Dishing The Dirt or Vice Versa?

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

10 Dec 2006 09:51 AM

Washing dishes is a very specific art form and different from washing other household things like children and pets. There is usually no greasy build up with the latter, but there is often plenty on those dishes we eat most of our meals upon every single day of our lives. Here are some tips to consider when washing them, but wait until after you have eaten first.

Washing Dishes If you are washing your dishes by hand and notice that there is a greasy build up, simply toss one-half cup of baking soda into the dishwater along with the dishes. This should cut the grease considerably. Vinegar also works well in this capacity and by adding some to your dishwashing water you will get a mild grease cutter and a disinfectant as well. A good rule of thumb for preserving the dish washer liquid is to start with the cleanest dishes first and work your way back to the dirtier ones. Otherwise, you may have to change the water often. If your children help you do the dishes, better use that set of china you are least fond of and then proceed at your own risk. This means you.

Dish Washing Soap Collect all your bath soap slivers and explain to them that they are going on to a new, different and better place. Recycle them by grating them into a container. (Make sure you label it; otherwise someone may think its some exotic cheese and I can't be responsible.) Add 1 or 2 tablespoons baking soda and boiling water to the grated slivers. Place the mixture into an empty soap dish bottle and now you have your own homemade dish detergent.

More tips to follow tomorrow. Do YOU have any to share? Please do.

Related Reading:

Some More "Hot" Oven Cleaning Tips"

"Some Unexpected Household Hints"

http://forums.families.com/kitchen-baths-amp-bedrooms,f392

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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