Washing dishes that have come into contact with mechanical oil can be challenging, but it is possible to make them safe to use again if proper cleaning procedures are followed. However, it's crucial to handle such dishes with care to prevent any potential health risks. Mechanical oil can contain harmful substances, so taking appropriate precautions is essential.
Here's a step-by-step guide to safely clean dishes that have been in contact with mechanical oil:
Personal protection: Before handling the dishes, use disposable gloves to protect your skin from any residual oil or contaminants.
Remove excess oil: If there is a significant amount of oil on the dishes, wipe it off with paper towels or rags. Dispose of the paper towels or rags properly in sealed containers to avoid spreading the oil.
Pre-rinse: Rinse the dishes under hot running water to remove as much oil as possible.
Degreasing agent: Use a degreasing dish soap or a mixture of hot water and dish soap to create a soapy solution. Soak the dishes in this solution for a while to break down and remove the remaining oil.
Scrubbing: Use a sponge or dishcloth to scrub the dishes thoroughly, paying extra attention to any oily residues.
Hot water rinse: Rinse the dishes under hot running water to remove the soap and oil residues.
Sanitization: After degreasing and scrubbing, it's essential to sanitize the dishes to eliminate any potential bacteria or contaminants. You can do this by soaking the dishes in a sanitizing solution of water and bleach (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) for at least one minute. Alternatively, you can use a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle if the dishes are dishwasher safe.
Final rinse: Rinse the dishes once again under hot running water to remove any remaining sanitizer.
Air drying: Allow the dishes to air dry completely before using them again.
Please note that the effectiveness of these cleaning steps may depend on the type of mechanical oil and the material of the dishes. For porous materials like wood or certain plastics, it may be difficult to fully remove the oil, and the dishes may need to be replaced.
If you are uncertain about the safety of the dishes after cleaning them, it's better to err on the side of caution and replace them to avoid any potential health risks.