Before food can dry on surfaces, rinse dishware and utensils with warm water. Pre-rinsing removes large food particles from the wash water, loosens dried-on foods, reduces stains on dishes, and saves money on detergent.
Why Do We Need To Scrape Before Washing The Dishes?
Anything larger than a dime simply needs to be scraped away. Larger clumps of food simply bounce around in the machine as the jets blast your dishes. After the jets have finished, the food can either settle on the dishes or go down the drain and clog the filter.
Scrape dishes with a rubber spatula or paper towel to remove any leftover food. Soak dishes/cookware before washing to remove stuck-on foods: Fill the sink/dishpan (or soiled pot) with hot water and add detergent or baking soda; soak for 15 to 30 minutes, then drain.
You can leave things alone when it comes to pre-rinsing. That doesn’t mean you should leave food chunks on the plate. Scrape it off, by all means. However, your appliance manufacturer and dish detergent manufacturer both agree that a small amount of food is acceptable.
This is because technology has advanced to the point where machines can handle specific amounts of food particles and crumbs. Dishwashers have sensors that detect the amount of dirt in a load. Depending on what it detects with its sensors, the machine will adjust itself and go longer or shorter.
How To Wash Dishes Properly?
In order to prevent the time from wasting while washing dishes and also to avoid any blockage in the sink, it’s better to scrape away all the food particles before washing dishes.
Here are the instructions in steps to wash dishes:
Scrape And Rinse
Make sure you scrape all of the food into the compost or garbage before you start washing the dishes. You can also use a garbage disposal if you have one.
After that, rinse the dishes. This makes deep cleaning easier when the time comes. Remove any sauce, crumbs, or other food or drink remnants.
Fill The Sink
Fill your sink or basin three-quarters full of hot water and dish soap.
Wash Small Items
We recommend beginning with the smaller, less dirty items, such as cutlery, first. This prevents your water from becoming dirty as quickly. You won’t have to change the water as frequently.
- Put all of the cutlery in the sink and soak it for about a minute. Then, wearing rubber gloves, take your sponge and scrub off dirt, food, and residue one item at a time.
- For a split second, run the item under the faucet. Fill a second tub or basin with lukewarm water and rinse the item in it before proceeding to the next step.
- Place the item on the drying rack and repeat for each item.
- Then move on to cups, bowls, and plates.
Wash Bigger Items
It’s now time to clean the larger, dirtier items, such as pots, pans, mixing bowls, and utensils.
- If your water is filthy, drain it and refill the sink with more dish soap until it is about three-quarters full.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions for fancy nonstick pans. Smaller amounts of dish soap and a non-scouring brush may be required for these.
- Allow the items to soak in the water for 10 minutes. Then, using your sponge, cloth, or dish scrubber, scrub the dishes clean. Get into all the nooks and crannies, including between spatula gaps, pot handles, and the bottoms of pans.
- Items should be rinsed under the faucet or in a separate sink.
- As you go, place the items on the drying rack. Immediately dry pots and pans and wooden utensils with a dishtowel.
Wash Delicate Items
Remove the water. Run the hot water, but leave the sink plug open to prevent it from filling with water. It’s now time to wash delicate items like knives, fine glasses, and antiques.
First, rinse the item. Then, using a soapy cloth or sponge, scrub the item. On stubborn or sticky spots, you may need to use more elbow grease. Rinse away the suds before placing the item on the drying rack. Rep with each item.
Dry Dishes
You can air-dry your dishes, which is both easier and more sanitary. This shouldn’t take long, so return in about an hour to put the dishes away.
However, if your drying rack is full or you want your kitchen to look cleaner, you can hand dry the dishes. Wipe the dishes dry with a clean, dry dishtowel. As the towel becomes damp, it should be replaced. To prevent mold growth, allow it to air dry before placing it in the laundry hamper.
To extend the life of pots and pans, dry them immediately.
Clean Dishes
Clean the sink now that the dishes are done. Remove any food remnants, then thoroughly rinse the sink. Use a commercial cleaner and a sponge, or simply dish soap!
Allow your sponge, cloth, or other dish tools to dry naturally. These should be replaced every couple of weeks.
Related Questions
What are the advantages of dishwashing?
Clean dishes and utensils are essential for good family health. Bacteria thrive on dirty dishes and utensils. Cockroaches, mice, and other pests can be attracted to dirty dishes, utensils, and food scraps left in the kitchen.
Is it better for the environment to wash dishes by hand?
We understand that not every home has a dishwasher, but whether you wash your dishes by hand or in the dishwasher, some statistics may surprise you: the environmental impact of dishwashing vs. hand washing. Because hand-washing dishes is far more environmentally friendly than using a dishwasher!
Conclusion
In short, scraping the dishes will enhance the lifetime of your dishwasher, or in case you are handwashing them will reduce the risk of sink blockage.
