From PG&E website:
"Washing the dishes after a big meal can take time and effort but with these tips you can save yourself some time and get back to enjoying the night with your family.
Before the Wash Whether you are hand-washing the dishes or loading a dishwasher, these time saving tips apply to both situations:
Disposing Solids : Always scrape dishes right away. Use your garbage disposal or scrape solid food waste into the garbage. Once food dries onto your dishes, it will require soaking or scrubbing to remove.Rinse : After scraping food from dishes, rinse them in warm water to remove food particles, sauce, etc.
Clearing the Table : Designate one person to clear the table and gather dishes, or have each person bring their dirty dishes to the sink.
Washing Dishes by Hand You might be surprised at how many people still wash their dishes by hand. Many homes come complete with dishwashers, but a large percentage of families choose not to use them. Whether your family does or not, here are some tips for getting it done quickly the next time you’re washing the old-fashioned way.
Wash ASAP : If possible, wash dishes right away — and as you use them — instead of piling them into the sink. While we are usually on our way to running out the door and just can’t, taking the extra 20 seconds to wash a bowl and spoon from breakfast can make a surprising impact at the end of the day.
Sorting : When faced with a sink full of dishes, remove each one and sort on the counter. Stack plates and bowls together, and nest cups inside of each other until your sink is empty.
Getting Them Clean : The hotter the water, the easier it is to remove residual food. If your dishes were rinsed right after use, cleaning will be a breeze. If not, soak the dishes until the food can be wiped away. Use quality dish soap and a sponge with both a soft and scrubber side to get the best of both worlds. Baking soda can be used as a mild abrasive if needed.
Washing by Type : While you might not think it matters, washing your dishes by type and in a certain order will save space in your dish drying rack, thus saving you time having to empty it several times during the washing process.
Wash utensils first, plates next — stacking then neatly — then the bowls and your mugs go in afterward. Wash glasses and cups next. Pots and pans should be done last.
Drying and Putting Away : To finish up this task, instead of leaving one for yourself when you get up for morning coffee, have someone dry them and put them away. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have an empty drying rack.Clean the Sink : Nothing looks better in a kitchen than a freshly cleaned sink. Use a cleanser appropriate for your type of sink and be sure to squeeze any excess water out of your sponge to keep odors at bay."