Wash them by hand. If you have kids, that's one of their chores. (Also, then your kids get to tell your grandkids how bad they had it... and make their kids wash the dishes.)
I grew up without a dishwasher, I was the dishwasher. The one I have in my house now barely gets used, so it's lasted almost 30 years. Also, when you have to wash them, you're more likely to rinse out a glass or mug and use it again, rather than reach for a clean one. Washing as you go makes the chore less arduous, when it's time.
EDIT: I guess "building character" is out of fashion?