What are the essential tools recommended by Hilary Erickson for kitchen sink organization?

Here are the five essential tools I recommend for kitchen sink organization:

1. Sponge: I use it 99% of the time for washing dishes. You can zap it in the microwave or put it in the dishwasher to kill bacteria.
2. Dish Soap: High-quality dish soap makes a difference in how you wash your dishes. I prefer one that smells nice and comes in a bottle that dispenses a small amount at a time.
3. Brush: While I love sponges, brushes can be super handy for getting the really coated-on stuff off the pan.
4. Hand Soap: Washing hands is crucial for kitchen safety, so having soap handy makes it easier.
5. Tray: Having all your necessary items on a little tray or even a small lazy susan is usually the perfect size and makes for easy clean up around your sink. It helps with any soap spills and also limits water marks around your sink.

Remember, the key to kitchen sink organization is to have everything you need within easy reach and to ensure each item has its own place.