Posted in Tip of the Day

Handwashing the Dishes and Mealtime Cleanup

By Melissa Ringstaff, Director

Whether or not you own a dishwasher, knowing how to properly wash dishes by hand is something everyone should be familiar with. Often I have found that handwashing the dishes is much more efficient that rinsing the dishes before loading the dishwasher. Handwashing dishes after an average meal should take about 15 minutes or for a larger meal 30 to 45 minutes. This task is easily done immediately and harder to do after dishes have been allowed to sit unattended for a period of time.

First, wash any dishes you use in your meal preparation as you use them. You can then allow them to air dry as you eat the meal or dry them immediately and put away. Soak any hard to clean pots or casseroles in hot sudsy water while you are eating to help with clean-up afterward.

Once your meal is completely finished, clearing the table is your first priority. Place leftover foods into refrigerator boxes, plastic containers with lids or cover casseroles with plastic wrap and place into refrigerator. Leaving foods uncovered causes unpleasant odors to form in the fridge that will affect the flavors of other foods.

Stack like dishes together and place on either the left or right of the sink opposite of your drying area. Using a clean cloth, wipe down the table, removing all crumbs and debris as you go. If you have used a tablecloth that has been soiled use a clean small hand brush to sweep crumbs into the trash. Fold the tablecloth and place in the laundry room for washing. Hard to remove spills should be treated immediately with a stain remover such as "Shout" or "Spray n' Wash".

Now you are ready to wash your dishes.

Mealtime Clean Up: Tools Needed:
1. Dish draining rack and mat
2. Clean dish towel
3. Rubber dishpan (keeps dishes from breaking)
4. Dish Cloth, Clean Sponge, or Dish Brush (for Cleaning the dishes)
5. Bottle Brush
6. Pot Scrubber
7. Rubber gloves if you prefer
8. Dish liquid soap

Have a great day!!
Sherry
Homesteading Journey

Tips courtesy of: Practical Homemaking