Dishwashing methods

[rebeccmeister]

Last night, while washing dishes, I got to thinking about dishwashing methods, particularly with respect to viciously dirty dishes. So I wonder--how do you, dear readers, deal with those particularly nasty pots 'n' pans? What is your overall dishwashing stratagem to begin with? I'll put my own answer in the comments section.

Comments

[popcultureicon.livejournal.com]

i ususally leave them to soak in soapy water for 2-3 hours (or until i remember they are there.
at that point it ususally just wipes right off.

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

My most recent dishwashing strategy is to wash the dish as soon as possible (within reason). It seems like most stuff only gets worse with age. Also, the hotter the water, the better for getting crap off. Occasionally, I will let some dishes pile up, and then wash them in a big batch. A while ago, I read an article about a woman known as flylady, who offers tips on how to manage housekeeping, and I found some of her messages pretty inspirational. I think her underlying message is: incorporate cleanup into your daily habits, and suddenly you will spend less time cleaning and more time doing fun stuff.

If stuff has been burned on, I have heard that the best strategy is to heat the pan with some water in it to loosen up the burned stuff, and then clean. Eh. The questions seemed more interesting initially, but actually I just wanted to talk about my opinions anyway. How self-centered.

[boolean263.livejournal.com]

Hey, it's your blog, you can be self-centred if you like. (:

I always rinse the dishes first, as best I can. If I have the time, I wash them right away. Failing that (or sometimes necessary anyway), I soak them in warm soapy water for a bit (not too long, or they cool down and the gunk cools back onto the dish).

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

You are totally right on all accounts. (;
I think that oatmeal highlights the importance of washing a dish while the food is still a bit warm--cold, congealed oatmeal can be one of the worst things to wash!

[boolean263.livejournal.com]

Seldom are truer words spoken! When I lived with Nana and Bill, I'd take it upon myself to earn my keep by doing dishes. Bill made oatmeal every morning, and it stuck HARD in the pots (and all over the stove, but that's another gripe). It's slimy and it can't be removed, except by halves. However much you get off at once, half of it is left.

[(Anonymous)]

#1 trick is to have a dish scraper (i.e., a dog :))

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

Good point! Cats just don't work the same way, do they? :)