The Benefits of Hand Washing Your Dishes
1. Extra Control and Precision
Hand washing lets you thoroughly inspect each dish, allowing you to target stubborn food residues and stains. For example, if you've cooked a dish with cheese that has melted and adhered to the plate, you can use a scrubber or a gentle abrasive to remove it effectively the first time. It also helps to pre-soak the dishes in warm water and dish soap. This loosens the dried food particles, making them easier to scrub off.
2. Protect Delicate Items
Hand washing is ideal for delicate items like wine glasses and wooden utensils that might not be dishwasher-safe. A gentle touch and careful attention can prevent damage to these items.
3. Combat Greasy Cooking Utensils
Certain items like a frying pan with a lot of oil residue, might benefit from hand washing. You can apply more pressure and use specialized degreasers to remove the oil effectively without the worry of ruining the finish.
The Benefits of Using a Dishwasher
1. Efficient for Large Loads
Dishwashers are more efficient when you have many dishes to clean, like after hosting a dinner party. For daily use, when you have a moderate number of dishes, a dishwasher can be helpful in terms of water and energy consumption, especially if you only run full loads. Loading the dishwasher and letting it run allows you to spend time on other tasks like cleaning the kitchen.
2. Eliminate Germs and Bacteria
Dishwashers often come with sanitizing cycles that utilize hot water to eliminate bacteria and germs. This is especially important for items that come into direct contact with raw meat.
3. Tackle Dried-On Food
Many dishwashers come equipped with features designed to handle dried-on food. These utilize high-pressure jets and steam cycles, to tackle even the toughest residues. Just make sure you don’t overload the dishwasher and leave enough room between the dishes for the water to make full contact or you run the risk of having to re-wash certain items.
Other Factors to Consider When Deciding Between a Dishwasher vs Hand Washing
Frequency of Use
If you have a busy lifestyle and frequently need to clean many dishes, a dishwasher is more convenient.
Types of Dishes
If you have delicate or non-dishwasher-safe items that require special care, hand washing is the better choice.
Time and Convenience
Consider how much time you're willing to invest in washing dishes. Hand washing can be more time-consuming, while dishwashers let you multitask while it’s running.
Space and Budget
Consider the space available in your kitchen and the initial cost for a dishwasher. You'll also want to factor in any future maintenance costs. To avoid high repair bills, consider purchasing an extended warranty when selecting a dishwasher.