Emma Miller
The key to effective dishwashing is the order in which you do it. Cleaning is a depressing element of everyone’s routine.
How to Use Dishwashing Detergent Properly
The most common ways to wash dishes by hand are two. The first is when you fill a sink or basin with detergent and submerge the dishes in it. The second is when you apply the detergent directly to the dishes.
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) notes that there is no fundamental difference, but in both cases, it is worth paying attention to how much detergent you use.
ACI advises paying attention to the recommendations on the package – you may need considerably less than you think you need.
It is estimated that 1 gram of detergent should be enough for 22 plates. If using a concentrated product, 1-2 drops on a sponge may be enough to get enough foam.
In case you want to soak the dishes, you should use twice as much product.
How to wash dishes by hand
The key to effective dishwashing is the order in which you do it. Washing dishes will be easier and faster if you place the dishes in the sink comfortably at once. It’s best to place the largest-size dishes (pot, pan, large plate, or bowl) at the bottom. And on top – are smaller bowls, glassware, glasses and cups, forks, and spoons. This way of arranging will briefly soak the dishes underneath, and the washing process will be easier.
The lightly soiled dishes (usually cups, glasses, and cutlery) are better to wash first. And last those that require more effort, like pots and pans.
It is better to take care of your strength and nerves in advance and pre-soak dishes if they are stuck or burned food. Pour detergent or baking soda into the sink or the dirty pan itself. Pour boiling water and wait up to half an hour. After that, proceed with washing.
Washing dishes according to sanitary regulations – what state regulations say
Restaurants and canteens have their own peculiarities in washing dishes. Recommendations, in particular, can be found in the State Sanitary Rules and Standards of the device, and maintenance of general educational institutions.
There it is specified that 4-5 bathtubs are used for washing tableware by hand. There are 3 baths for cutlery and plates, and 2 for glasses.
The washed dishes are degreased afterward. Glasses are washed (degreased) once in a separate bath, and plates, spoons, and forks are degreased twice.
In this case, in the first bath, the amount of detergent used is as specified in the instructions, the second time – half as much.
After that, the dishes are rinsed several times in common or separate baths under running water. And washed spoons and forks are subject to mandatory burning in ovens.
What not to do when you wash dishes
Some dishes should be washed with extreme caution. For example, cast-iron dishes are washed by hand in warm water without adding detergents, in order to preserve their strength and endurance. Crystal can be “killed” by very hot water. Antique plates and cups can not endure intensive washing – the gilding or handmade painting will simply wipe off. To avoid unpleasant surprises, when buying, read the labels and try to remember the recommendations written there.
It is highly undesirable to pour used cooking oils and grease into the sink when washing dishes. The grease will solidify as it cools and can clog drains and pipes. To prevent this from happening, drain the oil in a separate container beforehand or, for example, in a “nest” made of foil. Afterward, dispose of it. The same applies to large pieces of food.
How to wash dishes by hand for fun
There are many ways to occupy yourself while washing dishes. For example, this time can be spent dreaming, composing a song or movie script. You can become the hero of this essay.
You can also come up with a challenge. For example, try to wash dishes only with the right hand or do it standing on one leg. Then your thoughts will be busy not breaking the rules of the game, and the time will fly by faster.
Washing dishes can be combined with listening to music (and dancing, why not?), an audiobook or podcast, watching a movie or TV series.
You can form a pleasant habit by doing some of these things every time you wash the dishes. That way, finishing an episode of a show or listening to an album will be extra motivation to do the dishes.
