Q&A for How to Wash Dishes

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.

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.

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!

You can protect your hands while washing dishes by using rubber gloves. If you have long nails, cover them with small pieces of cotton wool placed into the end of each glove finger. Also check that the dish washing detergent you're using is gentle on hands.

Start with the glassware first, so it is the only thing being washed and won't bump into other dishes. When adding glasses to hot water, slide them in sideways, as this helps reduce the possibility of cracking. Wipe the glasses above the water after they are wet, place gently into lukewarm or cool rinse water, then place on the rack to dry.

An easy, quick solution to make glasses shine is to add a few drops of vinegar to the rinse water to help them sparkle once washed.

Yes, because someone could get sick because of soap residue. Rinse them with hot, running water after you clean them.

Yes.

You can wash them with lukewarm water, or if you don't have hot water at all, use cold water and a LOT of soap.

If the dishes remain unwashed for a day or two, reusing them allows more germs to get inside you. Moreover, the dishes start looking vulgar and let off an extremely foul stench.

For washing a low quantity of dishes, hand-washing is fastest. For greatest efficiency on average, dishwashing by machine seems best.

Yes, it's a good idea to wear both of those things. The apron will protect your clothes and the rubber gloves will prevent your hands from drying out.

Try wrapping your dish/glass/silverware with saran wrap before using them! Once finished, simply remove the wrap and throw it away.

Use about half a teaspoon per gallon of water to soak glasses and dishes, but instead of bleach, you can use antibacterial dish washing soap.

Scrape it off with a paper towel or a spoon. Soaking alone won’t get off most food.

Use extra soap, maybe, and a bit more pressure. Sometimes it takes a bit of elbow grease to get out things like oil.

For washing dishes, no.

Try plugging up the sink drain with a washcloth or small dish towel.

Nothing will happen to your hands other than the fact that they might get cold or wrinkly.

Yes, unless it's taking up too much time or you have an extreme aversion against dishes. Washing dishes will help your family in finishing the chores, and it gives you a break between doing homework assignments (assuming you're a student).

A stiff-bristled brush would most likely take off the hard food on the dish that a soft-bristled brush cannot. A soft-bristled brush would be best for delicate items.

The abrasive detergent and rattling around will dull knives quickly.

Sure, as long as safety precautions are followed (temperature of the water, safe handling of knives and glassware, etc.).

You don't have to wear an apron or rubber gloves. However, if you have nice clothes you don't want water on or have nails done, then it's a good idea that you do.

You can use a container or bowl to put hot soapy water to dip the dish/sponge into. Plastic bowls are available at hardware, camping and box stores, and do not cost much. They can also protect the dishes from hard sink surfaces.