When handwashing dishes in a tub or sink of soapy water, it is generally recommended to wash pots and pans last for several reasons:
Grease and residue: Pots and pans often have more grease and food residue compared to other dishes like plates, glasses, and utensils. Washing pots and pans last helps prevent transferring excess grease and food particles to other items, keeping the soapy water cleaner for the rest of the washing process.
Soapy water effectiveness: As you wash dishes, the soapy water accumulates dirt, grease, and food particles from the items you clean. By saving pots and pans for last, you minimize the contamination of the soapy water until the very end, allowing it to stay more effective for cleaning the tougher and dirtier cookware.
Delicate items first: It's common to start with the more delicate items like glasses and plates to avoid accidental breakage or damage during the washing process. Pots and pans are usually sturdier, and washing them last reduces the risk of bumping or knocking fragile dishes in the sink.
Space and organization: Pots and pans can take up more space in the sink, and washing them last ensures that the smaller items are already clean and can be removed from the sink to make it easier to handle larger cookware.
Priority of use: In many households and restaurants, pots and pans are often used for cooking the main dishes or items that require the most attention. By washing them last, you can clean the items that were used for serving or eating before tackling the cooking utensils.
By following the practice of washing pots and pans last, you can maintain better cleanliness and efficiency during the dishwashing process, making sure that each item is thoroughly cleaned without compromising the cleanliness of other dishes.