Cleaning plates and other cutlery is important for aesthetic and hygiene reasons. Here, you'll learn how to wash dirty dishes so they look clean and shiny.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Hand Wash
Step 1. Get ready
Using rubber gloves is highly recommended when washing dishes, but it all depends on your preference. Using gloves can be one of the right solutions for those of you who have dry hands or other skin problems. If you're wearing long sleeves, roll up your sleeves or tuck them in your gloves. You can also use an apron.
In addition to protecting hands from germs, rubber gloves will also prevent the skin from drying out due to continuous rubbing and exposure to water
Step 2. Remove food residue from cutlery
Throw leftovers in the trash to prevent the brush or sponge from clogging.
Step 3. Fill the sink with hot water
Set the water temperature as high as you can handle so that the skin doesn't scald. The hotter the water, the cleaner your cutlery will be from germs and oil residue. If the water used is too hot, use rubber gloves to protect your hands. Put dish soap in a sink that is already filled with water.
Start by soaking large utensils, such as plates, bowls, etc. This stage makes it easier for you to clean these tools later
Step 4. Start with metal utensils
This utensil needs to be immersed in clean and hot water because usually, we use metal utensils to put food in our mouths.
- Dip the dirty utensils in hot water while rubbing.
- After that, remove it from the water and check again. If there is still dirt stuck to it, use a sponge to scrub the dirty area clean.
- If the dirt is still difficult to remove, soak it back in the water and then scrub it with your fingers (not your fingernails).
- If the dirt still doesn't go away, use an iron sponge. Don't use the back of a regular sponge as this will only cause the food grains to stick to the sponge.
Step 5. Wash other utensils that have direct contact with the mouth, such as cups and glasses
That way, the equipment can be cleaned with water that is still hot and clean.
Step 6. Change the water regularly
This method helps you to clean germs and maintain cleanliness when washing cutlery. Make sure you give dish soap every time you change the water.
Step 7. Wash pots and pans after all utensils are clean
Because they are large and usually have more residue, first soak your pots and pans. If there are leftovers sticking to the sink, you can add more soap and water to the sink.
Step 8. Dry the cutlery
Dry the washed utensils on the dish rack to dry and then wipe with a clean towel.
Step 9. Check again to make sure that your cutlery is clean
When you've washed it thoroughly, there should be no more stains or grease stuck to it. Try wiping your cutlery by hand. If it still feels slippery and you don't hear a squeaking sound, there may still be some oil left. You should re-wash the equipment that is still not clean.
Step 10. Rinse the brush, sponge, or dishcloth
Let it dry. It's a good idea to regularly sterilize dishwashing utensils with hot water or bleach. You can also wash it in a washing machine. If the sponge or brush has started to smell bad and can't be cleaned, throw it away and replace it with a new one.
Step 11. Dry the gloves
Open your holster so that the inside of the holster is mostly facing out. Blow on your glove and hold it at the wrist. Shake it and give it a little punch until the inside of the fingers of the sheath comes out. After the inside is dry, turn the holster back. The outer part can dry on its own until the holster is ready to be reused.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Dishwasher
Step 1. Get the dishwasher ready
Machine washing may take longer, but it can be a great choice for those of you who want to keep your hands soft and clean.
Step 2. Load the dishwasher
Each dishwasher is different and everyone has a different method of filling the machine. Create your own routine and continue to do it every time you wash the dishes. Here are a few things to consider when filling the dishwasher:
- How does your dishwasher work? Some machines are equipped with a set of arms for spraying water from below, some are equipped with one arm on the bottom and one arm on the top.
- Each dishwasher has a different space to accommodate large bowls, small bowls, plates, and other tableware of different sizes on the bottom shelf, while the top shelf is usually used for smaller items, such as glasses, jars, and long utensils (spatula, spoon, etc.).
Step 3. Don't load too much equipment
Fill the machine to the brim, but don't overcrowd it. That way, the machine will work optimally and minimize the use of water.
Step 4. Apply detergent
Fill the detergent canister with the cleaner of your choice - liquid, powder, or gel - then close the lid.
- You can also apply additional cleaning if your cutlery is really dirty.
- If necessary, give a rinse or rinsing agent to make sure your cutlery is thoroughly washed.
Step 5. Start the machine
Install a timer if necessary. If your equipment is really dirty, the washing process may take longer than usual.
Step 6. Dry the cutlery
You can use a hot dryer (be careful with plastic utensils) or an air dryer. However, your equipment will still dry itself quickly because the machine uses hot water with a temperature of approximately 60 °C.
Method 3 of 3: Washing Pots and Pans
Step 1. Wash pots and pans using different methods
This is because the patina, or oil film, on the surface of the pan should have developed. Washing the pan with water and detergent will only hinder the development of the patina.
Step 2. Fill the pan with water
Step 3. Put the pan on the stove, turn the stove on to medium temperature, then cover the pan
Step 4. Wait until the water boils
With a cast-iron spatula, scrape off any remaining food stuck to the surface of the pan.
Step 5. Drain the water, put the skillet back on the stove, and reduce the heat
Step 6. Immediately wipe the remaining water on the pan with tissue paper
Make sure you don't burn your hands from the hot pan. After that, turn off the stove.
Step 7. Coat the surface of the pan with a little oil, preferably sprayed oil, then wipe off the excess oil with a paper towel
Tips
- Wash every piece of equipment. Just because your fork handle isn't used to put food in your mouth, it doesn't mean it's germ-free.
- If you place freshly washed utensils on the side of the sink, you can give an additional rinse using water and vinegar. This mixture will help wash away germs and give your cutlery a shine.
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Make sure you choose the right dishwasher, and if necessary, use it as a combination because each dishwasher has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Try using a brush with a longer handle as the long handle makes it easier for you to remove heavy or thick dirt. Usually, these tools also have a scraper on top of the brush so you can use it on hard-to-clean dirt.
- Wipes and sponges are good for cleaning grease and other hard-to-clean dirt.
- The scourer and the back of the sponge can work effectively on baking utensils, but you should also be careful in choosing the scourer and utensil you want to clean because some baking utensils have surfaces that are prone to damage.
- Dry your utensils with linen if you need them immediately after washing. Linen fabric will not leave lint or residue on your utensils.
- Once clean, wipe the utensil with your hands again, but not on the edge of the knife. There may still be food residue that is not visible, but can be felt.
- If you use dishes for dishes that are difficult to clean, soak the dishes in water immediately after use. This will keep the leftovers from hardening and the dishes will be easy to clean. Even better if the plate is cleaned immediately after use.
- Be careful with wooden utensils. Do not immerse wooden utensils in water and should dry immediately before storing. You can dry it with a rag and let it air dry. In addition, back and forth wooden tools from time to time because they could be exposed to puddles of water.
Warning
- Do not put the knife in the water reservoir while you are washing other utensils. Place the knife in water only when you are going to wash it. If the knife is placed with other tools in a pool of foamy (and possibly dirty) water, you will have a hard time locating the knife and possibly injuring your hand as a result of cutting the knife.
- Do not twirl your hands under the sink to avoid getting hurt by sharp objects.
- Bacteria thrive on sponges, rags and brushes. Therefore, always rinse your dishwasher and then wring it out. Store in a dry place. For a more thorough cleaning, place the still damp sponge in the oven for 2 minutes or clean it in the dishwasher. When using the oven, make sure the sponge is wet and not drying out. Be careful when removing a hot sponge or rag from the oven.
- Alternatively, soak a rag or sponge in boiling water for 10 minutes, or soak it in a 1:9 mixture of bleach and water and rinse. The bleach will remove any latex-based products that are stuck to the rag or sponge.
- Change the dishwasher regularly every few months. Throw away your dishwasher if it has a bad smell that doesn't go away with rinsing.
