATE doing the dishes. They keep piling up, and even though I cook, I always keep putting them off. How do you manage chores like this, especially ones that both of you hate doing? [more inside]
posted by SNWidget on Jan 2, 2009 - 62 answers

What are some dishes that tolerate a wide variety of, well, variation? [more inside]
posted by greenie2600 on Dec 8, 2008 - 22 answers

Can anyone recommend a dish rack/water catcher combo that will drain into the sink? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama on Oct 11, 2008 - 16 answers

Should I be getting a break on my rent because my kitchen pipes are clogged? [more inside]
posted by Who_Am_I on Oct 10, 2008 - 6 answers

My roommate/friend has no idea how to wash dishes, but he thinks he does, and I'm worried for my health! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 - 59 answers

My SO and I have unique (it seems) taste in dishware. We'd like something that is modern, not monochromatic, and more interesting than just a colored outer ring. We'd like a geometric design in a 16-pc set. Ideally, the dishes would be available from a national retailer in the U.S. so we can add them to our wedding registry. Here is an example of what we like. The example is no longer available for sale. Does anyone know if such a thing exists?
posted by bananafish on Jun 8, 2008 - 15 answers

Help me find a certain juice glass... [more inside]
posted by oflinkey on Jan 14, 2008 - 3 answers

Can metal from forks or utensils come off on china plates, cups and other dishes, and if so, does anyone know how to stop it or fix it? [more inside]
posted by Alex Marshall on Jun 16, 2007 - 5 answers

My wife and I received some fancy china for our wedding. Now that we have been married 6 years and have only ever used it ONCE ... we think we want to sell it. Any ideas where to get the most money for it? And how would we ship it without it breaking?
posted by Wiggo on Jun 16, 2006 - 11 answers

Buying my first set of Flatware / Dinnerware (and chopsticks). Advice? Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by Manhasset on Dec 11, 2005 - 18 answers

I was listening to Kanye West's recent song (Golddigger) and he mentioned washing dishes instead of paying the restaurant bill. Has anyone (or know anyone, who has ever done this)? [more inside]
posted by tellurian on Oct 1, 2005 - 20 answers

When plastic was first discovered/invented, was there a time when it had luxury cachet? More specifically, was there a time when the very rich (and hip) would have used plastic plates? [more inside]
posted by Marquis on Sep 17, 2005 - 17 answers

We’ll be interstate with my family for Festivus, and so we thought we’d start a new tradition and hold Thanksgiving with my wife’s family as an almost-end-of-year get-together. (stuffing inside…) [more inside]
posted by obiwanwasabi on Nov 25, 2004 - 4 answers

BachelorFilter: The outside of my once nice and pristine pots and pans have developed a "cloudy" film on the outsides, despite (or in spite of) repeated washings, sort of like soap scum. Is this happening because of the tap water I'm washing them in? The soap? How can I remove the film and return the pots to their normal black appearance? (the film seems to "disappear" temporarily during the wash, but reappears once dried.
posted by robbie01 on Nov 23, 2004 - 9 answers

Home economics 101...What is the best way to deal with dishwashing sponges? They get moldy so quickly, and I never know where to keep them: hanging out in the sink (stays too damp)? On the chrome beside the sink (can create a mess)? In a little bowl beside the chrome (still too damp)? I have been told to microwave them upon every use, or to put them in the dishwasher (although I have also been warned against this), and to boil them/bleach them to keep them clean. Also: should I use the rough green pads for everything? Should I get a sponge on a stick?

Any insights or stories of sponge strategies are appreciated. Thanks.
posted by macinchik on Feb 1, 2004 - 20 answers