Washing dishes may certainly not be the most delightful task, but it’s simply unavoidable! However, there’s good news: doing the dishes by hand can be quite straightforward! Did you know, for instance, that it works splendidly with lukewarm water? If you’ve long been wondering how you can properly and quickly wash up, read our tips in the following article.
Whether it’s elaborate meals or simple snacks: at the end, the washing up always awaits. For those with a dishwasher, it certainly takes away a lot of the work – but some things should not go in the dishwasher and should therefore always be washed by hand. This includes items like wooden boards, chef’s knives, silver cutlery, ceramic dishes, and pots and pans. So, it’s down to washing up with water and washing-up liquid. And it’s not at all strenuous or difficult if you pay attention to a few small things. With our tips, you’ll manage the washing up in no time.
5 Tips to Properly Wash Your Dishes by Hand
Did you know? Washing-up liquid also helps against germs.
Washing-up liquid is particularly effective in combating bacteria and viruses. It contains degreasers that dissolve the protective layers of many viruses, helping to neutralise them, but above all, to rinse them off surfaces. So, you don’t necessarily need specialised cleaners during the cold and flu season – just use washing-up liquid for doing the dishes and for wiping down surfaces in the kitchen, keeping in mind our tips.
Washing dishes with a sponge, dish brush, or cloth.
Which cleaning utensils you use for washing up partly depends on your personal preference. However, it also depends on the surface of the dishes, as the choice is crucial for the longevity of pan coatings. Never use the rough side of a cleaning sponge or any scouring cream on sensitive surfaces, but rather a soft sponge or cloth. A small amount of washing-up liquid is absolutely sufficient for even tough dirt, as the surfactants contained in it dissolve dirt and grease easily.
Tip: If you have sensitive skin, use gloves when washing dishes or try the new Fairy 0% Perfume and Dyes – for a perfect washing result with just a small drop (3 ml).
Cleaning and drying dishes: How do I wash up properly?
First, dispose of any remaining food scraps and coarse dirt in the organic waste. Then, fill the sink or a washing-up bowl with water. For proper washing, lukewarm water (around 23 degrees) is sufficient if you use the right washing-up liquid. Add washing-up liquid, paying attention to the dosing instructions – because we often tend to use far too much. With Fairy Ultra Plus Concentrate Original, just one drop (3 ml) per five litres of water is enough for an optimal washing result. Turn off the tap while washing dishes by hand – this saves water and energy. Start by washing glasses and only lightly soiled dishes. This way, the washing water does not get dirty quickly, and you don’t have to change it. Plus, glasses can easily get streaks if you clean them after greasy pots or pans. So, it’s best to wash those last. Replace the water if it becomes too dirty or if the washing foam collapses. This is a sign that the cleaning power is no longer effective. In this case, the dishes also dry worse. Set the dishes to drain on tea towels or a suitable board and let them air dry. This is more hygienic than drying the dishes, as dish towels can quickly accumulate germs that are then transferred during dish drying. After washing the dishes, also regularly change or wash dish towels and sponges at 60 degrees in the washing machine. The dish brush can also handle a round in the dishwasher (if you have one). Clean the washing-up bowl or sink after washing dishes with an all-purpose cleaner or washing-up liquid. This leaves no nasty germs or dirt behind.
How hot does the water need to be for washing up?
Our top tip regarding dishwashing: The water doesn’t have to be hot when washing dishes: lukewarm water (around 23 degrees) is enough if you use the right washing-up liquid. washing up bowl with plug
