Tips on How to Safely Clean your Dishes for Kids

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Dishwashing is a tedious process that can be quite challenging. Not all homeowners are lucky enough to use dishwashers in their homes, so many people have to do dishwashing by hand. Moreover, if you have kids, dishwashing is a process that you need to take more seriously.

Carelessness and lack of thorough cleaning can lead to diseases. It is common knowledge that toddlers are vulnerable to bacterial infections and other related diseases. Cleaning your dishes the right way is one of the most definitive ways of ensuring that your home is hygienic. Your kids also learn cleaning tips from you, so you need to develop the right culture, starting from the kitchen. Here are hacks to clean your dishes for kids.

Buy Enough Dishpans
Dishpans are cheap and change how you wash your dishes. They not only save time but also help you clean thoroughly. Put dirty dishes in one dishpan as they accumulate. Putting them in the sink is not a good option because unloading the sink is tiresome and leads to the accumulation of dirt.

A dishpan will help save water and detergents. You can, as well, use the dishpan to rinse dishes and add disinfectants. You also avoid scratches and chips that damage utensils by doing so.

Scrape off Residue
Sometimes you feel tired, so you may not be in a good position to clean your dishes after a meal. Instead of placing utensils in the dishpan directly, scrape off all food residue and put it in the garbage can. To prevent scratching, use a rubber spatula. Leaving food in the dishes leads to the accumulation of bacteria and harmful residue.

Use the Right Detergents
Why work hard when you can clean easily? Using dishwasher detergents makes cleaning easier. Use one with a high level of surfactants. These alkyl ether sulfates lift food from dish surfaces. They suspend food in the dishwasher just like alcohols break down grease.
Always buy antibacterial soaps with a high concentration of lactic acid. The detergent will help get rid of bacteria and get the job done within a short time. Soaps containing lauramine oxide have a strong grease-cutting power.

Sanitizing Rinse
Dip your dishes in a sanitizing rinse because it mimics the exact process utensils go through in a dishwasher. This process will give you peace of mind that your utensils are clean and ready for use even if you skip the scrubbing process.

After washing the dishes, dip them in a gallon of water with one tablespoon or a teaspoon of bleach. The solution can also be used to clean your sink and dish sponge in a jiff.

Take your Time, Let Dishes Soak
You might be tempted to start scrubbing food immediately after soaking dishes. You might do this to save time, but it is not advisable if you want to clean your utensils properly. Let your dishes soak in warm water first.

Soaking them for a few minutes goes a long way in making cleaning easier. It helps loosen food particles saves you from sponge-induced fatigue. What do you do with pots with several burn marks? Well, soak them salty cold water overnight. Afterward, boil that water to get rid of grime.

As You Wait, Get a Serious Sponge
Check online reviews to ensure that you buy a sponge that will not cause scratching to your dishes. You do not want your utensils to look old within a few months. Look for a sponge covered in plastic netting. The sponge will help you remove all dirt easily. Remove dirt from all hidden parts of your dishes.

Unstick Starches and Dairy with Cold Water
Most people do not know how to clean starches left on dishes. Rinsing butter or ice cream off a dish with hot water causes it to gum up. The trick is quite the opposite. Use cold water and clean your dishes like a boss. Afterward, you may continue washing your dishes with warm water to remove the remaining dirt.

Baking Soda should be Your Best Friend
Baking soda is excellent when it comes to dissolving grease. Coat a sticky pan with one teaspoon of baking soda. Ensure that the bottom is covered with water. Heat them for a few minutes. You may start scrubbing the stubborn gunk in mere seconds.

Not everything is meant for Dishwashers
You cannot use your dishwasher to clean everything. Dishwashers are luxury kitchen equipment that makes cleaning dishes easier and faster. However, even the best dishwashers should not be a catchall for all dinnerware and other tools. You will have to wash some serving ware, pans, and pots by hand.

Know your limits to ensure that you do the cleaning thoroughly. Dirt may hide in places where a machine cannot clean easily. You are in the best position to remove it by hand.

Always Keep the Sink Clear, also Store the Sponge Properly
This is one of the most overlooked practices when it comes to proper dishwashing. Store cleaning sponges in your dishwasher. Doing this secures a constantly clean sponge. Keep them away from dirt by clearing the sink as well. It is a win-win situation.

Use a Good Sponge
You may wonder what we mean by a good sponge. Read on to understand.

You may grab a cheap sponge online and call it a good day, but it takes more to buy a sponge that will do the cleaning accurately. Do you know that sponges are the primary sources of bacteria and germs in your home? This means that you must buy something substantial.
Most people do not know that slow-drying sponges attract more bacteria than others. When shopping, go for fast-drying sponges that will accumulate fewer bacteria. Also, buy a sponge holder because it will make your dishes cleaner.

Avoid Procrastination
Laziness is a common problem. Sometimes you want to relax and do nothing, meaning that your dirty dishes will accumulate. Some will dry out if you do not soak them while food leftovers may grow mold and bacteria. Such dirt becomes difficult to clean. Learn to wash dishes after each meal. It is a worthy sacrifice.

With these tips, you will be able to wash your dishes easily and also verify that they are thoroughly clean. Stay hygienic and protect your children from diseases caused by germs. Follow the above tips all the time and clean your dishes like a professional.

Resources- Huffpost, CleaningInstitute, Thespruce