Back away from the sponge.
If it ain’t broke…right?
But just because your grandmother did something one way, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s thebestway.
Credit: PaulMichaelHughes/Getty Images
Older generations can be skeptical of modern technology.
The water temperature recommended by theU.S.
Department of Agricultureto sanitize dishes is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too hot and dangerous for hands.
Your dishwasher can effectively clean at this temperature or higher.
Save Water and Money
There’s also the issue of water consumption.
Hand-washing can’t compete there either.
According to theNatural Resources Defense Council, washing dishes by hand can use up to 27 gallons per load.
Even older dishwashers only use 10 to 15 gallons!
And it adds up.
Anenergy-efficient dishwashercan save more than 8,000 gallons of water per year compared to hand-washing.
It alsocuts your energy bill.
Ditch the Sponge
We have to talk aboutkitchen sponges, A.K.A.
the single dirtiest item in your house.
A 2017study by Scientific Reportsfound that kitchens have more bacteria than toilets.
Sponges need to be sanitized, which many people do not do.
Trust the dishwasher and load it up.
Thats time to plan your next meal, take a walk, or get the kids to bed.
store your Hands
Washing dishes by hand can take a toll on your hands.
Gloves help protect your hands, but why not load up the dishwasher and give your hands a break?
The detergent actually works better when it has something to cling to.
Know When To Hand-Wash
There may be times when you really do need towash dishes by hand.
The paint, finish, and blades can fade and dull.
You may also need to wash by hand to get rid of tough stains.
A dishwasher cant remove stuck-on grime from burned food.
Getting rid of caked-on food may take some scrubbing on your part.
If you only have a small load, hand washing may be the best choice for cleaning dirty dishes.
Dont let dishes sit for more than a few days in the dishwasher.
Dirty dishes are a breeding ground for bacteria, and its best to wash them sooner rather than later.
verify to follow these tips for handwashing.
Fill your sink with enough warm water to cover your dishes, and add dish soap.
Leave sharp items like knives for last so you dont cut yourself.
Use aclean dishclothor silicone scrubber to wash each dish, and rinse with warm water.
A bottle brush and dish brush can be used for hard-to-reach places and stubborn spots.
Dry with a towel or air-dry on a drying rack.
