Alicia, I often found myself asking the same question. I don't carry the resposibility of a parent, as you do.. parenting takes time and will power (and results in a lot more dirt and dishes)... however I do find myself stuck in the same loop, thinking about this, because creative mess turns into a garbage dump within a day for me.

I deal with it in two ways and it's far from perfect.

1. I know I don't want to spend too much time cleaning. I also understand I am not the most reliable person to clean behind all the time. So I made a commitment that if I haven't picked up and washed the dishes, to reuse them the same dishes the next meal. Meaning, I conditioned myself to wash them before I eat or drink the next time.

This inspired my girlfriend and me to get rid of some dishes and reuse our "personal" cups and glasses.

2. I deep clean when I need a break. When I feel I spent too much time working or eye-balling at screen, instead of one walk in the park, I separate time for house chores. It's therapeutic and gets a job done. Although this expressions sounds overly barbaric in my native tongue, I kill two birds with one stone...:)

Again, I know it's different for you... but maybe it helps.