Quck answer
To sanitize old dirty dishes, follow these steps:
1. Pre-wash the dishes by removing excess food debris and soaking them in warm soapy water.
2. Use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or residue.
3. Rinse the dishes thoroughly with hot water to remove all soap and remaining dirt.
4. Fill a sink or basin with hot water and add a sanitizing solution, such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
5. Submerge the dishes in the sanitizing solution for at least one minute.
6. Remove the dishes from the solution and rinse them with hot water again.
7. Dry the dishes thoroughly before using or storing them to prevent the growth of bacteria.
By following these steps, you can effectively sanitize old dirty dishes and ensure they are safe to use.
When a pile of dirty dishes accumulates, it doesn’t take long for it to become a smelly and moldy mess. However, simply removing the visible dirt and grime from the dishes is not enough to ensure they are properly sanitized for safe use.
Ensuring food safety is crucial, as any bacteria, mold, or food allergens present on the dishes can end up in your body and cause various health issues, ranging from mild digestive problems to severe food poisoning. Therefore, it is important to know the best cleaning and sanitizing procedures for dishes to keep yourself and your family safe.
Understanding the Difference Between Cleaning and Sanitizing
Cleaning and sanitizing are two distinct processes with different objectives. Knowing the distinction between the two can help you effectively sanitize your dishes.
Cleaning involves removing particles such as food scraps, lipstick, mold, and general dirt and grime from the dishes. The most effective way to clean dishes is by using grease-dissolving soap and hot water. Hand washing dishes at a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended, if tolerable. However, if the water is too hot, protective dish washing gloves can be used.
Once the dishes appear clean, it is important to remember that invisible pathogens like bacteria and allergens may still be present. Attempting to sanitize dishes without cleaning them first would essentially mean sanitizing the food scraps rather than the dishes themselves. To properly sanitize dishes, two strategies exist: exposing them to high heat or using a chemical sanitizing solution.
Sanitizing Dishes with Hot Water
Sanitizing dishes using hot water can be done in a couple of ways. The most convenient method is to place the dishes in a dishwasher and use the “sanitize” option, which exposes the dishes to heat that kills bacteria. However, if a dishwasher is not available or does not have a sanitize option, the same procedure can be carried out in the kitchen sink or on the stove.
To sanitize dishes with hot water, you will need a floating thermometer, a timer, and heat-resistant dish washing gloves or rubber-tipped tongs to handle the hot dishes. The recommended minimum temperature for sanitizing dishes is 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this temperature is below the boiling point of water, the easiest way to achieve it is by heating water on the stove rather than relying on the tap.
If you have a large soup pot and small dishes, you can sanitize the dishes directly in the pot on the stove. Otherwise, carefully pour the hot water into a clean sink with a plugged drain to provide enough space for maneuvering. Use the thermometer to verify that the water temperature is at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit, and use the timer to ensure each dish remains in the water for a full 30 seconds.
Sanitizing Dishes with a Chemical Solution
If you prefer not to use near-boiling water, you can sanitize dishes by soaking them in a chemical solution. Create your own diluted solution by mixing 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of cool water, and soak the dishes in this solution for at least one minute. Use gloves or tongs to remove the dishes from the solution to protect your skin.
Alternatively, you have the option to purchase tablets specifically designed for sanitizing dishes. It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided, including the recommended water temperature and quantity for each tablet, as well as the suggested soaking time. To achieve optimal results, it is recommended to let the dishes air dry after the sanitizing process, regardless of whether you utilized a chlorine bleach solution or dish sanitizer tablets.
