dish rack · washing dishes ·

Life Lesson #2 – Hand Washing Dishes

I bet you’re thinking “Really? What could you possibly teach me about washing the dishes that I don’t already know?” Well, while this task seems pretty straightforward, we do have some tips to share to get the most out of every rinse.


USE A SINK PLUG

Save water, energy and sanitize by plugging your sink to create a tub to wash all your dishes in. Remember, dishes need to be submerged in water for a certain length of time to be considered sanitized and you wouldn’t want to keep your water running (no!) to achieve that.

We like: POP-UP Sink Strainer & Stopper 

GET A DISH RACK

Air drying dishes actually contributes to their cleanliness! Using a cloth to dry can spread unnecessary germs. While having a dish rack seems like a no-brainer, they are not all created equal. Look for a dish rack that:

  • Moves excess water away from your dishes
  • Has multiple compartments to fit a variety of items
  • Is easy to clean

We like: 3-Piece Advantage Dish Rack , 4-Piece Aluminum Dish Rack  , Space Station Dish Rack 

ORDER MATTERS

Wash the less dirty items first and THEN proceed to the dirtier items. This helps keep the water cleaner as long as possible.

USE VERY HOT WATER (gloves are recommended)

Using very hot water – 170˚F - to wash your dishes is three-fold, it 1) helps sanitize your dishes 2) helps prevent spots and streaks on glassware and 3) helps food break away from surfaces easier. Stop Foodborne Illness, a public health organization, recommends a solid 30 seconds submerged in hot water. 30 SECONDS.

THE SOONER, THE BETTER

Resist the urge to let pots and pans sit overnight. They are MUCH easier to clean right after you’ve used them. If they did sit for a while, try using salt as an abrasive to help release the stuck on food.

INVEST IN THE RIGHT TOOLS

Having a great sponge makes the job so much easier. Sponges need to be cleaned too so wash, rinse and let them dry to help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Separate sponges are a must – don’t use the same sponge to wipe your counters and clean your dishes.

We like: Soap Dispensing Sink Brush 

CLEAN YOUR SINK!

You always want to start with a clean surface so clean it now for the sake of the dishes you’ll (inevitably) wash later.

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