The sight you might fear the most is the kitchen sink stacked with dirty dishes. Most Indians still prefer using their hands to clean the dishes instead of the dishwasher. Although most people are blessed with house help who assist in the dish-cleaning process, they may not be available always. In such circumstances, you must take up the cleaning process as many Indians do, whether they are homemakers or bachelors.
Now, as you want the dishes to look spick and span, there are certain things that need to be kept in mind to achieve this. While washing the dishes with your hands, there are several common mistakes that you tend to make unknowingly. These mistakes can result in less effective cleaning, wasted water, and even damage to your dishes. By becoming aware of these mistakes and making simple adjustments here and there, you can ensure cleaner dishes. Take note of the mistakes you need to avoid while cleaning the dishes.
- Using Incorrect Water Temperature
You either use too hot or too cold water for washing your dishes, which stands as the first common mistake. Note that extreme hot water can cause damage to delicate dishes while too cold water may not remove the grease and food residue effectively. The ideal temperature for washing the dishes should be warm to hot. This temperature helps loosen food particles and grease without causing harm to the dishes or your hands.
- Not Pre-Soaking Tough Stains
The removal of dried-on food particles and tough stains seems to be the most daunting part of the dishwashing process. However, this can be easily removed by pre-soaking the dishes. Many people neglect this step and scrub away the stubborn stains with full force which can lead to damage of the dish as well as frustration and time wastage. Take a large bucket with warm and soapy water and let the dishes rest in the water for at least 30 minutes before washing. This will soften the stains and make them easier to remove.
- Overusing Dish Soap
One of the common mistakes that people make while washing dishes and utensils is overboard with soap. This can result in excessive suds and soapy residue on the dishes. Apart from wasting the soap, it also leaves an unpleasant taste on your dishes. To avoid this mishap, use a small amount of dish soap, a spoonful or less than that depending upon the number of dishes you’re washing. This will enable you to create enough suds for effective cleaning without leaving the residue.
- Scrubbing Too Aggressively
Just as it is important to scrub away the food residues from the dishes, it should be kept in mind that aggressive scrubbing can lead to scratches, especially on delicate dishes and non-stick surfaces. It is advisable not to use aggressive force, rather practice a gentle scrubbing motion and use a soft-bristled brush or sponge. For tough stains, as mentioned earlier, pre-soak the dishes in warm, soapy water and then scrub them.
- Neglecting To Rinse Thoroughly
Rinsing dishes is an essential step that needs to be followed after washing the dishes, to remove any remaining soap residue and food particles. It is often noticed that most people neglect this step and rush through it. This leads to leaving behind a filmy residue on their dishes. Thoroughly rinse with warm water and hold each dish under the faucet, turning it in every direction to ensure all the surfaces are rinsed thoroughly. Invest time in this step so that no soap residue is left behind.
- Air Drying In A Cluttered Space
Air drying the dishes is an eco-friendly and convenient way to complete the dishwashing process. Omit the step where wet dishes are placed in a cluttered dish rack or tacked too closely together which prevents the airflow and leads to the growth of mold and mildew. To prevent this, arrange the dishes in a single layer on a clean dish rack, ensuring that there is enough space between each item for air to circulate. This will promote faster drying and thus prevent bacterial growth.
