When you need to wash up dishes by hand, a few hand dishwashing tips will make it easier for you to get them done quickly and efficiently.
For most dishes, hot water is best for washing. Hot water helps get rid of some bacteria and cut through grease. The water should typically be over 110 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius), but you don’t have to grab a thermometer every time you wash a glass. Fill the sink with water that is hot enough that your bare hands are uncomfortable staying in the water too long. In most cases, bare skin can’t tolerate water over 110 degrees (45 degrees Celsius) very long. To make the process easier, wear gloves when washing. Rubber gloves help protect your hands and makes the process more tolerable.
When rinsing, the water temperature is just as important. A hotter water temperature helps get rid of any remaining dish liquid and some bacteria on the dishes and hastens the drying process when your dishes are placed in a dish rack. It also helps reduce spots and streaks.
Despite our recommendation to wash up in hot water, Pril was developed to work efficiently in lower temperatures like room temperature as well. With its special enzyme technology, it removes dirt and grease whilst saving energy.
Dish liquids like Pril feature both polar (water loving) and non-polar (oil loving) parts that help draw out grease and effectively remove it from dishes. However, if you’re dealing with a lot of grease or even stuck-on food, the best option isn’t to start scrubbing; it’s actually better to let your dishes soak in a mixture of hot water and a few drops of Pril dish liquid. After only a couple of minutes the stuck-on food and grease will easily wash off the dish.
The best ways to save water when washing dishes by hand are:
- Avoid changing the water when the suds disappear. The dish liquid can still be effective and present even if there are no longer any bubbles.
- Wipe out as many food particles as possible with a paper towel prior to putting the dishes in the sink. This will help reduce the dirt and grime in the water longer.
- Wash five or six dishes prior to rinsing. You don’t have to keep the water on or rinse every dish as it is washed.
- Avoid washing dishes one at a time under the tap water. Fill the sink or a dish tub to save water.
Wondering how to wash dishes? Here are some dishwashing steps to make things easier.
- Fill your sink or tub with hot water.
- Add a few drops of Pril washing up liquid to the hot water. The correct dosage will vary depending on the type of dish liquid you choose.
- Wipe excess food off dishes prior to washing.
- Wash your glassware first, plates and utensils. Save the greasiest dishes, pots and pans for last.
- Rinse dish liquid thoroughly from each dish.
- Air dry in a dish drying rack or hand dry with a towel.
- Remember to wash any kitchen towels, brushes or cloths you use to ensure they are clean for the next time you do dishes.
You may be tempted to use a towel to dry all of your dishes, but this isn’t always the best option. Towel drying can take quite some time and effort depending on the amount of dishes. Air drying in a rack is often the better option, as it lets dishes thoroughly dry on their ownbefore you put them away.
Keep in mind that moisture from the dishes will drip down onto your counter under the drying rack. If your rack didn’t come with a rubber or plastic bottom to catch the water, place a baking sheet under the dish rack instead.
Get your dishes clean quickly and effectively with these dishwashing tips.