Washing up ~ more than meets the eye

You will need to wash these items by hand. 

1.  Non-Dishwasher Safe Materials: Always check the manufacturer's instructions. Items made of wood, bronze, cast iron, copper, aluminium, crystal, delicate china, and some plastics may not be dishwasher safe. 
2.  Sharp Knives: High-quality knives can become dull in the dishwasher due to the high water pressure, heat, and detergents. Hand wash them to prolong their lifespan. 
3.  Nonstick Cookware: Dishwashers can damage the nonstick coating on pots and pans, reducing their effectiveness. Hand washing is recommended. 
4.  Glasses with Metallic Accents: Some glasses have metallic decorations that can fade or become damaged in the dishwasher. 
5.  Flatware with Wooden or Bone Handles: The heat and moisture in dishwashers can cause wooden or bone handles to crack or warp. 
6.  Plastic Containers Not Labelled "Dishwasher Safe": Check for the dishwasher-safe label on plastic containers. Some plastics can melt or deform in high-temperature dishwasher cycles. 
7.  Electrical Appliances: Never put electrical appliances like blenders, toasters, or coffee makers in the dishwasher. They can be damaged, and the electrical components can be compromised. 
8.  Delicate China and Hand-Painted Dishes: Hand-painted or delicate china can lose their designs or chip in the dishwasher. These should be hand washed. 
9.  Cast Iron Cookware: Dishwashers can strip the seasoning from cast iron, leading to rust. Cast iron should be hand washed and properly seasoned. 
10.  Items with Adhesives or Glued Parts: Items with glued components, like some types of food storage containers, may come apart in the dishwasher. 
11.  Aluminium Cookware: Aluminium can react with the dishwasher's detergent, causing discoloration and damage over time. 
12. Wooden Cutting Boards: Frequent dishwasher use can cause wooden cutting boards to crack or split. Hand wash and periodically treat with mineral oil to maintain them. 

Always refer to the manufacturer's care instructions for specific items, and when in doubt, opt for hand washing to prolong the life of your kitchenware and prevent damage.  

Handwashing dishes is a fundamental skill that everyone should master.

Materials You'll Need:

1. Dish Soap: Choose a high-quality, eco-friendly dish soap for the best results. The magazine Choice recommends 'Coles Ultra Advanced Power Soak Lime'.
2. Warm Water: You'll need both warm water for washing and cold water for rinsing.
3. Dish Rack or Towel: To place washed dishes for drying.
4. Sponge or Dish Brush: For scrubbing and cleaning.
5. Dishcloth or Towel: For drying and wiping surfaces.
6. Gloves (optional): If you have sensitive skin or dislike getting your hands wet.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Scrape Off Excess Food:

• Before you begin, scrape off any leftover food scraps into the trash. This helps prevent your dishwater from becoming too dirty too quickly.

2. Set Up Your Washing Station:

• Plug the sink or fill a large basin with warm water.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the water and agitate it to create suds.

3. Organise Your Dishes:

• Group similar items together, such as plates, glasses, and utensils, for efficient washing.
• Start with the least dirty items (e.g., glasses and utensils) and save greasy or heavily soiled dishes for last.

4. Wash the Dishes:

• Begin with the glasses and utensils. Dip them in the soapy water, scrub them with a sponge or dish brush, paying attention to crevices and edges, and rinse them with clean, warm water.
• Move on to plates, bowls, and larger items, following the same process.
• For stubborn stains or dried-on food, let the dish soak in soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• Be sure to wash both the inside and outside of dishes.

5. Wash Cookware and Utensils:

• For pots, pans, and utensils with burnt-on residue, consider using a specialized scrubber or steel wool.
• Avoid using abrasive materials on non-stick cookware to prevent damage.

6. Rinse Thoroughly:

• Rinse each dish under cold running water to remove any soap residue. Make sure there are no visible suds left.

7. Dry and Store:

• Place washed dishes in a dish rack or on a clean towel to air dry.
• Use a dishcloth or towel to dry any remaining water spots or streaks.
• Store dishes in their designated places once completely dry.

8. Clean Your Washing Tools:

• Rinse the sponge or dish brush thoroughly and let it air dry.
• Empty and clean the sink or basin to prevent buildup of food particles.

9. Final Touches:

• Wipe down countertops and the sink area with a clean cloth to maintain cleanliness.
• Dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost.

Conclusion:

Handwashing dishes can be a mindful and satisfying chore when done efficiently. By following these steps, you'll not only ensure that your dishes are clean but also maintain a tidy kitchen. Plus, you'll save energy and water compared to using a dishwasher.

Using a dishwasher is otherwise typically straightforward. Here are the general steps: 

1. Preparation: 

•  Scrape off excess food from dishes. 
•  Check that items labelled as dishwasher-safe. 
•  Many batters set like concrete if left to dry. 

2. Load the dishwasher: 

•  Place larger items like pots and pans on the sides and back. 
•  Put plates, glasses, and smaller items in the racks. 
•   Avoid overcrowding to allow water and detergent to circulate. 
•   Do not allow items to foul the opening of the detergent dispenser when door is closed. 

3. Add detergent: 

•  Fill the detergent dispenser according to the manufacturer's instructions. 
•  The best detergent and value for money is the Aldi's Logix Platinum 18 in 1 Dishwashing Tablets Lemon.  

4. Choose a wash cycle: 

• Most dishwashers have multiple cycle options (normal, heavy, quick, etc.). Select the appropriate one for your load. 

5. Start the dishwasher: 

• Close the door securely. 
•  Press the power button and then the start button. 

6. Unload the dishwasher: 

•  Wait for the cycle to finish. 
•  Carefully open the door to let out steam 
•  Start by unloading the bottom rack, then the top. 

7. Maintenance: 

• Regularly clean the dishwasher's filter and spray arms. 
• Wipe down the interior and door seals. 
• Check and refill rinse aid as needed. 

Always refer to your dishwasher's manual for specific instructions, as features can vary between models. 

Bibliography. 

1. Whirlpool Corporation. "Dishwasher User Instructions." (https://www.whirlpool.com/). 
2. Maytag. "Dishwasher Use & Care Guide." (https://www.maytag.com/). 
3. GE Appliances. "Dishwasher Owner's Manual." (https://www.geappliances.com/). 
4. Choice Magazine. "Best and worst detergents" (https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/kitchen/dishwasher-detergent/articles/best-and-worst-dishwasher-detergents). 

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