Washing Dishes, Quick Tips

Okay, so the dishes are piling up in the sink and no one knows whose turn it is to do this much hated chore. So, instead of making waves or yelling because you are tired of hearing that it is 'not fair', you tell everyone to clean their own dishes and be done with it.

Aah, it works for a while, until you notice that all the dishes aren't making it to the sink, or you can't find all of the matching glasses or plates. Ugh, why don't they listen?!

The best thing to do when doing dishes or any chore is to not really focus on it. To accomplish this use music or think of a problem that needs solving, or sing a song. Do what it takes to take your mind off the job you are doing. Do this on autopilot.

The right tools? Do you need tools to wash the bloody dishes? Yes! It is always a good idea to have the right tools for every job - that includes your household chores, especially when you are cleaning. Doing dishes don't require too many necessary tools, but i suggest especially when you are washing glasses, tall or short, that you have a sponge with a handle.

What you need:

1. bottle cleaner / glass cleaner
2. cotton cloth
3. sponge
4. plastic scrubber
5. dish washing liquid / soap

What do you do?

Autopilot process

1. Arrange everything according to categories, like utensils - forks,spoons & knives, glasses, plates, bowls, pans, etc on your counter top
2. Set up your water and all of your necessary tools
3. Start your music, your movie, or dissecting the problem that needs to be figured out

Quick tips on washing dishes.

1. Two sinks are preferable, if you don't have two deep sinks, go ahead and purchase a dish pan or plastic container for rinsing
2. Scrape dishes
3. Rinse
4. Fill sink with tepid, lukewarm water, do not use 'hot water', hot water is not good for glasses or some dishes. Only use hot water for soaking cooking pans, baking dishes, etc - items made to withstand the heat
5. Put baking soda in the water
6. Add some vinegar (bleach is also acceptable, but only by itself), at least 1/2 a cup and watch it fizz
7. Throw in a soft, light colored cotton dish rag, saturate with dish soap
8. Begin washing

Washing dishes and disinfecting them doesn't have to be two separate things, that is why you add either vinegar or bleach to the lukewarm water. Don't forget to put a little vinegar or bleach in your rinsing water.

Remember you are always interested in cutting the grease, when washing dishes, this is both necessary for keeping the dishes clean and germ free.

Preparing rinse water

1. Clean the sink out with soap and put the stopper in
2. Fill the sink 1/2 to 3/4 of lukewarm water
3. Add 1/2 cup or 1/2 cup of bleach or 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide

Your rinse water is important, so the sink being wiped down before it is filled up, is vital to having clean water, remain clean. You don't want to have oil mucking up your clean water or your clean dishes.

Warning be careful when using bleach, it can damage eating utensils or the glue in your sink's drain. As long as you don't use too much in your water, you should be safe.

Which ever hand is your dominant hand is the way or side you should set your dishes on. Treat the process like a manufacturing line and work as quickly as possible.

If you can do any of this process and allow your dishes to sit in the sink overnight, it is even better. But it all depends on you, some people prefer doing things in the morning and some prefer doing them at night.

I prefer cotton items for washing to others because they can be thrown in the dish washer or washing machine for added cleaning and tend to hold less germs than sponges and other synthetic materials.

But the choice is always yours.

Go ahead and try the 'autopilot' method - where you do not focus intently on what you are doing. Enjoy!