Of all the household daily to-dos, doing the dishes just might be the worst of all. And although being lucky enough to have a dishwasher certainly helps, there's still the dreaded chore of emptying out the washer and putting away the clean dishes. It's even worse when you don't know if the dishes are clean or dirty. There's a simple solution to this problem, however, and it helps to make this chore a little less of a drag. So what is this solution? Simple: it's a dishwasher magnet that tells you if the contents are clean or dirty. Yeah, it's that simple. You simply place a magnet on the face of your dishwasher flip it to the "clean" side when they're done. (Now, if only there was an invention for a clean dish put-away-er...) Anyway, here we've compiled the best of those magnets available today, so have a look and see if something doesn't tickle your fancy. BabyPop Dishwasher Magnet Clean Dirty Indicator For a simple item that serves a simple function, this magnet really is pretty. Sure, function-first products with clean lines may make your kitchen feel less cluttered, but sometimes you want to bring some personality into your home. This magnet does exactly that. With one side displaying “dirty” and the other side “clean,” this is a simple magnetic circle that fits inconspicuously on the dishwasher. Made using a strong non-metal magnetic PVC adhesive, this is a premium-quality dishwasher gadget that’s both trendy and useful. Pros: Trendy print and design Super easy to use — just flip it over Multiple color options available Cons: The magnet is very thin, so it can be tricky to flip it over Envix Dishwasher Magnet Clean Dirty Sign Pet lovers, this one’s for you. Featuring a cute, tidy kitty character for the clean side, and a disheveled one for the dirty side, this durable double-sided magnet won’t wrinkle, scratch, or slide. Additional features include two different colors and bright white lettering that helps to make each side clearly visible. Don’t have a magnetic dishwasher surface? No problem. Envix includes an adhesive plate that’ll make sure that this clean dirty sign will work for you no matter the surface. Pros: Cute animal print Designed with easy flipping in mind Thick PVC for better flexibility and durability Cons: The magnet may shift a bit when you open the door Sperric Non-Scratch Clean Dirty Dishwasher Magnet The classic design of this clean dirty magnet is perfect for those who want a more straightforward option. The all-caps lettering is bold and easy to read. The “dirty” side has a bright red background and the “clean” side has a bright green one, just like traffic lights. We appreciate the simplicity of this design, as once you attach it to your dishwasher, all you have to do is slide the strip over to reveal the correct label. Streamlined and professional-looking, this sign fits right on any dishwasher, making the chore of dishes that much easier. Pros: Color-coded design makes it easy to interpret for everyone in the house Strong magnet stays in place Compact size, yet it’s easy to read Cons: You have to be careful about slowly sliding the tab over; otherwise, it can shift Smacd Premium Metal Dishwasher Clean Dirty Magnet Maybe it’s not that big of a deal, but there’s just something delightful about looking at a clean surface on all of your appliances. No frills, no added knickknacks — just plain, clean, and simple. While most dishwasher magnets are small, the fact of the matter is they still stick out. That’s what we love about this design — it’s about as streamlined and minimalist as one can get. More than just looks, this tough sign is made with incredibly strong industrial magnets that stay in place. A quick slide reveals “dirty” or “clean,” and overall, the magnet blends in perfectly with your dishwasher. Pros: Metal is rust-resistant Smooth sliding motion Magnet is on scratch-proof pads, protecting your dishwasher Cons: For a dishwasher sign, this is a bit pricey It blends in so well with the dishwasher that it can be hard to read from across the room Kichwit Dishwasher 4-Sign Indicator Perhaps the one complaint about many dishwashing magnets is the fact that there are only two modes: clean or dirty. As some dishwashers are completely quiet when running, it’s nice to know if it’s actually in use or not before you yank on the door. Plus, some models have all of the buttons at the top of the door of the washer, which makes it nearly impossible to tell what’s going on. This 4-sign indicator magnet takes all of the guesswork out of the equation by letting you know if the dishwasher is full, currently running, clean, or empty. With a round, magnetic design, it looks nice, too. Pros: Durable layers of plastic magnet that will not scratch any surface Encourages kids to partake in household chores Smaller, inconspicuous design Cons: The magnet slips down the door when opening/closing You have to manually switch it every time the status changes Frequently Asked Questions Are dishwashing magnets worth it? Dishwashing magnets are actually super handy little gadgets. As dishwashers have become quieter and quieter, it can be hard to tell when the dishes are done. Additionally, if you tend to thoroughly rinse your dishes prior to putting them in the washer, it can be hard to tell if they’ve actually been cleaned or just merely rinsed. And lastly, many dishwasher models have buttons and notifications on the top of the door, so that when you close it you don’t see anything. It can be rather tricky knowing exactly what’s going on. Having a handy little gadget letting you know precisely the status of your dishes is therefore pretty darn worth it. How long should dishes stay in the dishwasher once they’re washed? It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after the dishwashing cycle has completed. This gives the proper amount of time to allow the dishes to dry. Related posts: The Best Metal Pooper Scoopers The Best Pooper Scoopers The Best Pooper Scoopers