I didn’t realize how much friction my kitchen sink had until I fixed it.
Nothing was wrong exactly—but everything felt slightly annoying. Water everywhere. A sponge that stayed damp. Ugly soap bottles. Tools that seemed to multiply. A drying rack that took up counter space. Or a wet towel always by my sink.
Once I simplified my sink setup, something unexpected happened: I started washing dishes in the moment—without drama.
This is the exact setup I use now, and it’s easily the most functional sink system I’ve ever had.
Why I Changed My Kitchen Sink Setup
I realized I was avoiding handwashing dishes not because I hated it—but because my setup made it messy and inefficient.
- Water pooled around the sink
- Sponges stayed wet and gross
- Soap dispensers looked cluttered
- Drying dishes felt like a production
I wanted a sink that felt clean, simple, and easy to maintain.
The One Thing That Changed Everything: A Water-Absorbing Sink Stone
The foundation of my setup is a water-absorbing stone that sits next to my sink.
Instead of water collecting on the counter, the stone absorbs it quickly and dries on its own. It also creates a place for my tools to live
Why this matters more than I expected:
- No puddles
- No wiping the counter constantly
- No wet sponges hours later
- Everything stays visually clean
It quietly removed the biggest annoyance I had with my sink.
What I Keep on the Stone (And Why It Works)
I keep only two things on the stone:
1. A Dish Brush (Instead of a Sponge)
- Dries quickly
- Doesn’t hold water
- Feels cleaner
This alone made handwashing feel less gross. And if you are like me, you hate getting your hands wet. The handle makes so much sense that I cannot believe it took me this long to figure it out.
2. SimpleHuman Automatic Soap Dispenser
- One-handed
- No dripping
- Always looks tidy
It seems small, but this made washing dishes feel easier and more modern. And bonus that it is touch free!
Over-the-Sink Drying Rack = No Counter Clutter
Across the sink, I use an over-the-sink dish drying rack.
Why I love it:
- Uses reclaimed space
- Water drips straight into the sink
- Clears my counter completely
It made my entire kitchen feel calmer.
Why This Setup Is a Game Changer for Me
This setup removed friction I didn’t even realize was there.
- I wash dishes as I go
- The sink stays clean longer
- There’s no buildup of mess
- Everything has a place
It doesn’t look fancy—but it works.
Who This Sink Setup Is Perfect For
This is great if you:
- Handwash dishes often
- Hate wet sponges
- Want a cleaner-looking sink
- Like simple, functional systems
If you prefer decorative sinks or lots of accessories, this may feel too minimal.
Things to Know Before You Buy
- Measure your sink area first (especially for the drying rack)
- The stone will come with small feet that stick on the bottom; they are easy to miss
- Stick to one brush and one soap dispenser—less is more here
The Exact Items I Use
I’ve linked the exact water-absorbing stone, dish brush, soap dispenser, and drying rack I use. These are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you use them to purchase.
👉 [Find my full kitchen sink setup here]
If washing dishes feels more annoying than it should, this setup might be the quiet upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
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