How Clean Do You Need to Hand Wash Dishes?

If you are the only one using the dishes you clean by hand washing, it is totally up to you to wash them at the level that fits your lifestyle. The degree of cleanliness needed varies from doing nothing at all to thoroughly washing each dish.

Complete Neglect: Some people may choose to not wash their dishes at all, simply piling on more food to a plate that may still be encrusted with fatty juice from a previous meal. This is the least clean option, but it can be convenient.

Minimal Cleanliness: Others may use cold or hot water to rinse their dishes, which is better than nothing but still leaves them dirty.

Extensive Cleaning: The most preferred level of cleanliness involves using hot water with dish detergent and a scrubbing pad to remove old food and grease from the dishes. This is the most thorough option for dirty dishes.

I Wash Them Until They’re Clean

My personal approach is to wash the dishes until they are clean. I ignore those who say you need a ritual and must pour hot water over them. I wash my dishes in unheated water at around 30°C using a scrubber and detergent. After washing, I rinse them and inspect for any spots before placing them in a drying rack. For glasses, I find it best to use a fresh cotton towel to polish them dry, avoiding water marks.

Best Practices for Hand Washing Dishes

To ensure your dishes are very clean and grease-free, follow these steps:

Begin with Hot Water: Start the washing process with hot water from the tap. If your hands are sensitive to heat, wear gloves. Use the Right Detergent: Choose a good grease-cutting dish soap, such as Dawn, and wash the glassware first. Make sure you have removed all spots. Hold the glass up to the light to check for any residue. Proceed with Dishes and Bowls: Move on to the actual dishes and bowls, which are generally not cookware. Inspect each for any remaining spots and clean thoroughly. Finish with Cookware: Wash the cookware last, ensuring it is spotless. Rinse and Dry: After rinsing, place the dishes in a drying rack. Pour hot water over them to sanitize, or dry them by hand or let them air dry.

By following these steps, you can achieve the desired level of cleanliness and hygiene for your dishes, ensuring they are safe and pleasant to use.