If you have dishes that haven't been washed in the dishwasher and need to be cleaned by hand, follow these steps to ensure they are properly cleaned:
Pre-rinse: Start by pre-rinsing the dishes under warm running water. Use a sponge or soft brush to remove any visible food particles and debris.
Soak in soapy water: Fill your sink or a large basin with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Submerge the pre-rinsed dishes in the soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen any remaining food residues and make the cleaning process easier.
Scrubbing: Take one dish at a time and use a dish brush, sponge, or dishcloth to scrub the surfaces, edges, and corners of the dishes. Pay extra attention to any stubborn stains or stuck-on food.
Rinse thoroughly: After scrubbing each dish, rinse it under warm running water to remove soap and loosened debris.
Sanitize (optional): If you want to ensure the dishes are fully sanitized, you can use a separate basin with warm water and add a sanitizing solution made of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Submerge the rinsed dishes in the solution for about one minute, then rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
Dry: Place the cleaned dishes on a dish rack or a clean towel to air dry. If you prefer, you can use a lint-free dish towel to dry them manually.
Check for any missed spots: Before storing the dishes, inspect them to make sure you haven't missed any areas that still need cleaning.
Clean utensils and glassware: For utensils and glassware, use a bottle brush or a brush with narrow bristles to clean hard-to-reach places like the insides of glasses or the tines of forks.
Remember to always use appropriate cleaning tools and avoid abrasive materials that may scratch the surface of your dishes. Proper handwashing is an effective way to clean dishes thoroughly when a dishwasher is not available or when you have items that are not dishwasher-safe.