GUIDE: Did you know there's a proper order for washing your dishes? Here's how to do it
If you’ve ever stood in front of a sink full of dishes and simply started washing whatever was within reach, there's actually a better way to do it.
A Threads post is going viral after a user shared a “reminder” that there’s actually a proper order for washing dishes. While some were surprised to learn that dishwashing has a recommended sequence, others were left rethinking their usual routines.
PhilSTAR L!fe reached out to home economics experts to find out whether following a specific order can make dishwashing more efficient and to get their tips on making it easier.
Proper order
According to Jobelle Medina, a lecturer at UP Diliman's Department of Home Economics Education, the first thing you should do is arrange the dishes that need to be washed. "Ideally, place the dishes on either the right or left side of the sink where there's adequate space according to the practical order," which includes:
- cups and glasses
- utensils
- plates and bowls
- serving and cooking utensils
- pots and pans
Frechie Nieva, an Assistant Professor who is also teaching Home Economics courses at UPD, said that the basic rule is straightforward: "Start with the items that are the least dirty or greasy, and work your way toward the dirtiest ones."
Nieva told L!fe that it's best to start with glasses and cups since they don't get heavily soiled. She also reminded people not to make the common mistake of washing coffee and tea saucers together with plates. "Since saucers are typically less soiled, they should be washed separately," she stressed.
Medina added that washing cups and glasses first "prevents greasy water from leaving a film on the glassware, which can make the surface dull over time."
"Utensils are washed next since they don't carry as much grease as plates, serving dishes, and cookware," she continued.
Per Nieva, it's good to soak the utensils in one of the mugs with a small amount of dishwashing soap first to help loosen any stuck-on food or residue.
Both experts suggested washing the plates and bowls next, followed by serving and cooking utensils.
Finally, leave pots and pans for last. "Pots and pans should come last since you may have to soak them to remove significant grease buildup and heavy burns," said Nieva.
How to make washing dishes easier
Aside from knowing the right order for washing the dishes, Medina and Nieva shared other tricks you can do to make this everyday chore feel less tedious.
Medina recommended giving the dishes an initial rinse before scrubbing. "This is so you can easily remove and scrape off leftover food first. Using warm water is also ideal especially for those oily surfaces. Dishes with stuck-on or burnt food can be pre-soaked as well," she explained.
Nieva also has a suggested system for keeping the sink and countertop from getting too cluttered. "I put all the glasses and mugs on one side,” she said. “We have a basin to put the soiled dishes in after removing the scraps. There is a small container for scraps in the sink.”
After washing, place the dishes on a clean dish rack and air-dry. "You can also towel-dry them after allowing a few minutes to drip excess water," per Medina. "Use a clean and dry dish towel and avoid using a hand towel or cloth for wiping counters."
And when the dishes are finally done, there's still a little cleaning left to do. "After the sink has been cleared, wash, rinse, and dry the sink. Clean the sponge or scrubber used and let them dry. Wipe and dry down the surrounding counter and stovetops," she said.
For Nieva, dishwashing doesn’t have to feel like such a hassle.
"There is joy and happiness in dishwashing—a certain satisfaction in being able to clean the most important items in your house to be used again for the next meal," she told L!fe. "You can always put lotion on your hands at the end of the day to keep them soft and supple."