How to Wash Dishes by Hand or With A Dishwasher

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Quick and easy ways to get sparkling clean dishes
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Dishes can pile up quickly in your kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming to clean them. Most dishes can be easily washed either by hand in the sink or by using a dishwasher. For this article, we interviewed cleaning experts Raymond Chiu and Kadi Dulude to teach you all the steps to properly clean your dishes. Plus, learn how often you should clean them and get answers to other common questions about washing dishes.

A Simple Guide to Washing Dishes

  1. Scrape as much stuck-on food into the trash as possible.
  2. Fill a sink with hot water and dish soap, and submerge your dishes.
  3. Scrub the dishes with a sponge or dishcloth, working from least to most soiled.
  4. Rinse the dishes with hot water.
  5. Place the clean dishes on a drying rack or towel to air dry.
Section 1 of 4:

How to Wash Dishes by Hand

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  1. Use your silverware, a rubber spatula, or a paper towel to push any leftover food on your dishes into the trash can. This not only makes it easier to clean your dishes, but it helps prevent your sink drain from getting clogged. [1]
    • If you have a garbage disposal, put any uneaten food down the drain while your disposal is running.
    • Don’t pour any grease down your drain, as it can solidify and clog your pipes.
    • If the food is really stuck-on, add some dish detergent or baking soda to the pot or pan and fill it with hot water. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes, then drain and proceed with washing.
  2. Fill your sink or dishpan halfway full with hot water, then add dish soap—the amount needed will vary depending on the type you use. Swirl the water as necessary to create suds. [2]
    • Make sure your sink is clean before washing your dishes.
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  3. 3
    Load your dishes from biggest to smallest. To make washing easier, place your largest dishes (like pots, pans, and platters) in the sink first, then stack smaller dishes (like bowls and plates) on top. Finally, add small cups and utensils. For best results, stack a few dishes at a time so they have time to soak while you work on washing. [3]
    • Before submerging any dishes, double check to make sure it’s safe to wash them this way.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Wash Dishes
    Start by cleaning small, lightly-soiled dishes, like drinking glasses , and work your way toward more heavily-soiled items, like pots and pans—this gives the stubborn food more time to soak and loosen. For the best results, keep the dishes underwater as you wash them to loosen any stuck-on food. Using circular motions, wipe each dish clean with a sponge or dishcloth. [4]
    • If the water gets too dirty to see through, drain your sink and refill it.
    • Be careful when handling knives! To clean knives safely, wipe them clean from the back so you aren’t holding onto the blade. Never keep sharp knives in the sink since they may be hard to see if the water gets dirty.
    • Another option is to soak a sponge with soapy water and scrub your dishes without submerging them. This method works best if the dishes aren’t too dirty.
    • If dishes like ceramics or baking sheets have stubborn stains , Chiu says, “Create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar until it [forms] a thick paste. Apply the paste with a towel or microfiber cloth and gently scrub the stains. Rinse the dish with warm water and repeat as necessary.” [5]
  5. After you wash a dish, rinse it under the hottest water you can handle until the suds are gone. Do so by dipping the dishes in a rinsing pan or sink, holding them under running water, or by placing them in a drying rack and pouring or spraying water over them. Be sure to rinse inside cups, bowls, and glassware. [6]
    • Avoid using cold water, as it may cause water spots on your dishes.
    • If you have a double sink, rinse off the suds on the second side to be more efficient. Otherwise, just alternate between washing and rinsing.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Wash Dishes
    In general, allow your dishes to air dry for about 30-60 minutes on a drying rack or face down on a clean towel on your counter. Alternatively, dry them in the second side of a double sink. [7]
    • Avoid wiping your dishes with a towel, if possible, as drying them with a dirty towel will only spread germs around more. Air drying is recommended.
  7. You don’t want any grease or food bits floating around the next time you need to use your sink. Run some hot water and wipe your sink down with a sponge or microfiber cloth and some dish soap. Work from the outside in and top to bottom so that dirty water doesn’t drip into areas you’ve cleaned. Take out and clean your strainer, as well. [8]
    • Make sure your sink is clear of any items before you begin cleaning it.
    • If your sink is really dirty, plug it and fill it up with water. Add a capful of bleach and let it sit for 5 minutes before draining. Then, wipe the sink down.
    • If you need to clean your drain, Dulude says, “Vinegar and baking soda make a fine sink drain deep cleaner. Pour a few spoonfuls of baking soda [down] the drain and add about a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz up and keep it in there for 5 minutes before rinsing with hot water. This can help unclog minor clogs and deodorize a sink.” [9]
    EXPERT TIP

    Raymond Chiu

    House Cleaning Professional
    Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry.
    Raymond Chiu
    House Cleaning Professional

    Refrain from pouring grease down the drain. Always dispose of any leftover scraps in the garbage before placing your dishes in the sink. Use a drain strainer to capture any small food particles. Regularly pour boiling water down the drain to melt away any grease that may be stuck in the pipes.

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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use a Dishwasher

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  1. Before loading your dishwasher, scrape the food off of your plates or cookware into the garbage, removing as much as possible so that it doesn’t clog your dishwasher. It generally isn’t necessary (or recommended) to rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, as it may actually prevent your dishwasher from getting them as clean. [10]
    • Before loading your dishwasher, double-check that your dishes are dishwasher safe. If they aren’t, you’ll have to hand wash them. Do not load cookware made of wood, pewter, cast iron, crystal, fine china, bronze, or brass.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Wash Dishes
    Set your cups and bowls between the tines on the top rack of your dishwasher, making sure they’re facedown or angled so that water doesn’t pool on them. Load from back to front so that you can fit more in. [11]
    • Avoid nesting items, as this will prevent water from reaching and cleaning them.
    • The bottom of the dishwasher is hotter and can melt plastic, so it's important to load any plastic items on the top shelf.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Wash Dishes
    Keep large, flat pans and other oversized items on the sides or the back of the bottom rack so that they don’t block the water spray. Stand your plates on their ends so that their dirty sides face the water sprayer and are cleaned more effectively. Load your pots and pans upside down so that water doesn’t pool inside them. [12]
    • Most dishwashers have angled tines on the bottom rack so that your plates will point in the right direction.
    • Never stack your dishes on top of one another, as the water won’t be able to clean them all.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Wash Dishes
    Make sure the handles face downward so the dirty parts get cleaned, and leave space between each utensil so the water can get between the surfaces. Mix spoons, forks, and knives so they don’t nest together. [13]
    • Don't load sharp knives because the dishwasher can dull them. Duller knives like butter knives are okay to put in the dishwasher.
    • Make sure long-handled utensils aren’t bumping into the water sprayer in the middle of your dishwasher. If they are, lay the utensils flat on the top rack instead.
    • Separate silver and stainless steel cutlery since the silver may pit when they’re touching.
  5. Make sure the detergent you use is specifically designed to be used in a dishwasher. Check the instructions on your dishwasher to see how much to add, but usually 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of detergent will work. Alternatively, use detergent powder or cleaning pods according to their instructions. [14]
    • Don’t use liquid dish soap, as this will leave a foamy residue on your dishes.
  6. Close the dishwasher door, select the cycle you want to run, and press start; the normal cycle will work fine for a regular wash. Let the dishwasher run until it’s completed. When unloading, empty the bottom rack first so that water from the top rack doesn’t spill down. [15]
    • Use the delicate cycle if your dishes are lightly soiled or if you have fragile glassware in your dishwasher.
    • Pick a heavy-duty cycle if you’re cleaning pots and pans.
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Section 3 of 4:

How Often to Wash Dishes

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  1. Hand wash dishes daily. If you wash your dishes by hand, aim to wash them every day to prevent the food from becoming dried on and hard to wash off. Washing daily also helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus and keeps insects and other pests away. [16]
    • If you use a dishwasher, it’s okay to wash your dishes every other day, as the dishwasher reaches temperatures hot enough to kill bacteria and mold, which you can’t achieve with handwashing.
Section 4 of 4:

Washing Dishes FAQs

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Wash Dishes
    To clean a cast iron skillet , pour hot water into the skillet immediately after you’re done using it. Hold the pan with an oven mitt or pot holder with your non-dominant hand, and use your other hand to scrub off any leftover food with a new sponge or stiff-bristled brush. Drain the water and dry the skillet on the stove over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Remove it from the heat, then oil your skillet with vegetable oil and a paper towel to keep it in good condition. [17]
    • Don’t use detergent or steel wool on your pan, as these can strip the pan. Don’t let the skillet soak, or it could rust.
    • If there’s still leftover food after draining, sprinkle in 2 tbsp (18 g) of coarse kosher salt and scrub away the remaining bits. The salt acts as an abrasive to remove stuck food.
    • Let the oil dry for 20-30 minutes before putting the skillet away.
    • To clean a burnt cast iron pan, Dulude says, “First, try soaking the pan for a few minutes in water, then use a cast iron scrubber to remove burnt-on food. Dry the pan very well and apply oil before putting it away. If this does not work, try boiling some water in the pan for a few minutes while gently nudging the stubborn spots with a wooden [spoon].” [18]
  2. 2
    Does hot or cold water kill more bacteria on dishes? It’s recommended to wash dishes in hot water, as it’s better at disinfecting and killing germs than cold water. [19] This is especially true if your dishes contained raw poultry, seafood, or eggs.
  3. 3
    How can you conserve water while washing dishes? To conserve water , fill your sink with soap and water, then turn it off to load and scrub your dishes. Don’t drain the sink until you’re ready to rinse your dishes. [20]
  4. 4
    Is it safe to wash cookware by hand? Some cookware cannot be fully submerged in water, so check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing. Items that may rust, like cast iron, and baking pans with air-cushioned insides should not be soaked in water.
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  • Question
    What should I do when my sink can't be filled with water?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    In this instance, place a plastic bowl of a decent size into the sink. Try to use one with handles on each side for ease of lifting and carrying. This can contain the water from the faucet, and wash the dishes. To dispose of, lift it up and tip it down a laundry sink or the shower/bath drain. Since this will become tedious over time, look into getting your sink fixed so it can be filled with water again.
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    I am 10. Why do you have to use hot water?
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    Hot water is usually the best way to get dishes clean because it helps break down the food particles that are stuck on the dishes. However, it is also easier to burn your hands and, in the case of starch-based foods, egg and milk stains, can actually set them. You can use lukewarm water, a good amount of quality hand washing dish detergent, a good quality scrubbing sponge and wear gloves to protect your hands if you're concerned about using hot water. Aim to make the water as warm as you can bear without being harmed by it, apart from the specific stains mentioned above.
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    What if you don't have a dishwasher?
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    Without a dishwasher, you'll need to wash your dishes by hand. Hand washing is just as effective, it is more labor intensive. People have been washing dishes by hand for as long as people have had dishes though, so it's no big deal really!
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      Tips

      • Do the dishes right away, when they’re dirty, rather than letting them pile up. It’ll be easier to get the food off this way too.
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      • Make the task more enjoyable by listening to your favorite music or an audiobook while you wash!
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      • Never leave sharp knives in the sink or else you may cut yourself.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/a-clean-safe-healthy-kitchen-home-cleaning-dishes-pots-pans/
      2. ↑ https://health.ri.gov/publications/posters/ManualDishwashingProcedure.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/easiest-way-wash-dishes-no-dishwaser-clean-dishes-food-stuck-on/
      4. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/a-clean-safe-healthy-kitchen-home-cleaning-dishes-pots-pans/
      5. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
      6. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/a-clean-safe-healthy-kitchen-home-cleaning-dishes-pots-pans/
      7. ↑ https://health.ri.gov/publications/posters/ManualDishwashingProcedure.pdf
      8. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/a-clean-safe-healthy-kitchen-home-cleaning-dishes-pots-pans/
      9. ↑ Kadi Dulude. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.
      1. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/loading-a-dishwasher?srsltid=AfmBOop5yApoz0difnsKprFyGcluymiP05cs-Zbx9pdbUBf-nN1gX1PR
      2. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/loading-a-dishwasher?srsltid=AfmBOop5yApoz0difnsKprFyGcluymiP05cs-Zbx9pdbUBf-nN1gX1PR
      3. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/dishwashers/how-to-load-a-dishwasher-a6704518317/
      4. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/loading-a-dishwasher?srsltid=AfmBOop5yApoz0difnsKprFyGcluymiP05cs-Zbx9pdbUBf-nN1gX1PR
      5. ↑ https://www.urbanstudentlife.com/blog/how-to-use-a-dishwasher
      6. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/dishwashers/how-to-load-a-dishwasher-a6704518317/
      7. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/kitchen-cleaning/why-is-washing-dishes-important.html
      8. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-clean-a-cast-iron-skillet
      9. ↑ Kadi Dulude. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.
      10. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/a-clean-safe-healthy-kitchen-home-cleaning-dishes-pots-pans/
      11. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/kitchen-cleaning/wash-dishes-by-hand.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To wash dishes by hand, start by scraping any leftover food into the trash. Then, place the empty dishes in the sink, and fill the sink with hot water and dish soap. Next, use a sponge or dishcloth to scrub the dishes underwater, working on one dish at a time. When you're finished scrubbing a dish, double check it for any stuck-on food before rinsing it off with clean hot water. Finally, let your clean dishes air dry on a drying rack or clean towel. To learn how to load a dishwasher, scroll down!

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