And my children had grown. My older one was an older and rebellious teen. I tried and tried to keep food consumable in the lower level. Confine the mess to the floor that could be washed. It worked until he hit about 14-15.
Boys loose it at that point.
They ignore the need to brush their teeth. They ignore the need to bathe - unless threatened with a garden hose. They sprawl on couches to eat and leave the plates behind. Occasional temper tantrums will get the plates back in the kitchen. Might get the dishwasher unloaded.