Over time, dishes acquire deep stains from food or drink residue. Washing alone may therefore not be enough to remove them. Depending on the severity of the stain and the type of dish, different solvents can be used to remove stubborn residues and rinse them off permanently.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Stain Removal from Glass, Ceramic and Porcelain Dishes
Step 1. Wash the dishes thoroughly
Food debris can cover the stains, preventing you from washing dishes properly. Rinse and dry them before continuing.
Step 2. Remove single stains with a baking soda paste
To remove deeper stains, you need to use a solvent to dissolve them and then remove them. Bicarbonate is a practical and common solution, substantially less aggressive than chemical solvents. Calculate a spoonful and add enough water or white vinegar to make a sticky paste. Rub it vigorously into the affected area with a dishwashing sponge or abrasive, then rinse.
Lemon juice is another common household product that can have a mild solvent action - it's a good substitute for white vinegar
Step 3. Remove deeper stains with a vinegar and baking soda solution
If the paste has proved ineffective, you need to let the solvent have more time to soak into the stains. Fill a basin with enough hot water to submerge the dish, then add one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of white vinegar for every 250ml of water. Make them dissolve. Leave the dish to soak in the solution for 1-2 hours.
Step 4. Rinse the dishes and consider if there are any stains left
If they have faded, but not completely, you may need to repeat the previous step. If leaving the dish to soak wasn't enough, you need to consider a stronger solution.
Step 5. Try a stronger solvent
If the ones you have around your house have proven ineffective, you may need a stronger product to remove stains from dishes. There are many brands and varieties. Whenever you handle a chemical, be sure to follow all instructions on the package to the letter. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid exposing yourself to caustic chemicals by wearing rubber gloves. Rinse the dishes thoroughly after applying the solvent to make sure no residue remains.
Not all commercially available solvents are suitable for any type of dish. Read the instructions carefully and examine the various products before proceeding with the purchase
Step 6. Be careful when trying to whiten the ceramic
Bleach or any product that contains bleach should not be used to treat glazed ceramic or porcelain, as it may interact with the coating and damage it. You can use powdered oxygen bleach (usually used for laundry) instead. Mix it with hot water, let it cool or come to room temperature, and soak the dishes. This treatment will remove most stains, even those in cracks, which can occur as the ceramic ages.
Using 20% hydrogen peroxide, available in pharmacies, is a common alternative for removing stains from porcelain. Just pour it on the affected area, then rinse it off carefully
Method 2 of 3: Remove Stains from Plastic Dishes
Step 1. Wash the dishes carefully to avoid food residues remaining on the surface
If you use the dishwasher, be sure to place them in the highest rack to avoid exposing the plastic to high temperatures. Rinse and dry them before continuing.
Step 2. Expose the dishes to sunlight for at least 2 hours
The sun's rays have a whitening effect on the plastic. Just expose the dishes for a few hours to remove stains and eliminate bad smells. Face the stained side up and place the dishes in front of an open window or outside, in a place that is well exposed to sunlight. After a few hours, check that the stains have gone away.
Step 3. Try using a solution and base of baking soda and vinegar
They are cheap and effective products for dissolving many types of food stains. Soak the dishes in a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and warm water (calculate about one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar for every 250ml of water) for 1-2 hours, or scrub the surface using a baking soda paste (make it by mixing a handful of baking soda with enough vinegar or water to make it sticky).
- Instead of baking soda and vinegar, you can use salt and lemon juice to create an abrasive paste.
- Isopropyl alcohol is a common alternative to baking soda and vinegar. It can be used by soaking dishes in it or rubbing it on the affected area.
Step 4. Try using an oxygenating agent, such as a denture tablet or an antacid effervescent tablet
These products can be surprisingly effective in removing stains from plastic dishes, especially cups and bowls. Fill the container with water and pour in 2 denture tablets or effervescent antacid tablets. Let it soak overnight, then wash and rinse it.
Step 5. Soak the dishes in a bleach solution
This product is powerful and can be harmful, but it is a good solution when it is impossible to remove stains by other methods. Mix the ingredients into roughly 1 part bleach and 2 parts water, then soak the dishes in the solution for 30 minutes and rinse them thoroughly.
Bleach is a very caustic substance, so be sure to put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands before handling it. Also, work in a well-ventilated space so that the fumes emanating from the bleach dissipate safely
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Stains on Dishes
Step 1. Avoid scratching or chipping the dishes
Cracks affecting the surface of an enamel, porcelain or ceramic plate will cause food and drinks to penetrate, causing deeper and more difficult to remove stains.
Step 2. Reheat ceramic plates before serving hot food
Sudden changes in temperature can cause tiny fractures on the surface of ceramic or porcelain dishes. You should avoid this by reheating them (for example by placing them next to or inside a hot oven) before serving food.
Step 3. Wash the dishes immediately to prevent food or drink residues from sticking to the surface
It is especially important to wash mugs in which you have been drinking coffee or tea immediately, as these stains tend to set earlier and are much more difficult to remove. If you plan to store leftovers, put the food in a container or plate that you can safely stain before placing it in the fridge.
Step 4. Wash the dishes thoroughly using hot water
If you use cold water, it will be difficult to remove grease or food particles when washing, so you risk staining your dishes.
Step 5. Avoid leaving water stains on glass dishes by using the right amount of detergent
If you use too much when you wash them in the dishwasher, you risk leaving water marks. Does it happen often to you? Try reducing the amount of detergent. If that doesn't work, you might want to try another product.
