Annual observance

No Dirty Dishes Day

May 18 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-17

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

No Dirty Dishes Day, observed annually on May 18th, is an unofficial, lighthearted holiday dedicated to giving people a break from the chore of washing dishes. It encourages individuals to find ways to avoid having a sink full of dirty plates and cutlery, whether by dining out, ordering takeout, using disposable dishes, or simply ensuring all dishes are cleaned before the day ends to achieve a 'no dirty dishes' state.

Observed each year on May 18, No Dirty Dishes Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: No Dirty Dishes Day, observed on May 18, offers a playful respite from the daily grind of household chores, allowing friends and families to focus on enjoying meals together without the burden of cleanup.

Origin and story

While not an officially recognized federal holiday, No Dirty Dishes Day is a popular informal observance celebrated by many seeking a day off from kitchen cleanup.

Many people celebrate by ordering takeout, dining at restaurants, or utilizing paper plates and disposable cutlery to ensure their sinks remain clear.

Quick facts

  • DateMay 18
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Share the story of No Dirty Dishes Day on social and tag it with #nodirtydishesday so others can join in.
  • Share one fast fact about No Dirty Dishes Day: While not an officially recognized federal holiday, No Dirty Dishes Day is a popular informal observance celebrated by many seeking a day off from kitchen cleanup.
  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • Plan something small on May 18: a quick nod to No Dirty Dishes Day with friends, family, or coworkers.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why No Dirty Dishes Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.

Fun facts

  • While not an officially recognized federal holiday, No Dirty Dishes Day is a popular informal observance celebrated by many seeking a day off from kitchen cleanup.
  • Many people celebrate by ordering takeout, dining at restaurants, or utilizing paper plates and disposable cutlery to ensure their sinks remain clear.
  • The first commercially successful dishwasher was invented by Josephine Cochrane in 1886, who sought a machine to wash dishes more efficiently and prevent her servants from chipping her fine china.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


Continue to

FAQ

When is No Dirty Dishes Day?
It is observed on May 18 each year.
What is No Dirty Dishes Day?
No Dirty Dishes Day, observed annually on May 18th, is an unofficial, lighthearted holiday dedicated to giving people a break from the chore of washing dishes. It encourages individuals to find ways to avoid having a sink full of dirty plates and cutlery, whether by dining out, ordering takeout, using disposable dishes, or simply ensuring all dishes are cleaned before the day ends to achieve a 'no dirty dishes' state.
How do people celebrate No Dirty Dishes Day?
Share the story of No Dirty Dishes Day on social and tag it with #nodirtydishesday so others can join in.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.

Recently viewed holidays