Sara San Angelo, owner of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady and a pro in professional cleaning, shared a trick with Southern Living that can speed up and simplify hand dishwashing. Try it out, and you might never dread this chore again—freeing up your time to enjoy whatever you love most!
What You’ll Need
First, gather all the tools you’ll need for a fast and effective dishwashing session. Here’s the list:
- dish soap,
- sponge
- clean towel/kitchen cloth for drying
- dish rack for drying
- washing gloves
- extra clean towel/kitchen cloth in case the rack fills up
Let’s Get Ready
Once you have everything, start prepping for hand dishwashing. It’s key to consider exactly how many dishes you have so you can pace yourself. Also, check if any need soaking. Then, clear the sink and arrange all dishes by type on the counter (plates, glasses, utensils…), and you’re ready to wash!
Step 1: Fill the Sink
Start by filling the sink with warm water and adding dish soap. “If you have a double sink, leave one side empty for rinsing. Fill the soapy side with as many dishes as will fit, but only until they’re fully submerged,” the expert advises.
Step 2: Wash the Dishes
Next, grab your sponge, add a bit of dish soap, and scrub the dishes until they’re clean. If you wash dishes often, consider using washing gloves—but it’s totally fine to wear them every time you wash, too.
Step 3: Rinse the Dishes
If you have a double sink, rinse the dishes in the other side after washing. If not, rinse each dish individually under running water, then place them on the drying rack or dry them with a clean towel or kitchen cloth. Once everything’s clean, you’re done!
Extra Tips to Keep in Mind
The expert also warns against placing knives in the sink with other dishes to avoid accidentally cutting yourself. The safest bet is to wash knives last. Also, pick a sponge that feels comfortable for you—don’t just grab the first pack you see. Choosing the right one can make dishwashing much more pleasant.
All in all, hand washing dishes usually takes more time and can use more water than a dishwasher. But if handwashing is your only option, this method can make the task easier and free up more time for other chores or well-deserved rest.
