Washing dishes by hand can save on energy cost and the use of water.  But in order to be effective it must me done right.

The main thing to understand is using the proper water temperature to control germs and promote  an  adequate sanitary cleaning environment.

1. After collecting all dishes to be washed in a location close to the sink, side counter or in one side of a two sided sink, you want to make sure all uneaten portions of the meal are scraped into the garbage, or set aside for the dog.

2. Next you want to pre-rinse any dishes that have stuck on food such as gravy or egg yolk.
Also you want to soak any pots and pans that have cooked on residue.

3. Now for the water that you will wash the dishes in.  Run the water as hot as you can stand it with out injuring yourself, using your favorite dishwashing liquid.

4. Place all silver ware in the water and allow to soak.  

5. Start washing by doing all glass ware and cups first.

6. Next wash the small coffee cup saucers, followed by regular saucers, these will be followed by bowls and then larger plates.

7.Do not rinse each dish after washing this causes a waste of water, and can sometimes see all the hot water run out before you are through rinsing.

8. After all the dishes are washed its time to do the silver ware, wash each piece of silver ware separately, making sure that you pay special attention to cleaning between the tines of the forks, where food particles may hide.

 9. Last to be washed are the pots and pans, if there is a large amount of food stuck to the bottom, you may want to learn how to cook with out burning the food.  But seriously: place enough water in the pot of pan to cover the burnt on food and allow it to boil for several minutes on the stove.
In some cases the pot or pan may need to soak over night.

10. Now that all the: glass ware, dishes, silver ware, and pots and pans have been washed.  You can begin to rinse.  Rinse plates and stack the dishes in the drain basket according to size. 

11. Of course you want to rinse glasses first.  If rinse water is hot enough the dishes will dray by them selves.  If not towel drying will be necessary.

12. Post and pans should be dried using a well rung out dish cloth.

This method of dish washing may seem primitive and labor intensive, but it will insure clean dishes the first time every time and save on energy and water.  May be you can buy a new set of [Flat Ware] with the money you save.

Oh, yea: if you have tender skin, or are allergic to detergents, be sure to use rubber gloves.

GO GREEN.