Dirty dishes can accumulate quickly in the sink, but they are pretty easy to clean. Typically, you can wash them by hand or use the dishwasher, with the exception of cast iron cookware. With a little patience and elbow grease they will be shiny again!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Hand Washing Dishes
Step 1. Throw away any leftover food in the trash or garbage disposal
Use the cutlery to remove leftover food from the plates and throw it in the trash can. If you have a garbage disposal, you can also dispose of it in the sink drain after turning on the special device.
Advise:
do not pour the grease down the drain as it could solidify and clog the pipes.
Step 2. Fill the sink halfway with hot water and 15ml of dish soap
Use the hottest water you can tolerate. As it fills up, pour in 15ml of detergent so that it forms some foam. When it's half full, turn off the tap.
Make sure the sink is clean before filling it
Step 3. Wash the less dirty dishes first and then move on to the others
Start with glasses and cutlery. Once you're done lathering them, move on to the dinner plates and soup plates. Finally, wash the pots, pans, and any other dishes that foul the water.
Step 4. Use the sponge
Rub the dishes in the soapy water to dissolve any food residue. Pass the sponge in circular motions. Then remove them from the water to see if they are still encrusted.
- If the water has become so cloudy that you can't see the bottom of the sink, open the drain and fill the tub again.
- Clean the knives by grabbing them by the handle so you don't touch the blade. If they are very sharp, never put them in the sink as you risk not seeing them when the water starts to get dirty.
Advise:
if the dishes are caked, soak them for 10-15 minutes before washing them.
Step 5. Wash off the soap with warm water
Once you've washed a dish, rinse it under the hottest water you can tolerate until all the foam is gone. To make sure you remove all traces of soap, the soup plates and glasses should also be rinsed a couple of times.
- Avoid using cold water as it may leave water stains on the dishes.
- If the sink consists of two basins, rinse the empty part so as not to raise the water level. If not, you may want to empty it as you rinse.
Step 6. Let the dishes dry on a clean drip tray or tea towel
Place the dishes over a drip tray on the kitchen counter or in the other sink bowl. If not, arrange them upside down on a clean cloth so they have a chance to dry. Leave them for 30-60 minutes.
It is preferable to dry them in the fresh air to avoid spreading germs using a single towel
Method 2 of 3: Load the Dishwasher
Step 1. Eliminate leftover food
Using the cutlery, throw away the food left on the plates and pots in the trash. Try to remove as much of it as possible so it doesn't clog the dishwasher. After that, rinse the dishes under the tap to remove any smaller residues that may have become encrusted.
If you start the dishwasher immediately after eating, there is no need to rinse the dishes
Step 2. Place cups, deformable plastic utensils and bowls on the top shelf
Place the cups between the supports in the upper rack of the dishwasher. Try tilting them slightly so that water doesn't build up on top once you've finished washing.
Make sure all the inserted dishes are dishwasher safe, otherwise they can melt or destroy during washing
Step 3. Load the dishes and pots into the lower rack
Place larger pans on the sides or back of the lower basket so they don't block access to the detergent compartment. Lay the dishes so that the dirty side is facing the water spout. When arranging your pots and pans, turn them upside down to prevent water from settling inside.
- In almost all dishwashers, the teeth of the lower basket are inclined to be able to orient the dishes in the right direction.
- Avoid stacking the dishes, otherwise the dishwasher will not be able to wash them properly.
Things not to put in the dishwasher
Knives
Wood
Pond
Cast iron
Crystal
Fine porcelain
Step 4. Put the steel cutlery in the special compartment - often found on the lower basket
Place the handles of the cutlery on the bottom of the compartment so that the dirty part is washed. Leave some space between each piece of furniture so that the water can reach all surfaces.
- Make sure that the long-handled cutlery does not hit the revolving water spout in the center of the dishwasher. In this case, put them on the upper basket.
- Separate your silver and stainless steel cutlery as the silver can get scratched if it comes into contact with the stainless steel.
Step 5. Insert the detergent into the detergent compartment
Read the instructions for your dishwasher to see how much detergent you need, but 15ml is usually enough. You can use the powder or tablets. Once added in its seat, close the flap so that it stays in place.
Do not use regular liquid dish detergent as it leaves foam residue on the dishes
Step 6. Turn on the dishwasher
Close the door, select the program you prefer and press the power button. Let it work until the wash is finished.
- If you need to wash regularly, the normal program is sufficient.
- Use the delicate program if the dishes are not very dirty or you need to wash fragile glasses.
- Choose a stronger program if you need to clean pots and pans.
Method 3 of 3: Wash a Cast Iron Skillet
Step 1. Pour hot water onto the pan as soon as you are done using it
As soon as you remove the food from the pan, fill it halfway with the hottest water you can tolerate. Leave it on the stove instead of putting it in the sink.
Pour the water into a cup so you don't have to move the pan towards the sink
Step 2. Scrub with a new sponge or stiff bristled brush to descale
Hold it with an oven mitt or pot holder using your non-dominant hand. With the other, instead, scrub the food left over from cooking. Once clean, drain the water from the sink.
- Do not use detergent or steel wool on cast iron pans as you will scratch them.
- If the water is too hot, use a long-handled brush or hold the sponge with a pair of tongs.
- Do not soak it, otherwise it may rust.
Step 3. Dry it well with a towel
Use a clean tea towel so you don't spread germs on the surface. Dry it completely to remove all residual moisture, otherwise it could rust.
Alternatively, place it on the stove over low heat for 10-15 minutes
Step 4. Rub some vegetable oil with a paper towel
By greasing the pan, you will keep it in good condition. Pour 15 ml of vegetable oil on the cooking surface and spread it with a paper towel. Use circular motions to apply the oil to the cast iron. Finally, let it dry for 20-30 minutes before putting it away.
Advise:
in the absence of vegetable oil, you can use 15 ml of melted solid cooking fat.
Advice
- Wash the dishes immediately after using them instead of leaving them in the sink.
- The work will be more pleasant if you wash the dishes while listening to your favorite music or an audiobook.
