Even those of us with dishwashers need to occasionally Wash dishes by handAnd Soaked dishes A common strategy is to pre-wash them to make the job easier. Procrastinating on unpleasant tasks is also a common strategy (at least for some…certainly not me!)
Soaking dishes can do Be a valid strategy for Make dishwashing easier. Burnt dishes, starchy foods, sticky caramelization and sticky batter are often easier to remove after soaking in hot water, but soaking dishes is not without its risks!
In this post, you will learn what those risks are and what you can do to avoid them.
Dangers of soaking dishes
The problem with soaking dishes is that a sink full of hot water is ideal A breeding ground for bacteria. It’s not the bits of food stuck in the dishes you need to worry about — kitchen sinks and drains are hot spots for germs, and adding hot water to the equation is like giving them a spa day!
How to properly soak dishes
The good news is that you can reduce the risk of soaking dishes by taking a few simple precautions. One option is to soak them in a (clean) dishpan instead of your kitchen sink, and another option is to use antibacterial dish soap.
After soaking the dishes, discard the water and refill the dishpan or tub with fresh water and more dish soap. Use a clean sponge* or dishcloth (or a pair Silicone scrubbing gloves) to wash them, then rinse the dishes thoroughly and dry them cleanly Microfiber towel.
*Follow up Three simple rules of sponges To keep your kitchen sink clean and clear!
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4 Dishes You Should Never Soak
Not every type of dish can be safely soaked, including:
- Delicate items (ie fine china) — Hot water can also weaken fine china, so it’s safer to wash it by hand, ideally immediately after use. (If you’d rather, Martin & Harris Appliances has a helpful article on determining if it’s safe to clean your home. Fine china in the dishwasher.)
- Wood cutting boards and utensils — Wood is porous, and too much water can weaken the wood, lift the grain and become an ideal home for bacteria. Wash wooden kitchen utensils By hand and use Homemade spoonful of butter To condition the wood and prevent it from splitting.
- Cast iron cookware – Soaking cast iron in water can corrode it spices. Instead, wash cast iron items with warm water and mild soap. If you need to scrub it, use salt or vinegar Chainmail scrubber.
- Very greasy dishes — If there is a lot of grease or fat left in your pan after cooking, pour it into an empty container (or other container you can throw away), let it cool and throw it in the trash. Keep as much grease and fat out of your sink as possible to avoid Stopping your plumbing.
A safe alternative to soaking dishes
Dish sprays like Dan PowerWash are a great option for soaking because you can enjoy the benefits of soaking without the risks. When applied to greasy dishes, dish spray will soften and lift stubborn food residue making it easier to wash.
For an effective dish spray that won’t break the bank, try mine Homemade dish spray! Made with simple cleaning agents such as vinegar, alcohol, dish soap and more Lemon oilIt works like a charm and makes cleaning up after meals quick and easy.
conclusion
It can be tempting to leave dirty dishes soaking in the sink until you’re ready to face it, but soaking dishes can have unintended consequences. If you can’t wash them right away, spray them with dish spray or take the precautions described above to soak them safely.
Did you know that soaking dishes before reading this post can be dangerous?
