From removal of burnt patches on pans, to restoration of rusty cast-iron ware to clearing up of cloudy glasses, I’ve got some of the best tips for you on how to wash your dishes by hand perfectly!
15 Tips for Washing Dishes By Hand
1. Always use a clean sponge
This one’s actually a no-brainer. Using a dirty sponge to wash your dishes will only transfer the dirt and carry it from one dish to another. Fill a bowl with white vinegar and hot water. Fully submerge your sponge and allow it to soak for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the vinegar and rinse your sponge. Place the wet sponge in a microwave-safe bowl or container. Set the microwave timer for 1 minute on a high-power setting.
2. Do not use too much dishwashing soap/liquid
More soap, doesn’t make your dishes any cleaner. In fact, using excess dishwashing soap can cause residue to remain on your kitchenware. Thus, use just enough soap to be able to cleanse and scrub your dishes, but do not overdo the soap when dishwashing.
3. Use warm water or room temperature water for dish washing
Using warm water (or even room temperature water) is the best for washing dishes. It can help loosen out and is ideal to easily release dirt, food stains and tough food debris from the kitchenware, as compared to cold water (which can otherwise harden the food stains and food debris).
4. Soak dishes, cups etc., that have tough stains
If your dishes have tough stains, soak them in warm water (or room temperature water) for an hour or so before you wash them. The tough stains will loosen up and make the washing process easier.
5. Scrape off tough food residue with steel wool or a dishwashing brush
Ifyou have tough stains for food or residue stuck on your kitchenware even after soaking them in warm water before washing them, then you need to use a steel wool scrubber or a dishwashing brush to scrub and get rid of the tough stains.
6. Use baking soda to revive stainless steel kitchenware
Do you sometimes find your stainless steel kitchenware like vessels and utensils etc., looking dull? Well, baking soda can do the trick to revive them and give them an instant shine.
All you need to do is add 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl, with a few drops of water (just enough to make it a paste) and mix well. Dip a mildly abrasive kitchen sponge into the mixture and use it to wash your stainless steel kitchenware.
7. Refresh your cutting boards with lemon and salt
If you have any lingering stains or odors on your cutting board, scrub the board with a paste make of baking soda and lemon. Leave it to soak for an hour and rinse off with plain or warm water. Lastly, air dry it and you’ll soon have a refreshed cutting board.
8. Clear up cloudy glasses with distilled white vinegar
If your glassware has lost its sheen and is looking cloudy with water deposits, simply add a few drops of distilled white vinegar to each glass and gently rub with a sponge inside out. Then, wash off with plain or warm water for renewed shiny glasses.
9. Clean burnt pans using baking soda and distilled white vinegar
To clean a burnt pan using vinegar and baking soda, fill the pan with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, bring it to a boil. Turn off the flame and then add baking soda which will create a fizzing reaction; let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub the pan with a scouring pad to remove the burnt residue, and rinse thoroughly.
10. Clean rusty cast-iron ware with potato and salt
Cast-iron ware over time can tend to get rusted. So, you can get rid of the rust by rubbing them with salt and potato. All you need to do is wet the cast-iron ware with warm water and then sprinkle a layer of salt over it.
Next, slice a potato into half and use it to scrub the rusted area, until all the rust comes off. Rinse off with plain or warm water.
11. Clear cloudy or turmeric stained blender jars
Mix 4 cups water and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide. Let this mixture sit in your container for a few hours and then rinse really well. Give it a scrub with a non abrasive brush or cloth. After giving your container a good rinse, place it out in the sun for a few hours. Watch the stains disappear!
12. Clear stained containers
Cut a lemon in half, rub it inside the container, and then set the container out in the sun for for 1-2 days.
13. Remove scratches from plates
Set your plate or bowl on a table and sprinkle the Bar Keeper’s Friend evenly across the surface. It should be covered, but not too thick. Add a splash of water and wearing gloves scrub it in a small circular motion with a sponge. You will see the marks fading away. Rinse well, then wash with soap or run it through the dishwasher before using.
14. Clean burnt pan
Cover the burnt area with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and add a bit of water to make a paste. Crumple up some aluminum foil or use a steel scrubber and begin scrubbing it all around until all food bits and stained areas are clean. Rinse pan with warm soapy water.
15. Remove burned rice bottom of the pan
Add equal parts of vinegar and water to the burnt pan and bring it to a boil. Using a wooden spoon start to loosen up the burnt food. Use a regular dish soap and a steel wool pad to remove any remaining black bits.
16. Clean oven trays, cookie and baking sheets
Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Spread the mixture across the top of the pan. Let sit for 2-3 hours. Scrub it off using a steel wool pad and then wash it off.
