7 Steps in Washing Dishes Manually or With a Dishwasher—Which is Better?

Washing dishes is something we all do, but are you sure you're doing it the most efficient way? Struggling with stuck-on food, spending too much time at the sink, or unsure if your dishwasher is actually saving water? You're not alone!

Many wonder whether handwashing or using a dishwasher is the better choice. Handwashing gives you control, but dishwashers offer convenience. Which one cleans better, saves time, and conserves water?

In this guide, we’ll break down both methods, step by step, so you can confidently choose the best way to keep your dishes sparkling clean!

TL;DR: Washing Dishes by Hand vs. Dishwasher

Short on time? Here's a quick rundown:

• Handwashing gives you more control and is great for delicate items, but it takes more effort and uses more water.
• Dishwashers save time, use less water, and kill more germs with high heat, but they need proper loading for best results.

7 Essential Steps to Hand Wash Dishes

Handwashing is simple, but doing it properly ensures your dishes are spotless and hygienic. Follow these steps:

1. Scrape Off Food Residue

Before you start washing, remove leftover food scraps and grease using a spoon, rubber spatula, or napkin. This prevents food particles from floating in your wash water and makes cleaning easier.

Dispose of excess food in a trash can or garbage disposal to prevent clogging your sink drain. Use a drain strainer to catch small food bits.

2. Pre-Soak Stubborn Stains and Greasy Dishes

If you have burnt-on food or greasy dishes, soak them in warm water with a few drops of dish soap for 5–10 minutes. This helps loosen grime, making it easier to scrub away later.

For extra tough stains, sprinkle baking soda onto the surface before scrubbing. If dealing with baking pans, allow them to soak longer to remove stuck-on residue.

3. Prepare the Wash Basin or Sink

Fill sink or a large dishpan filled with warm soapy water. If using a double sink, use one side for washing and the other as a rinsing sink.

For the best results, make sure heavily soiled items are fully submerged. Add dish soap to the water before beginning to wash. You can use hot or cold water, but warm water is generally best for breaking down grease and grime.

Choosing the right dish soap is important for effective cleaning. Not all dishwashing liquids work the same—some are better at cutting grease, while others are gentler on hands. Discover the best dishwashing liquids for different needs.

4. Wash in the Correct Order

Start with the cleanest items first—like glasses, cups, and utensils—so the water stays clean for as long as possible. Then, move on to plates and bowls. Lastly, wash cookware, baking sheets, and heavily soiled items like pots and pans.

Be gentle with delicate items and avoid using steel wool on non-stick surfaces. Wash cookware like cast iron skillets separately to maintain their seasoning.

5. Rinse Thoroughly with Hot Water

Once you've scrubbed off all the dirt and grease, rinse each dish under running hot or lukewarm water or in a second sink of clean water. This removes all soap residue, which can leave an unpleasant taste on dishes.

Make sure to rinse inside cups and other items with crevices. Keep in mind that cold water alone does not kill bacteria effectively.

6. Sanitise (Optional but Recommended)

To remove more bacteria, soak dishes in a mixture of hot water and a small amount of white vinegar or a sanitising solution for a minute before rinsing again. This step is especially useful for cutting boards and anything that touches raw poultry.

7. Air Dry or Use a Clean Towel

Let your dishes air dry on a dish drainer or drying rack to prevent bacteria growth. If you prefer towel drying, use a clean towel to avoid spreading germs. Replace sponges and dish cloths regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. Dry pots and dishes thoroughly to prevent rust.

7 Simple Steps to Wash Dishes Using a Dishwasher

Using a dishwasher is easy, but following the steps below ensures your dishes come out sparkling clean.

Important Note: Ensure items are dishwasher safe before placing them inside.

1. Scrape Off Food Residue

Before loading, remove large food scraps and grease from your dishes. This prevents the dishwasher filter from clogging and helps dishes get cleaner. A paper towel or rubber spatula can help with stubborn bits.

2. Pre-Soak or Pre-Rinse Stubborn Items

If you have dishes with food stuck, give them a quick rinse or soak before loading. Some dishwashers can handle stuck-on food, but others may require lightly soiled items to be pre-rinsed.

3. Load the Dishwasher Correctly

• Place plates and bowls on the bottom rack, facing inward, for the best water flow.
• Cups, glasses, and plastic items go on the top rack to prevent damage. Some plastic items have air-cushioned insides, which can trap water, so they should be placed upside down.
• Utensils should be placed in the cutlery basket, with handles facing down for better cleaning. However, sharp knives should be loaded handle-up for safety.
• Avoid overloading to ensure water can reach every dish.

4. Add the Right Detergent and Rinse Aid

Use a high-quality dish detergent suitable for your water type (hard or soft). Adding rinse aid helps prevent water spots and improves drying performance. Always check the manufacturer's instructions to determine the correct amount of detergent to use.

Many people wonder if they can use regular dishwashing liquid in a dishwasher. However, using dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent can create excess suds and cause leaks. Find out why you should never use dishwashing liquid in a dishwasher here.

5. Select the Appropriate Wash Cycle

Choose the best setting based on how dirty your dishes are:

• Light wash for lightly soiled items
• Normal wash for everyday cleaning
• Heavy wash or pots and pans for greasy or heavily soiled dishes
• Eco-friendly cycles conserve water and energy but may take longer

Note that dishwasher settings vary depending on the model.

6. Allow the Dishwasher to Complete the Full Cycle

Dishwashers reach temperatures hot enough to kill bacteria. Let the dishwasher complete all stages—washing, rinsing, and drying—to ensure the best results. Avoid stopping the cycle early to prevent bacteria or other pests from growing on damp dishes.

7. Unload Properly and Store Clean Dishes

Start by unloading the bottom rack first to prevent water from dripping onto dry dishes on top.

Check for any leftover water on concave items like cups and bowls, and dry them with a clean towel before storing them. If suds disappear but dishes remain damp, use a clean dish cloth to finish drying.

Manual vs. Dishwasher – Which is Better?

Each method has pros and cons. Let’s compare:

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

The best dishwashing method depends on your needs. If you have a full dishwasher load, it's the most efficient way to clean. If you only have a few dishes, handwashing is quicker.

Either way, following the right steps ensures clean, sparkling dishes every time! Commercial kitchens often require stronger cleaning solutions. Check out StellarChem for powerful detergents and commercial cleaning products!

FAQs

What is the correct order of washing dishes?

Always start with lightly soiled items like glasses and cups, followed by plates and bowls, and then finish with heavily soiled cookware.

Is washing dishes by hand more hygienic than using a dishwasher?

Dishwashers kill bacteria more effectively due to high temperatures, while handwashing depends on proper technique and hot water.

Does a dishwasher use more water than handwashing?

No, dishwashers use less water compared to running a tap for handwashing.

Is air-drying or towel-drying dishes better?

Air drying is more hygienic, as towels can harbour bacteria. Use a drying rack for best results. Hand drying is an option if needed.