If you want to wash dishes by hand quickly and efficiently, here are some tips to help you:
Sort and pre-clean: Sort your dishes into categories (plates, glasses, cutlery, etc.) and remove any leftover food or debris. Pre-rinsing or soaking heavily soiled dishes can make the washing process easier.
Use two sinks or basins: If available, use two sinks or basins—one for washing and one for rinsing. Fill the washing sink with warm, soapy water and the rinsing sink with clean, warm water.
Organize your workspace: Clear off any clutter around the sink area and make sure you have all the necessary cleaning tools such as a sponge, dishcloth, scrub brush, and dish soap within reach.
Start with glasses and delicate items: Wash fragile items first, as they require gentle handling. Dip them in the soapy water, wash them carefully, and rinse them thoroughly.
Clean dishes in batches: Wash dishes in batches according to their category. Start with the least dirty items and progress to the dirtier ones, such as plates and utensils. This prevents cross-contamination and makes the process more efficient.
Scrub and rinse: Use a sponge or dishcloth to scrub the dishes thoroughly, paying attention to any stuck-on food. Rinse each item in the clean water basin after washing to remove soap residue.
Stack and drain: As you finish washing each batch of dishes, stack them in a dish rack to air dry. This prevents water from pooling and speeds up the drying process.
Optimize water usage: Try to conserve water by not letting the tap run unnecessarily. Fill one sink with soapy water and the other with clean water. If you don't have two sinks, use a plastic basin or large bowl for rinsing instead.
Teamwork: If you have others available to help, assign different tasks to speed up the process. One person can wash while the other rinses and stacks.
Maintain cleanliness: After finishing the dishes, clean and rinse the sink thoroughly, wipe down the countertop, and put away any cleaning tools or supplies. This way, your kitchen will stay clean and tidy.
By following these tips, you should be able to wash dishes by hand quickly and effectively.