How to Wash Dishes: Step by Step Guide

Let’s be honest: nobody looks forward to a sink full of dirty dishes. However, ignoring the pile only makes the job harder and stickier.

Whether you are scrubbing by hand or loading up a machine, using the right technique saves you time, water, and stress. We have compiled the best methods to get your kitchenware sparkling clean with minimal effort.

How to Wash Dishes by Hand

Not everyone has a dishwasher in their home or apartment. Even if you do, certain heirlooms, wooden items, and non-stick cookware often require a gentle human touch.

Turn on a podcast or your favorite playlist. We are going to make this process as painless as possible.

What You Need

Gather these tools before you start scrubbing:

• Hot water.
• Quality dish soap.
• Sponge, dish wand, or brush.
• Rubber gloves.
• Drying rack.
• Microfiber dish towels.
• Scouring pad (for tough pots).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Scrape (Don’t Rinse Yet)

Scrape leftover food into the trash or compost bin. If you have a garbage disposal, you can use that for small scraps.

The goal is to remove solids so your water stays cleaner for longer. Pre-rinsing everything under running water wastes gallons, so try to scrape thoroughly instead.

2. Prep the Sink

A clean sink equals clean dishes. Give your sink a quick wipe down before filling it.

Plug the drain and fill the basin halfway with hot water. The water should be as hot as your hands can comfortably handle (wearing gloves helps). Squirt in your dish soap while the water runs to create suds.

3. Wash “Cleanest” to “Dirtiest”

Washing in the right order keeps your water usable for longer. Start with items that are the least greasy.

Recommended Order:

1. Glassware and cups: These need the cleanest water to avoid spots.
2. Cutlery: Knives, forks, and spoons.
3. Plates and bowls: These usually have more food residue.
4. Serving dishes: Larger items.
5. Pots and pans: Save these for last as they grease up the water quickly.

4. Soak and Scrub

Submerge items and let them soak for a minute to loosen grime. Using your sponge or cloth, scrub the entire surface. Don’t forget the rims of glasses, the tines of forks, and the handles of mugs.

If the water becomes gray, greasy, or loses its bubbles, drain it. Rinse the sink and refill with fresh hot soapy water.

5. Rinse

There are two ways to rinse. You can rinse each item under a slow stream of hot tap water. Alternatively, you can fill a second basin (or a plastic tub) with clean, hot water and dip the soapy dishes into it. The dipping method saves a significant amount of water.

6. Dry Dishes

Air drying is the most hygienic method ⁽¹⁾. Place items on a drying rack with space between them for airflow.

If you need to clear the counter quickly, use a clean dish towel to dry them by hand. Replace the towel as soon as it gets damp. Never use a dirty hand towel, as this reintroduces bacteria to your clean plates.

7. Clean Up

Once the dishes are put away, rinse out your sink to remove suds and food particles. Wring out your sponge and place it somewhere it can dry completely. Sponges that stay wet become breeding grounds for germs.

How to Wash Dishes in the Dishwasher

A dishwasher is a modern miracle. It is generally more water-efficient and energy-efficient than hand washing ⁽²⁾. However, user error often leads to dirty results.

What You Need

Use the right products for the best results:

• Quality detergent (pods, liquid, or powder).
• Rinse aid.
• Dishwasher cleaner (for monthly maintenance).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Scrape, Don’t Rinse

Skip the pre-rinse. Modern dishwashers and enzymatic detergents are designed to cling to food particles. If you rinse your plates perfectly clean, the enzymes have nothing to grab onto, and the detergent may actually etch your glassware.

Just scrape off the solid chunks (bones, corn cobs, half-eaten sandwiches) and load it up.

2. Load Strategically

Loading your dishwasher properly ensures water reaches every surface.

Bottom Rack:
Place plates, cutting boards, and large platters here. Face dirty surfaces toward the center spray arm. Ensure tall items do not block the spray arm from spinning.

Top Rack:
Load cups, glasses, and small bowls here. Place them upside down and at a slight angle so water doesn’t pool in the bottom. Put plastic items on the top rack to keep them away from the heating element at the bottom.

Silverware Basket:
Mix forks, spoons, and knives to prevent them from “nesting” (sticking together). Place knives handle-up for safety. Place forks and spoons handle-down so the dirty heads get the most water exposure.

3. Add Detergent and Rinse Aid

Place your detergent in the dispenser and latch it shut. If you just throw a pod into the bottom of the tub, it dissolves too early during the initial pre-rinse cycle and washes away before the main cleaning cycle begins.

Don’t skip the rinse aid. It lowers the surface tension of water, preventing droplets from drying into spots. It is essential for drying plastics and glass.

4. Run the Hot Water

Before starting the machine, run the kitchen sink tap until the water is hot. This ensures the dishwasher starts its cycle with hot water immediately, rather than pulling in cold water from the pipes.

5. Select the Cycle

“Auto” or “Normal” works for most loads. “Heavy Duty” is for baked-on messes.

If you are not in a rush, use the “Eco” mode. It takes longer but uses less water and energy. We recommend running the machine at night and emptying it in the morning.

6. Maintain the Filter

If your dishwasher smells bad or isn’t cleaning well, check the manual filter at the bottom of the tub. Twist it out and rinse it under the tap to remove trapped food gunk. Do this once a week.

Pro Tips for Cleaner Dishes

Here are a few extra hacks to master your kitchen cleanup routine.

• Clean as you cook: Wash the prep bowls, knife, and cutting board while your onions sauté. It makes the final cleanup much less intimidating.
• The “Blender Hack”: Don’t hand scrub a blender with sharp blades. Fill it halfway with warm water and a drop of soap, then blend on high for 30 seconds. Rinse and dry.
• Dry knives immediately: Never leave sharp knives wet or in the sink. It dulls the blade and invites rust. Wash, dry, and put them away instantly.
• Refresh wooden spoons: If your wooden utensils smell funky, rub them with a lemon slice and let them air dry.
• Switch to brushes: Sponges harbor bacteria easily. Synthetic dish brushes dry faster and are generally more hygienic. If you use a sponge, microwave it damp for one minute daily to kill germs.
• Sanitize the sink: Your kitchen sink has more bacteria than your toilet seat. disinfect it regularly with a bleach solution or a commercial cleaner.

FAQs

Can Microfiber Cloths Be Used to Wash Dishes?

Yes, microfiber cloths are excellent for washing dishes. They are highly absorbent and have a slight scrubbing texture that removes food without scratching surfaces. Plus, you can throw them in the washing machine to sanitize them between uses.

Does Dishwashing Liquid Kill Bacteria?

Standard dish soap does not kill bacteria; it lifts germs off the surface so water can wash them away ⁽³⁾. This mechanical removal is highly effective. If you need to kill germs (for example, after handling raw chicken), use antibacterial soap or sanitize the item with a dilute bleach solution or high-heat dishwasher cycle.

What Temperature Is Best to Wash Dishes?

The water should be as hot as possible. For hand washing, use water that is roughly 110°F to 120°F (wear gloves to protect your hands). This temperature helps cut through grease and activates the soap. Dishwashers typically run between 130°F and 170°F to sanitize dishes effectively.

Should Dishes Be Rinsed After Washing?

Yes, always rinse dishes after scrubbing them with soap. Rinsing removes the suspended dirt, bacteria, and chemical residue from the soap. If you skip this step, your dishes may have a filmy texture or taste like soap next time you use them.

What Can You Use if You Run Out of Dish Soap?

If you are in a pinch, try these household alternatives:

• Baking Soda: Make a paste with water and scrub. It cuts through grease well.
• Vinegar: Mix white vinegar with warm water. It is great for glassware but less effective on heavy grease.
• Lemon Juice: The acid helps cut grease and leaves a fresh scent.
• Salt: Use coarse salt to scrub burnt pots or cast iron skillets.

Should You Wash Dishes Under Running Water?

No, washing dishes under a constantly running tap is incredibly wasteful. It can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. The “fill and dip” method (using one basin for soapy water and one for rinsing) is far more environmentally friendly and just as effective.

How Often Should I Change My Dish Sponge?

You should replace your dish sponge every two weeks. In the meantime, sanitize it daily by wetting it and microwaving it for one minute, or running it through the dishwasher on a heated dry cycle. If it starts to smell, throw it away immediately.

Conquer the Kitchen

Doing the dishes is rarely anyone’s favorite chore, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By using the two-basin method for hand washing or loading your dishwasher strategically, you can get out of the kitchen faster.

Remember: the best time to do the dishes is “now.” Letting them pile up only makes the job harder. Crank up the music, put on those gloves, and get it done!