Cleaning dishes that have been sitting for months can be challenging, as the food residues may have dried and hardened. However, with some effort and the right approach, you can still clean them effectively. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
Pre-rinse: Start by giving the dishes a thorough pre-rinse with warm water. This helps to remove loose debris and soften any dried-on food.
Soak in hot, soapy water: Fill a sink or basin with hot water and add a generous amount of dish soap. Submerge the dishes in the soapy water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes or longer, depending on the level of dirt and grime.
Scrub with a sponge or brush: After soaking, use a sponge or brush to scrub the dishes. Pay extra attention to areas with hardened residue. If necessary, you can apply a bit of baking soda or a paste made from baking soda and water to help loosen stubborn stains.
Rinse thoroughly: Once you have scrubbed the dishes, rinse them thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
Sanitize (optional): If you want to ensure complete cleanliness, especially if the dishes have been sitting for a long time, you can sanitize them. You can either use a dishwasher with a sanitize setting or immerse the dishes in boiling water for a few minutes. Be cautious with delicate dishes, as sudden temperature changes can cause them to break.
Dry completely: After cleaning, allow the dishes to air dry completely or use a clean towel to dry them manually.
Additional tips:
- For particularly stubborn stains, you can create a paste using a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stains, let it sit for a while, and then scrub with a sponge or brush.
- If there are any lingering odors, you can soak the dishes in a mixture of vinegar and water before washing them.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool on delicate or non-stick surfaces, as they can cause damage.
Remember, safety is important when dealing with dishes that have been sitting for months. Inspect them carefully for signs of mold, pests, or any other potential health hazards before attempting to clean them. In some cases, it may be best to discard heavily contaminated dishes for hygiene reasons.