To wash the dirty dishes, pans and cutlery after a meal.
You cooked, so I'll do the washing-up.
A: Can you give me a hand in the kitchen? B: Sure, I'll do the washing-up.
Would you mind doing the washing-up? (polite) Your turn to do the washing-up! (casual)
Common mistake
✗I'll do the washing-up of the dishes.
✓I'll do the washing-up.
'The washing-up' already means the dishes — don't add 'of the dishes'.
Tell it apart
Do the washing-up.
wash the dishes
Do the washing.
do the laundry
British English: 'do the washing-up'. American English usually says 'do the dishes'.'The washing-up' (noun) is the dirty dishes; 'do the washing' (no -up) means laundry.
You cooked, so I'll do the washing-up — it's only fair.
Leave the washing-up, I'll sort it in the morning.
Do the washing-up. (wash the dishes) Do the washing. (do the laundry)
Common mistake
✗Did you make the washing-up?
✓Did you do the washing-up?
This chore collocates with 'do', not 'make'.
Tell it apart
Do the washing-up.
wash the dishes
Do the washing.
do the laundry
British English for washing dishes by hand; Americans say 'do the dishes'.'Do the washing-up' means the dirty dishes; 'do the washing' (no -up) means laundry.