Washing the dishes is not as simple a task as you think. Indeed, when done poorly, dishes remain dirty and stained. More than that, some common mistakes we make when washing dishes can encourage the proliferation of bacteria and germs, or even lead to cross-contamination. Discover these washing mistakes that you should never make.
To ensure good dishwashing hygiene and avoid bacteria and germs, it is important to avoid certain common mistakes.
What mistakes should you avoid while washing dishes?
Here are the 6 common mistakes when washing dishes that should be avoided.
Do not remove residue before washing dishes
Before washing dishes, it is important to throw food residue and debris into the trash to avoid clogging the pipes, but also to prevent unpleasant odors from rising. Also avoid pouring grease down the sink. In fact, when it is hot, it flows easily into the siphon, but hardens when it passes through with the cold and thus becomes a blockage which obstructs the pipe. This is why it is advisable to absorb grease from your dishes with paper towels before washing them. After removing grease and food residue, remember to soak your plates and dishes in hot water before scrubbing them. This will allow you to clean them more easily. Even if you use a dishwasher, it is recommended to first rinse dishes and utensils in clean water before putting them in your appliance, in order to remove residue before they dry and make it easier thus washing.
Doing the dishes – source: spm
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Doing the dishes – Source: spm
Do not clean the sink before doing the dishes
The kitchen sink is infected with germs which accumulate after washing the dishes and plates. This is why before washing the dishes, it is important to disinfect the sink. You can use white vinegar or baking soda for this. After you finish washing dishes, remember to clean your sink and remove any standing water to avoid the humid environment that encourages bacteria to grow.
Put all the dishes in the sink while washing dishes
Full sink – source: spm
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Full sink – Source: spm
Having a full sink hinders the proper cleaning of dishes, but also makes this task complicated. Indeed, if you mix greasy pans or pots with other dishes, you risk finding grease all over your dishes. This will make cleaning more tedious. It is best to wash utensils by level of dirt. Start with the least dirty dishes, and finish with the most stained dishes. This will help you avoid cross-contamination with other dishes. Cross contamination refers to the transmission of bacteria from one food to another, via hands, utensils or the work surface. Cross contamination can lead to food infection. Hence the importance of ensuring the cleanliness of your dishes.
Overdosing on dishwashing liquid
We tend to believe that using a large quantity of dishwashing liquid allows for more effective cleaning. However, this belief is false. In fact, using too much dishwashing liquid can leave residue invisible to the naked eye on your dishes and plates. If using a dishwasher, it is recommended to add a water softener. In fact, limescale from hard water stains glasses and lids, scales the dishwasher and damages it. Not to mention that it can also lead to excess energy consumption. To save energy, also remember to check the energy label of a dishwasher before purchasing it. Choose the one marked A, which means that it does not consume energy.
Do not change the sponge used for washing dishes
Sponge for washing dishes – source: spm
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Sponge for washing dishes – Source: spm
The sponge used for washing dishes is a real breeding ground for bacteria. In fact, the humidity it contains encourages the development of microbes and bacteria. To avoid infecting your utensils, and therefore your food too, it is important to ensure good hygiene of your sponge. To do this, let your sponge dry as soon as you finish washing the dishes. Also remember to disinfect it and change it regularly. To eliminate bacteria on your sponge, you can soak it for 5 minutes in white vinegar. You can also after draining it of the vinegar water, put it in the microwave for 60 seconds to disinfect it.
Do not dry dishes before storing them
It is important to dry the utensils and dishes that you have cleaned thoroughly before storing them. This will help you avoid fungus and bad odors that develop due to humidity. To do this, remember to use a clean, dry cloth and change it regularly.
By avoiding these mistakes you will ensure good hygiene of your dishes, and effectively eliminate bacteria and germs.
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