Let’s face it, washing the dirty dishes is usually the last thing you want to do after you’ve got a full belly from a tasty meal, but it’s a task that needs to be done. Using a dishwasher can be a great way to save time and energy when washing the dishes, though some items (like delicate crystal, cutlery or crockery with gold trim, or wooden chopping boards) should always be washed by hand.
Here are some helpful cleaning tips to keep your kitchenware looking shiny and new!
Find a commercial washing up liquid that is kind to your hands, as well as designed to fight tough grease. You can choose your preferred fragrance, plus the properties you desire such as nourishing or antibacterial. Just make sure you read the directions on the label before you begin.
Organise Your House and Find the Right Cleaning Products
Do you have a cupboard full of half empty kitchen soaps and detergents that you’ve tried but haven’t really liked? Time to get rid of them! Do a good sweep of your kitchen and declutter your home of anything that doesn’t do its job – disposing of the unwanted products properly and recycling the containers if possible.
It’s so important to take a bit of time choosing the right detergent for your dishes, but there are plenty of options in the shops. The best tip is to look for a washing up detergent that is both effective on kitchenware but gentle on the skin. Look for one that specifies grease removal properties that will lift oily residue right off your plates, as well as something with citrus or nut oils that will keep your hands soft and moisturised.
Simple Ways to Make Your Kitchenware Sparkle
As well as using a good detergent when doing the washing up, there are a few other handy tips that will keep dishes, glassware, and cutlery looking as good as new. Best of all, these tips are simple, and use products that most people already have lying around the house.
Use hot water! If your tap doesn’t heat water very well, use a kettle to bring water to a high, but not scalding, temperature. Hot water is much better for the washing up than lukewarm or tepid water for a number of reasons. Hot water cuts through greasy marks quicker and easier than cooler water, and the heat also helps to kill any germs – perfect if you’ve been cutting raw meat or fish.
For tough stains on cookware, sprinkle the area with a little baking soda and water about 30 minutes before doing the washing up. This should make the stains much easier to tackle when you start washing the dishes.
When washing glassware, detergent residue could cause white marks and cloudiness. To make sure all detergent is removed after washing, rinse first with vinegar and then with water.
If your mugs have tea and coffee stains around the rim, cut a lemon in half and wipe over the stains before washing up as normal. This natural cleaning power of the citric acid should remove the stains easily.
Use hot water – it is better for cutting through greasy marks.
For tough stains on cookware, sprinkle with baking soda and water and leave for 30 minutes before washing up.
Pre treat tea and coffee stains on mugs before washing up by wiping with lemon juice.
Wash your dishcloths regularly to keep your washing up tools clean and hygienic.